Yes, this name is a reference to the lollapalooza episode of the Simpsons when Homer meets the Smashing Pumpkins.

My friend Adam said I should have used this name for the pumpkin stout I did last month. He was completely right, that would have been much better. What an idiot! It was right there! Oh well.

However, many many years ago when I first decided I wanted to have my own brewery (so I could do dumb stuff all the time) it wasn’t always going to be called Evil Mega Corp. There were a number of names, with Smiling Politely Brewing Co being one of them.

I’m glad I didn’t go with that, but somedays as I wither under the condescending concern of someone who doesn’t “get it”, I wonder what it would have been like if I chose something less stupid than Evil Mega Corporation. And then I accept my choices. I accept them even if it forces me to explain the various internecine conflicts that emerge between indie, macro and fake-indie-but-actually-macro (to perfect strangers, who look at me and Smile Politely).

This beer is another in my short series of exploring this coolpool idea: no hops above 80c. I can’t really do that on my kit while making irresponsibly strong beers, so I settle for 90c. I have been asked by many people to do an oatcream, and to be honest I kinda like the style so I acquiesced. There’s a bit a don’t like about them though - when done poorly they are flabby, sickly sweet and kinda gross. Also lactose is annoying, and I know personally a number of early supporters that do not partake in beefmilk. I don’t want to give them something they can’t drink.

I’ve written maybe 4 or 5 different oatcreams now, and I think this is the best one so far. Who knows what the next one will do? Drink this, store its memory deep in the reptile part of your brain, and then tell me next time you can tell me that you like my old stuff better.

Enjoy.

P.S. Maybe a bag of ice could get the temp down next time?