Earlier this week we introduced you to the drinking habits of one of the top Olympic medal contenders, Australia. Today we’re going to continue with that theme and spotlight a country that is not only a force to be reckoned with, but also the host of this year’s Olympics games.
Today’s country is: England (It’s really the UK, which is comprised of Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, but if we covered the booze in all those locations this could make for a very long post!)
Legal drinking age
Technically, 18 years old to purchase alcohol – BUT kids between the ages of 5 and 17 are legally allowed to drink at home or at a friend’s house with the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
Alcoholic beverages made in England
Newcastle Brown Ale (beer), brewed in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire
Bass Ale (beer), brewed in Burton-on-Trent
Whitbread Gold Label (beer), brewed in Preston, England
Nyetimber (wine), produced in West Sussex
Ridgeview (wine), produced in Sussex
Pimm’s No. 1 (gin-based beverage)
Strongbow (cider)
Brewery Tours
Fuller’s Brewery runs up to 20 tours a week, Monday-Friday. The tour ends with a full tasting of Fuller’s beers including London Pride. You can also see the Fuller’s wisteria, which is believe to be the oldest in the country.
Jennings Brewery was established in 1828 and now resides in the historic town of Cockermouth. Book online to guarantee you get your preferred tour time and don’t worry – the tour includes a tasting.
Fun Facts:
• BrewDog released a limited edition beer the day before the royal wedding last year called “Royal Virility Performance.” They claimed drinking three of the beers would be equivalent to taking one Viagra pill.
• Oliver Reed was an English actor who was also famous for drinking a little too much. At one point he was voted “England’s Most Embarrassing Man.”
• Back in the day, whistles would be baked in to the rim or handle of ceramic cups used by pub patrons. When they wanted a refill, they would blow on the whistle to get the attention of the bartender. That’s where the phrase “wet your whistle” came from.
• In Medieval times, it was common to drink alcohol at breakfast.