Zak Avery – beer writer and shop owner

Welcome to the first ‘episode’ of Desert Island Discs, our regular interview with beer lovers. Our first week starts with a bang, with British Guild of Beer Writers’ Beer Writer of the Year 2008, Mr Zak Avery.

Lots of you will know Zak, and many may have read his beer words, for those who are lucky enough to live in Leeds you might have bought a few bottles of beer from Zak’s shop, Beer Ritz in Far Headingley.

Zak’s shop is probably the most welcoming emporium of beer I know, but what will he make of the hospitality on our Desert Island?

Actually, he made himself right at home, taking advantage of our not very stringent rules!

The beers

So Zak, which three beers would you take on a desert island?

Zak’s Desert Island Beer #1: Anchor Steam Beer

“A lot of people overlook Anchor Steam Beer, but it’s a key beer in American craft brewing. I’ve drunk it at house parties in Leeds, and I’ve drunk it in fancy restaurants. It’s subtle and understated, but everytime I drink it, a different nuance dominates. John Peel wrote about his love of The Fall, saying that they were always the same, but always different. That’s how I feel about Anchor Steam.”

Zak’s Desert Island Beer #2:Duvel

“Duvel is a stone cold classic. It has a long history, in fact it used to be a different beer altogether. It was a dark Scotch-style ale until the 1970s. I love the depth and complexity that it has, and the fact that it’s quite drinkable for a strong pale beer. I used to keep having one too many of these on nights out – I think I’ve learned my lesson now.”

Zak’s Desert Island Beer #3:Harvey’s ‘A. Le Coq’ Imperial Stout

“Harvey’s A. Le Coq Imperial Stout used to be bottled on the now-defunct Gale’s bottling line, and the cork-closed square-shouldered bottles were prone to infection. The robustness of the beer meant that it could just about carry this infection, emerging with stunning complexity. The latest batch, under crown cap, is a revelation, and would rival any American imperial stout”.

The meal

“Ha! That’s three courses. I’ve start with ‘tortillitas de camarones’ – basically a Spanish sort of shrimp batter/croquette affair, with a squeeze of lemon, which would be good with the Duvel. Main would be something hot & spicy – I’ve yet to grow tired of jerk chicken (thighs are best), with rice & peas, which would be OK with Anchor Steam, although the Steam Beer is really along for everyday drinking too. Fried bananas and vanilla ice cream to set off the Harvey’s stout.”

The record

A little cheating here on Zak’s part, but seen as he is provider of much of our beer cupboard inventory we’ll let him off!

“I couldn’t pick just one record – I’ve got a secret passion for diverse music, from Bob Dylan to Public Enemy to Steve Reich and everything in between, so I’d have to settle for a fully stuffed iPod as my luxury item”.

The book

“Something useful, either Larousse Gastronomique or Radical Brewing by Randy Mosher.”

The luxury item

“Err, can I put the iPod in a restaurant spec kitchen….?” Umm, you’ve already used the luxury item Zak? But why not, I’m just not quite sure what you’ll do for leccy?!?!

A big thanks to Zak for being our guinea pig on this and taking part. Watch out for the next episode (New Year’s Day hopefully)