So much has happened in 2016 it’s difficult to know where to begin when trying to review the year. But all we’re really bothered about is the important stuff – beer and music. So, with just two weeks left until 2017 we’re all picking our top 5 records and beers from the last 12 months. And then, next week, we’ll have our complete guide to the best albums of 2016. In our opinion of course.**
Gregg
Albums
Charles Bradley – Changes
David Bowie – Blackstar
Animal Collective – Painting With
NOFX – First Ditch Effort
The Monkees – Good Times
Beers
Northern Monk – Dark Arches
Stone Brewing – Stone IPA
Beavertown – Lupoloid
North Riding – Waterpistol
Ska Brewing – Modus Hoperandi
Claire
Albums
Suede – Night Thoughts
Band of Skulls – By Default
School of Seven Bells – Sviib
Bloc Party – Hymns
Jack White – Acoustic Recordings
Beers
Flying Dog – Carolina Reaper
Yeastie Boys – Gunnamatta
Magic Rock – Salty Kiss
Wild Beer – Millionaire Milk Stout
Mad Hatter – Tzatziki Sour
JT
Albums
David Bowie – Black Star “A wonderfully planned, emotional album”
Divine Comedy – Forever Land “A reminder of growing up’
Violent Femmes – We Can Do Anything
The Dandy Warhols – Distortland
Charles Bradley – Changes “Just great”
Beers
Durham Brewery – Framboise “A refreshing summer drink, which reminded me of ‘monkey blood’ on ice cream sundaes”
Sonnet 43 – Create These Moments ” Christmas in a glass”
Northern Monk – Eternal “A great refreshing drink”
North Riding – Rum and Raisin Porter “Does exactly what is says on the label’
Wild Beer – Millionaire “A sweet, lovely pint. Just fantastic”
Allan
Albums
Divine Comedy – Forever Land “Having not listened to them for years, it was wonderful to hear that Neil Hannon can still make witty and exciting music”
David Bowie – Black Star “Extraordinary”
Temperance Movement – White Bear “Straight up rock album. Love it!”
Seasick Steve – Keepin’ The Horse Between me and the Ground ” There’s something raw, haunting about this. It’s what I imagine him playing by himself before he became famous”
Biffy Clyro – Ellipsis “The stand out album of 2016. No band is more exciting and experimental. Seeing them live this year was a special moment”
Beers
Wild Weather – Strawberries and Dream “My favourite dessert turned into a beer, so it was always going be a winner”
Northern Monk – Eternal “Go to beer. What ever the mood, a half of Eternal will sort you out”
Vocation – Life and Death “Wonderful beer. Full of flavour, and at 6.5% it’ll put hairs on your eyeballs”
Sonnet 43 – Bourbon Milk Stout “Simply one of the finest dark beers I’ve ever had”
Bull Finch – Alpha West Coast IPA “It’s got a kick like a mule”
