A chilly but dry Friday evening in St Ives, the September arts festival coming to a close, and time for a couple of cask ales in the Pilchard Press Alehouse.
The two pints were the same: limited edition Elemental Citra, from Mine Brewing Co, just up the road. “Delightfully sessionable; decently balanced with not too much Citra, just enough to lend good lemon citrus vibrancy to a biscuity backbone,” say my Untappd notes.
If you’be not had the pleasure of Mine beers, they’re well worth seeking out. Declaration of interest: I’ve been helping out on their bar during August, for a series of beer garden events. There’s a very wide portfolio from pale ale Ransom and session IPA Core, to Adit IPA and In Vein stout. But my (and several others’) favourite during those summer sessions was the simply-named Best, a traditional copper coloured 4.6% ABV best bitter, properly done. A lovely malt profile with hints of chocolate, and some light berry notes, too, all leading to a satisfying bitter “let’s have another” finish.
Mine beers make regular appearances on the Pilchard Press’s all-guest-beers menu, but soon we’ll be able to enjoy their beers in their own bar in St Ives. Watch Beer Today for more information!
Meanwhile, the Pilchard Press is celebrating another year as St Ives’ only Good Beer Guide entry. The new edition of the CAMRA book has been released this week, and notes that while the micropub is hard to find, down an alleyway, past some catering bins, the traveller’s persistance is well rewarded.
While my local has been closed (again, watch this space for news there), this has been my de facto local. Ever-changing cask beers on gravity, with up to four kegs, too, and real ciders. There’s generally a perfect mix of regulars and tourists, with a webcam overlooking the harbour, on which we can make sure no-one has nicked Simon’s bike, chained to the railing. A venue well worth seeking out when you’re in Cornwall!
