Wish you were beer

Unbeknown to most, a silent war has been raging.  It involves two breweries - Brew Dog in Aberdeen, and 't Koelschip in Holland.  First Brew Dog launched a 55% beer, in some of the most environmentally unfriendly packaging you're likely to see.  Soon after 't Koelschip hit back with Start the Future at a staggering 60%.  What on earth would that taste like?

Luckily Dan and Fiona have some Dutch friends who were able to secure a bottle and sneak it through US Customs (who still think Prohibition is in place).  Last night, after one of Fiona's delicious beef wellingtons, we cracked it open.

Unsurprisingly, it burns the hair from your nostrils when you sniff it.  It certainly smells very whisky-like, but with an unmistakable yeasty-hoppiness that is somewhat (dare I say it) reminiscent of Marmite.  Yes, super-alcoholic Marmite!  All my dreams have been realised.

There is some contention over whether the Dutch stuff is beer or a combination of beer and whisky.  We managed half of the small bottle before it all became a bit too intense.  The addition of ice cubes (ice cubes? In beer?!) actually helped it out a lot, but I won't be ordering a pint of this any time soon.  Back to cider - the drink of men!

Or end it.

Not a drop wasted.