Brewdog Camden: Why drink anywhere else?

Last night, the night I've been waiting for arrived. The launch of Brewdog Camden.

My first introduction to this Scottish Brewery came in a Squirrel shaped bottle. The gimic hooked me but it was the beer that made me stay.

I'm from the land of wheat (and other such plants grown in farmers fields) and we have quite a heritage of microbreweries. I've had my taste of many, many beers. Often in pickup trucks, sometimes in fields, usually by lakes. But, to be honest, I'd gone off beer the last few years and red wine has been my poisen of choice. I'm pleased to say it's Brewdog that brought me back.

[caption id="attachment_1534" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="There were some blind tastings. Honest."][/caption]

Last night James Watttook us through a tasting of Brewdog staples such as Punk IPA and Hardcore Punk.

[caption id="attachment_1534" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="Trying some Punk IPA. Tasty."][/caption]

Though I truely enjoy the Punk IPA, it was the prototype Scotch Ale that struck my fancy. A heady mix of chocolate, coffee and smokey flavours that made me fall in love. It hasn't been named yet so I hope if I talk about how much I love it, they'll name it after me...hint, hint.

[caption id="attachment_1535" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Waaaaaasabi!"][/caption]

At the bar, the barkeep kindly let me try the Alice Porter and Christmas Porter which were both tasty, but it was the "Mr Miyagi Wasabi Stout" that caught my eye. I immediately thought gimmick but I should have known better. The stout was great. Spicy beer? Who would have thunk it. Upon tasting, I got a half and then made sure everyone else tried it too. Yes. It's that good.

[caption id="attachment_1534" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Neil with his second chance burger. Thank you nice barman. And Tim."][/caption]

The place had a great vibe, helpful staff (special thanks to the man who replaced my mate's burger after it fell on the floor) and I could see it being a regular haunt of mine. There were only 2 downsides for me. Only 3 toilets can be problematic if the place is packed. I'm a girl. This is something I think about.

[caption id="attachment_1534" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Tim Anderson of Masterchef fame talking about food. Or beer. Or both."][/caption]

But more importantly for me, the menu, created (and last night, cooked by) Masterchef winner Tim Anderson, was too limited. Though everyone said the burgers were amazing, I'm a veggie. My friend, full of hunger, had to ditch out early in search of food. I know the owners are scottish and meat is reported to be a main staple, I hope they expand their menu by one or two veggie friendly things (that aren't slathered in cheese) so we can all eat and drink to our hearts content.

Want to find out more about Brewdog? Check them out online at www.brewdog.com or follow them on Twitter @brewdog (or for those in Londontown @brewdogcamden). If you'd like to buy some shares (like I have), head over to www.brewdog.com/equityforpunks. It gets you discounts online and in the bar. And that can only be a good thing right?