Hand Crafted Real Ales

The word revolution has several meanings. Most often, it used in the sense of an upheaval or jolt to the status quo. Alternatively, the mechanically-minded among us might sooner think of a complete circle around an axis, such as that which occurs in an automobile engine several thousand times per minute. With regard to the dramatic changes in beer culture that have taken place in the last decade, perhaps either definition applies. While certainly there is evidence galore of a shifting paradigm, many at the forefront are simply advocating a return to the same techniques that produced quality beer for thousands of years.The latter philosophy would certainly resonate at The Laboratory.  One characteristic feature of the ‘real ale’ movement, as this philosophy is known, is the refusal to add external carbonation. Twisted Hop ales and stouts, the flagships of The Laboratory’s beer list, finish their fermentation in the barrel from which they are served, meaning that all carbonation is naturally produced and freshly delivered. Furthermore the beer is not filtered, which means less dilution of flavour and aroma. That said, there is more to beer than aroma and flavour. What good is better beer without great friends with whom to share it!? With the bulk of production off-site at The Twisted Hop Brewery, The Laboratory brewery is free to experiment with a number of avenues for community involvement in their brewing process. In the works already is a Lincoln University beer, which is projected to trigger a sizable boost in University enrolment, if perhaps not attendance. Likewise, The Laboratory’s collaborations with other breweries will keep studious Lincolnites on top of the latest trends in craft brewing. If, on the other hand, you happen to subscribe to the belief that a beer is a beer, maybe the food will sway you!