explaining to the policeman that he was just giving a tired transsexual prostitute a lift home, James O’Connor claiming that his alarm clock ran out of batteries on team photo day, or Muammar Gaddafi declaring he still has complete control of Libya.
The phrase is commonly held to have originated on the High Street of Stony Stratford [1] in Buckinghamshire, England, during the golden age of coaching. There were two rival inns, The Cock and The Bull, which hosted two rival coaching lines. Depending on which version of the story you hear, either the coach travellers or the hotel patrons would compete with each other to come up with the tallest tales to confuse and entertain an audience.
Michael Quinion, a noted British etymologist [2] and writer, warns:
“The story is widely believed in Stony Stratford and is a source of civic pride. Step warily if you ever go there; do not suggest the tale is untrue, even though there’s no evidence for it. If you are unwise enough to dispute the matter, any local who ripostes with “well, then, tell us where it really comes from then, smart-arse” will leave you in embarrassed confusion, as you won’t be able to supply an altogether satisfactory answer.”
The inns did (and still do apparently) exist, but the phrase is seemingly much older. The first sighting in English is in Robert Burton’s The Anatomy of Melancholy of 1621 – “Some mens whole delight is to talk of a Cock and Bull over a pot” [3] – though many argue there is an even older version in French.
In any case, the popular story behind the phrase “Cock and Bull Story” is itself a cock and bull story. I think my irony-o-meter just exploded. It has not been that pressured since comedian Ed Byrne methodically went through the lyrics of Alanis Morrisette’s hit song “Ironic” proving that none of her examples demonstrated actual irony. Mr Byrne concluded “the only ironic thing about that song is that it is called ‘Ironic’ but is written by a woman who doesn’t know what irony is.” [4]
Despite the etymological brawling and detour into YouTube comedy, “Cock and Bull” has become one of the most popular pub names in the English-speaking world. Within their walls and over a few pots, doubtless many “Cock and Bull Stories” have been told and even occasionally believed.
In New Zealand, it is the name of a chain of pubs (four in Auckland, one in Hamilton) serving the Cock and Bull range of beers which are crafted at Auckland’s award-winning Steam Brewery. Their story all began back in 1995 with a small brewery behind a little English pub in East Tamaki. Luke Nicholas started his brewing career there as a volunteer and the busy brewery is now expertly run by Shane Morley and his team.
While the Cock and Bull is most famous for Monk’s Habit, probably the most decorated beer in New Zealand history, Malthouse is currently serving their two most recent additions to the range.
Cock and Bull Common Beer (4.5%) is done in the rarely seen California Common style which creates a dark golden lager brewed with caramel malts and hot fermentation. The brewer describes it as subtle yet complex, with notes of caramel, toast and mint before a gentle bitter finish.
Cock and Bull Allies (6%) is listed as an International Strong Pale Ale. It is so new that it is not mentioned on the brewery website or even Ratebeer. However, it was available at Beervana and the tasting notes recorded it was deep copper [5], with an earthy citrus nose, intense toffee body and a strong bitter end.
Steam picked up their usual large allocation of medals at the 2011 New Zealand Beer Awards, including a best-in-class trophy for their German Pilsner. It is always nice to see the Cock and Bull beers make a rare appearance in the capital, particularly seasonal and special releases which may not be repeated. Be the first to rank them on Ratebeer today!
Finally, there are a few rarities on offer at Malthouse which are worth mentioning. These include Emerson’s Southern Clam Stout in bottles, Moo Brew Dark Ale being served through Mojo Coffee Beans, and Sierra Nevada on tap.
[1] Town Motto: “The Jewel of Milton Keynes”.
[2] Definition: Word Dude.
[3] I know some people who should definitely have this on the back of their business cards.
[4] Her lyrics, according to Ed, instead contained things which were “unfortunate”, “a pain in the hole”, “inconsiderate office management” and/or “just stupid”.
[5] Steam actually did describe Allies in the book as “brick” coloured – the first time I have seen that particular descriptor.
Cheers
Real Beer New Zealand
Beer and Brewer Magazine
Links
Cock and Bull – http://www.cockandbull.co.nz/
Steam Brewery – http://www.steambrewing.co.nz/
World Wide Words “Cock and Bull” – http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-coc6.htm
Ed Byrne owns Alanis – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT1TVSTkAXg
Malthouse on Twitter – http://twitter.com/malthouse
Malthouse Facebook Group – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellington/Malthouse/7084276173
Real Beer – http://www.realbeer.co.nz
Beer and Brewer Magazine – http://www.beerandbrewer.com/