Bland of my fathers?

Back to the Phoenix and Brains SA is good to go.

Regular readers will know that I’ve pined after this brew ever since my University days in Cardiff but, up until recently, the Welsh have been awkward about letting it travel.

On first sip there’s disappointment. It’s hard to believe this was the Skull Attack that kept body and soul together when I was a grungey class warrior determined to change the world by revolution and a 2:1 degree.

It was there in spirit, an echo of the past, as my taste-buds detected those familiar Curly-Wurly toffee and banana chew notes and that mega-hop finish that lasts forever and ever.

But something was missing.

I know that I’ve changed (for the worse) since those days, in fact I’m very disappointed about the way I’ve turned out.

Perhaps it was my youthful spirit and a Sub-Pop soundtrack that made the difference back then, perhaps Brains have toned down the recipe, perhaps this is a beer that doesn’t travel well or perhaps the Phoenix served it in poor condition (and warm!).

Don’t get me wrong, it was OK, a reasonable session beer. It just wasn’t as good as the memory. In fact, I’m sorry I tried it.

Blanching at the thought of another, I pushed the boat out by popping over the road to Wetherspoons to see what they had on offer.

After kicking a cripple in the crotch to get to the front of the queue, I went for a Roman Black (4.8%) from the George Wright brewery of nearby Rainford .

It was just what the doctor ordered, with sweet hop on first sip followed by subtle swirls of summer fruits and a sharp finish.

It was served at the perfect temperature, too.

Wetherspoons in Southport is definitely on the up. The Phoenix is flying low.