12/12/18 - Kidderminster's Beer Emporium

The annual Christmas walk along the canal to check out the quality of Kidderminster's Good Beer Guide Pubs.   The old familiars on the list are joined by a pub micro, that has often been walked past but never when open.   Don't try this on a Monday.  Or a Tuesday.

Before we get there, I can confirm that both Weavers and Ye Olde Seven Stars are still quality establishments.  Both offering a surprise today - I've not seen Bathams in Weavers before and never seen Bass anywhere in Worcestershire.   I commented this to the barman at the Stars and he said its now a regular "as it's very popular".   Both beers in tip top condition.

GBG Tick 350 - Beer Emporium, Oxford Street, Oakham Jester

Beer Emporium AND Cider House, to correctly address it

I've been to a handful of micros before and never quite got the point.   Until tonight.

I would type that it was a mistake to not take advantage of the many bottled world beers on display on the shelves.   I'm having a bit of a Belgian moment, having sampled Leffe Noel in France a couple of weeks ago and I am sure I could have found another gem here. 

However, the gravity fed Oakham Jester was in that good condition that it could never been a mistake.   Somehow, the owner managed to get life into it, a trick that was beyond the Merchants Inn in Rugby on Sunday.

Oakham Jester in grand condition

The in picture folk were demonstrating a new way of drinking.   The host was bringing them single bottles and four glasses and they were working their way through the menu.   This sounds a cracking plan - especially overhearing their comments on the double chocolate stout they had currently selecting.

Another worthy tick for Kidderminster.