Behind the scenes at Brooklyn Brewery

I love brewery tours; it's where the magic happens.

Brooklyn lager is a stalwart member of our small but interesting draught beer range, and every Brooklyn beer I've tried that has been of a consistently high quality, so it was particularly thrilling to call in on Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg, New York this May.

Garrett Oliver is the their charismatic masterbrewer and I had the pleasure of meeting him in their large tasting room that afternoon. He was overseeing the filming of a new beer glass. A tall glass with an elegant thin-walled bowl on a long stem, more akin to a wine glass than beer, suggesting a high quality product to savour rather than knock back.

Despite being one of the USA's finest brewers and feted throughout the industry, Garrett went a bit misty eyed when he recounted how his passion for brewing came from his love of English ale.

He spoke with rapt fondness of the time when the most perfectly kept pint of Adnams found him in an Southwold pub. 'Cancel the food order!' he shouted, and he and his friends proceeded to drink the cask dry.

His expertise oversees the strong core range such as Brooklyn lager and East IPA, seasonals like Brooklyn summer and the more exciting offerings from the quarterly experimental small batch known as brewmasters reserve.

I tried Sorachi Ace, which started life as a brewmasters reserve but was too good be allowed to disappear. It's named after the lemony flavoured hop and is an unfiltered farmhouse style ale ramped up to 7.2% ABV. Great start.

I sidestepped the seasonal summer ale because we carry it regularly and I wanted to try something a bit different.

So onto to Brooklyn Local 1, a great big 750ml corked bottle, Belgian inspired and strong at 9% ABV. The unusual technique of 100% fermentation in the bottle gives a depth of palate. It goes well with pasta, seafood, creamy cheeses and Thai. Take it to your next dinner party instead of wine!

Finally, I tried the brewmasters reserve, silly name, 'I wanna rye-it' but a great beer. A rye IPA of 7.5% ABV. A deep amber colour, spicy start leading to caramel and malt with plenty of hops. Pairs well with salty food, barbecues, red meat and strong cheese.

It's barely 5pm by the time I stagger out. The sun is low and hot. They've shut down the works and pulled a barbecue out onto the sidewalk. They have a resident chef and firmly believe in the joy of a well-thought out beer and food pairing. The haze lingers in the still air, the smell of smoky meat and the chink of beer bottles calls the Brooklyners out to play. Thank you for a splendid afternoon guys.