Firstly, apologies for my sporadic posting recently. The server, which powers my blog has been rather poorly. I shall endeavour against the driving rain and do my best until I can get it sorted.

Anyway… September is a very special month. In fact, it is my favourite month. The shadows grow longer in those golden afternoons and the wind carries a fresher, more fragrant bite to it. Stodge is back on the menu and it is about this time that people begin to withdraw a little – perhaps even getting a little hyper in a last ditch effort to prepare for the creeping cinnamon fingers of Autumn. It’s a perfect time to think of a tipple to withdraw to the garden with.

My personal recommendation is a good sturdy glass of St. Peters Ruby Red Ale. There is enough going on in here to feel like the whole summer has been laid to rest in the deep, red, caramel colour. Then there’s the delicious spike of hop, which is complemented by a pleasant belly-warming feel of spicy aromas. Slow, satisfying and best drunk sat outside at about 6.30pm whilst quietly reading a Mr Fothergill’s seed catalogue.

Apart from having an impeccable history and reputation, St.Peters also has a very interesting device as their logo. A sort of Raven or crow with a little key. I’m actually very fond of this traditional looking logo and have tried (but to no avail) to find more about it – I can only imagine it is a old brewery tavern sign or mark. Their bottles too are originally from a late colonial American gin bottle design that was rescued from obscurity.

I reccomend trying as many St.Peter’s ales as you can. I’ve had a fair few of them and none of them are a let down. They do a grand Grapefruit ale that goes really well around May time. Get them by their rather reasonable mail order service or if you live in London, you can go to their very own Jerusalem tavern for a pot or two. Very good it is too.