My mild allegiance with the Wire started I would guess properly in 1999, when they were in a Challenge Cup Semi Final against Bradford Bulls. A friend was playing in an amateur Rugby Union match that day on the edge of Warrington. During half time of the Union match, I watched some of the Challenge Cup match in the Clubhouse. I recall one pivotal point in the match when the scoreline was close, and Warrington missed a golden opportunity to score an important try.
Warrington went on to lose that match, and just a little over a year later I did take the plunge not long after meeting my wife, to go and watch a Rugby League match for the first time. The Wire beat Salford City Reds (recently rebranded as Salford Red Devils) who had a certain ageing Martin Offiah in their ranks. The Wire chant that day was very much to the effect that he was not famous anymore.
So we will now move onto the beers I drank in the inaugural Wire 2 Wolves beer festival, which I attended with my Wire-mad wife (pictured with me above). The beer festival was held in the South Stand of the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Amongst the beers I drank were Off the Richter Scale, Spotland Gold, and Roof Raiser.
Speak and Spell by the Revolution Brewery had an asparagus taste on first impressions. But it did then grow on me. Score 8/10.
Off the Richter Scale by the 4Ts Brewery gave signs of my ideal pale ale paradise. It was though a fair way off the standard. Score 7/10.
When I was drinking Roof Raiser by the Brown Cow Brewery, I made the cardinal sin of enquiring if a Leigh Centurions fan supported Wigan Warriors, having taken the smallest of glances at the gentleman's shirt. As for Roof Raiser itself, the taste was too much like water, but bearable. Score 6.5/10.
Spotland Gold by the 4Ts Brewery provided a ridiculous taste without a taste, and was a bit gassy. Score 4/10.
Lonesome Pine by the Ulverston Brewery gave a taste which provided a most delightful mix of hops and fruits. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Score 9.5/10.
Old Boston Plum Porter by the Allgates Brewery had a taste which I considered to be reminiscent of a bacon cheeseburger. Many fellow ale drinkers may disagree of course. Score 6/10.
