My #12BeersOfXmas – Day 2 – Chapel Street Porter by Billericay Brewing Co (Billericay, Essex)

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“Had a love affair with Nina, in the back of my Cortina,
a seasoned up hyena could not have been more obscener.
She took me to the cleaners and other misdemeanours,
but I got right up between her rum and her Ribena!”

As a proper Northern lad, my introduction to the Essex town of Billericay was via the song “Billericay Dickie” by Ian Dury & The Blockheads from the New Boots & Panties album. It was a hell of a lyrical introduction! The album was full of lewd tales like “Plaistow Patricia”, “Razzle In My Pocket” & “I’m Partial To Your Abracadabra” (whatever that means!), but, aside from the music hall jauntyness (and sheer “Carry On” ness) of the above track, the album contains Dury’s signature tune – a tune that can stand on any party playlist “Sex & Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll” – Classic.

But the beer is what this is about eh?

It’s black with a lingering creamy head in both colour & texture, giving up a fragrant coffee & chocolate aroma.

In the gob? Ooh matron!!! This 5.7% abv beer is as beautifully smooth as a George Clooney chat up line. No lairyness here! Smooth mocha with a nice hoppy dry grassy note in the swallow. Creamy and full-bodied, this is such a smooth full flavoured winter warming beer, ideal for a chilly December evening.

Roasted coffee, a little sweet chocolate and more than a liberal sprinkling of spicy hops. What is not to like about this beer? This is a classy Porter and no mistake, I thank Dan & Gina Buck of Wigan Central for introducing me to this!

Roll on tomorrow eh?