N-Derbz

Dronfield Town U21 0 v Sheffield United Futures U21 1

Thursday 3 November 2016

North Midlands Development Football League U21 North

Played at Dronfield Town FC

Twitter @ball_sup

That's my 184th ground watching a Sheffield United XI.

All worth it. Because I managed my first trip to the superb Dronfield Arms. Home to Hopjacker Brewery. Which, and I'll say somewhat bizarrely, you can see by looking down. Through a glass window/panel in the floor. Lovely green & blue understated paint job. Pristine banquettes either side.

I counted seven on cask. Two of their own & a Hopcraft among 'em. Three pukka craft keg. About a dozen fellow quaffers in at 5pm.

First up, Hopjacker, The Long Con on cask at 3.8%. Appealing amber/gold in the glass. Great lasting 2mm head. Slightly opaque. I think I may have read they're unfined. Smells fresh, hint of orange. Which comes through gloriously in the taste. Just the right amount of sweetness, then it's bitter orange all the way. Lingering finish. Great, great beer. Helpful abv.

Which is more than can be said of the Hopjacker/Neepsend Collab, Breakfast IPA Mk II on cask at a dizzying 6.7%. Serious bevvy that. Pleasant, almost perfume smell. Hits you full on. It's one of those where you feel you can almost taste the abv. It's got a very dry quality. Maybe that's the Earl Grey. Then, again, the abv “burn” on the throat. I like it. But, really, it's too much. I'd have preferred a good rich intense bitter hit. There's a lot going on mind.

On my long march to Dronfield, I also had a pint of Acorn, Kashmir on cask at 4.5% in The Woodseats Palace.

Fairly flat game to be honest. Bit of “I'm a hard man” stuff from the Dronny six. Great, simple headed goal to win it.

396/835
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