A revolution is taking place in Hackney. Not the violent, regime-changing type, but a much more pleasant one altogether – one which, like all good things, involves beer.
As British drinkers continue to spurn lager in favour of the more interesting option of craft beers, microbreweries like Beavertown, Five Points and the East London Brewing Company have quickly hopped up.
But which ones are the best? Tragically, the only way to find out is to taste all of the East London beers. So, out of the goodness of our hearts – and taste buds – the Hackney Post made the considerable sacrifice of doing just that.
The only place to go for such a challenge was CAMRA’s London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, where true connoisseurs gather once a year. Hackney’s beers had done extraordinarily well by the time we arrived, and sold out long before closing time.
Our top 10 East London beers:
1. London Fields – Love not War
A striking shade of deep brown, Love not War is packed with the rich flavour of roasted malts. The result is an earthy taste – somewhere between an espresso and Marmite on toast – and it’s absolutely delicious. From London Fields Brewery.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: mysterious, multi-layered, and just a little frightening – Noel Fielding.
2. Crate – Golden
This has a sweet, floral taste and a bitter finish. From CRATE Brewery.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: Tough and strong for its size – Lord Alan Sugar.
3. East London – Nightwatchman
Quite dry, with a balanced taste that includes sweet and roasted flavours. A solid choice. From the husband-and-wife team at the East London Brewing Company.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: an all-rounder with universal popularity – Idris Elba.
4. Five Points – Railway Porter
It sounds ridiculous to say a beer tastes of chocolate, but this one really does. There are also notes of caramel and citrus fruits inside this absolute treat of a pint. From The Five Points Brewing Company.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: The cheekiest drink on the menu, this one has to be Barbara Windsor.
5. Hackney Brewery – Amarillo Citra Pale
A hazy golden colour with a crisp white head. You’ll taste a different fruit with each sip, which keeps you wanting more. Made by Hackney Brewery.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: Quirky and infectious – Paloma Faith.
6. East London – Pale
A classic, crisp ale with a subtle bitter taste and overtones of fruit. The first one to be produced by the East London Brewing Company.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: With its nod to traditional taste, this suave little beer bears a resemblance to Sir Michael Caine, former pupil of Hackney Downs School.
7. Hackney Brewery – Golden Ale
Could work well as an alternative to lager: refreshing with a light, hoppy taste. From Hackney Brewery.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: Fresh and independent, it has to be Stoke Newington’s Suzanne Moore.
8. Truman’s – London Keeper
Established in 1666, the brewery folded in 1989. Thankfully it made a comeback last year, and is now churning out some of East London’s tastiest brews.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: Dick Turpin – a regular drinker in pubs around the Marshes, he may actually have drunk a beer from Truman’s.
9. Truman’s – Swift
Brewed with elements of both traditional lagers and modern ales, this smooth blend has a gentle, mellow taste. And at 3.9 per cent it’s the perfect ‘session’ beer for a long summer afternoon. From Truman’s.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: Gentle, calm and with few surprises, it’s Colin Firth.
10. Five Points – Golden Ale
As its name suggests, this ale possesses a dark golden colour, and is topped off with a fresh white head. There are notes of pine, citrus and a smooth aftertaste of hops. From The Five Points Brewing Company.
Hackney celebrity equivalent: with its multi-layered taste, we’re reminded of Daniel Defoe – trader, writer, journalist and spy.
