First missive from New York - Rattle n Hum

Last night, as New York City experienced its first snowfall for the winter (and what a dump it was), Kel and I visited Rattle n Hum, one of the city's best beer bars.

I had earier arranged to meet Patrick Donagher, the main owner, a passionate Irishman who opened RnH 15 months ago in the shadows of the Empire State Building.

It's a fantastic bar with a great vibe and an everchanging list of craft beers on their 40 taps. There is also a cask bar (4 engines) which currently has Dark Star (UK) on.

Patrick gave me a real insight into the New York craft beer scene as well as a tour of his place, including the coolroom which is tiny given their needs (space in Manhattan is obviously at a premium)..

We also met Warren Monteiro aka the Beer Sensai who writes for Ale Street News "The Most Widely Circulated Beer Newspaper in America!".

I got through 12 of the tap beers (pathetic effort I know) by drinking tasting samples and there wasn't a bad one (not sure about the hefe I tried though) with most being excellent. There were also some very big ABV ones in the mix too. Here's the list:

Smuttynose IPA 6.9%
Cigar City American Brown Ale 5.5%
Nogne English Porter 8.5%
Kelso Chocolate Lager/Schwarzbier 6.5%
Rodenbach Grand Cru 6%
Kulmbacher Eisbock 9.2%
Magic Hat Hefeweizen 5.4%
Brew Dog/Stone American Strong Ale 8.6%
Jenlain Biere De Garde 6.8%
Stone Smoked Porter 5.9%
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 13%
Captain Lawrence Belgian Strong Dark Ale 11%

At the end of the night, we wobbled outside to a blizzard and 10 inches of snow underfoot. It looked like a gorgeous winter wonderland!

Thanks to Patrick and his wife Ros for their hospitality..

More reports coming..

Patrick, the Beer Sensai and self.

40 taps snuggle up on the back bar.

Planning the tasting!