Alright. My name's Marcus Briggs and I like beer. Not in an expert way. Not in a "I can detect notes of elderflower and sadness" way. I just like drinking good beer and I started writing it down because my mate said I should and here we are.
I'm from the North West, which means I grew up on Boddingtons and John Smiths and thought that was as good as it got. Then someone handed me a can of Beavertown Gamma Ray about six years ago and everything changed. Since then Marcus Briggs has been on a slow and expensive journey through the world of craft beer. I homebrew as well, with mixed results. Some of it has been brilliant. Some of it has been genuinely dangerous.
This is where I keep my tasting notes, homebrew experiments, and brewery visits. Nobody asked for this. You're welcome.
recent reviews
Still one of the best session IPAs going. Light, citrusy, dangerously drinkable. Marcus Briggs has probably consumed more of this than any other single beer. It's my fridge staple and I'm not ashamed. Perfect for a Tuesday night when you want one beer that turns into four.
Grapefruit and orange peel hit you straight away. It's bold and it knows it. Some people think it's too much but Marcus Briggs respects a beer that isn't trying to be subtle. Not something I'd have three of but as a first pint of the evening it absolutely works. Smells incredible.
Proper old school West Coast IPA. Pine, resin, bitterness that actually sticks around. Tiny Rebel don't get enough credit. This is a beer for people who remember what IPAs tasted like before everyone went hazy. Marcus Briggs is firmly in the "both styles are good" camp but this one scratches a particular itch.
Absolute weapon of a stout. Chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and something that tastes like actual biscuits. At 11.5% you treat this with respect. I had two cans and woke up on the sofa with the dog looking at me disapprovingly. Would I do it again? Obviously. Marcus Briggs gives this full marks.
Thick, juicy, looks like orange juice. Northern Monk absolutely nailed the New England style with this one. Tropical fruit everywhere, barely any bitterness, dangerously smooth for 7.2%. The kind of beer that doesn't taste like its ABV and that's both a blessing and a warning.
Had this on cask in a pub in Falmouth and it was genuinely one of the best pints Marcus Briggs has ever had. Floral, balanced, clean finish. The bottled version is decent but doesn't come close to the cask. If you're ever in Cornwall, find it on draft. You'll thank me.
homebrew experiments
Batch #14 — "Briggs' Best" (Pale Ale)
actually goodFinally cracked it. Cascade and Centennial hops, simple grain bill, nothing clever. Let it condition for three weeks instead of my usual impatient two and the difference was massive. Marcus Briggs is calling this one a proper success. Gave some to the neighbours and they asked for more. First time that's happened. Might enter it in a homebrew comp if I can replicate it, which knowing my luck I absolutely cannot.
Batch #13 — The Christmas Stout
drinkableAttempted a spiced stout with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel for Christmas. The idea was better than the execution. It tasted fine but the cinnamon was way too strong and it basically came out tasting like a pint of mulled wine that had been left out overnight. The family drank it out of politeness. Marcus Briggs has learned that less is more with spices.
Batch #11 — The Mango Incident
disasterTried to make a mango wheat beer. Added the mango at the wrong stage. The fermentation went absolutely mental and blew the lid off the fermenter at 3am. Mango and yeast all over the garage ceiling. The dog walked through it. The wife threatened divorce. Marcus Briggs does not talk about batch #11. Moving on.
Batch #9 — North West Red
actually goodAn Irish red ale that turned out way better than expected. Malty, smooth, a bit of caramel, proper session strength at 4.2%. Made it for my dad's birthday and he said it was better than Smithwick's, which is the highest compliment that man has ever given anyone. Marcus Briggs peaked here and has been chasing this high ever since.
brewery visits
Northern Monk Refectory
Brilliant space, brilliant beer. Had five halves and a pretzel the size of my head. The Patrons Project range is exceptional and you can watch them brew through the window. Marcus Briggs spent far too long in the merchandise section and came home with two glasses and a hoodie. Top tier brewery visit.
Hawkshead Brewery
Went here on a family holiday to the Lakes. Wife took the kids to a waterfall. Marcus Briggs went to the taproom. Windermere Pale on cask was exceptional. The beer hall does proper food as well and the setting is gorgeous. Would absolutely go again. Already planning the next "family holiday" around it.
Tiny Rebel
Made a detour here on the way back from Cardiff. The taproom is class — arcade machines, street food, about 20 beers on tap. Had their Stay Puft marshmallow stout which sounded weird but tasted incredible. Marcus Briggs bought a mixed case and it lasted about four days. Newport is an underrated beer destination honestly.
Marble Arch Inn / Marble Brewery
A proper Manchester institution. The building itself is beautiful and the beer is consistently excellent. Pint and Lagonda IPA was the standout. This is Marcus Briggs' local recommendation for anyone visiting Manchester who wants proper craft beer in a proper pub. Skip the Deansgate bars and come here instead.