Durham is generally considered to be a splendid place and one of the more sophisticated areas of the North East. It has a Cathedral a castle, the scenic riverside and some good pubs.
I also happens to be near where my other half the lovely Susan has recently moved to. So to help keep me occupied for a Saturday afternoon I was gifted a visit to Durhams first independent specialist beer shop and micro pub; The Hop Knocker.
A little outside of the city centre The Hop Knocker is indeed a haven for beer fans. Inside one is greeted with a range of keg fonts accompanied by one hand pulled ale. A diverse range of cans and bottles in the fridges are available to take home and there is also a range of specialist beer glassware.
On the inside The Hop Knocker experience has many qualities I like. It's quiet, intimate, friendly and focused on a diverse range of quality beers. So while the lovely Susan took her daughter to get her nails done next door I decided to sample some of the beers on offer.
 |
| The beer fridge |
Toxcitracy 4.4% from Nottingham based Black Iris brewery is a very soft rounded modern pale ale. As many Citra hopped beers come mango and citrus notes are at the fore. Bitterness is minimal but it's not cloudy. I also got to try El Topo 7.2% from Wylam Brewery. A Mexican oatmeal stout brewed with smoked chipotle chillies, raw cocoa, cinnamon and lime zest. It's certainly worth a try, full of spice and boozy top notes. Caramelised cherry, fruitcake. Cinnamon and oily pistachio. As with many speciality beers it's a bit of a mind bender yet at the same time I would say it's good enough to seek out again if given the chance.
 |
| Glassware. |
After leaving with a modest selection of beers it was time to say goodbye to The Hop Knocker and Durham. A splendid way to spend a Saturday afternoon indeed, with thanks going to the lovely Susan for treating me out.
