Indy Beer Feast 2020

Artnoo yall,

      this year I was lucky enough once again to be able to return to the Indy Beer Feast at the Picture House Social in Abbeydale, sunniest Sheffield. And indeed it was sunny - despite my recent neshness I was so warm when I walked down the road that I even rolled up my sleeves - and I was only wearing three layers. Unfortunately this "hot" weather at 11 degrees also warranted an unpleasant appearance enroute by what I described as the recalcitrant unwashed. I know we have far fewer belting hot summers but I think my recently added non use of public transport may warrant an extension if we ever get hot weather....

Once inside, and having introduced myself to a lovely lass who wanted to meet me based on my name on the list (this one, obvs) I walked into the festival and immediately started assessing the beers on offer. Many stood out but alas, having foolishly paid all my bills this month including Stepchange, I was down to just £9.00 for bowze. To start a trend of thirds, having spoken to folks from Lost Industry, I started at Black Iris.

One of the issues of having had about three phones since 2012, along with a potential movement of staff, is that its difficult to keep in touch with folk. On my third phone ago I used to have the numbers of two people, one of whom I may still be friends with on Faceache, who both worked with Black Iris brewery.  Alas despite often tasting and enjoying their beers at the Broadfield, and then much further afield including a beer festival at the Flower Pot in Derby, am not sure I ever met them - and am equally unsure that I kept their numbers. Introducing myself to the chap serving he didn't know who I was - and fearing looking a trifle foolish I quickly ordered my third of Lavender Grisette at 4.3% and made my way to seating. The beer was lovely by the way, as are all their beers.

After a quick look at the rather excellent range on offer at Turning Point who are almost entirely likely to be based in or from Kirbymoorside near York, I spotted my friends at St Mars of the Desert. I wandered over for a gawp at their ales and a chat and started on a third of their 6.9% Fieldmouse's Farewell, described as a golden and an extremely well rounded sup.  After a lengthy chat, including my making both Martha and Dann chuckle by stating that I had never seen his equipment on full display - you had to be there.... I sat down for a while before having a chat with a guy called Brett at Cloudwater's bar. Alas I could not take the opportunity to try anything because it was cash only and I only had 80 pence in my account but it was good to chat to him about their output and also to finish my beer, before moving onto the Abbeydale Brewery bar.

Having bumped into Dave Pickersgill once again and tried a mouthful of his super strong tasting BA 1868 at 11.7%! I went lower next with a third of their 4.3% Not just a phase, a citrussy well hopped pale brewed especially for beerweek. Having thoroughly enjoyed this, as well as taken a few stickers and badges as well as welcoming Christy with another excellent cask, I turned back up the hall and went to visit Torrside.

Torrisde, as any fuel kno, are based in New Mills in Derbyshire. And am certain their brewery tap will be open again soon - they do shut it in February and January as its too cold to heat with its ludicrously high ceillings. I enjoyed my catch up with two men who had human names, as well as trying a third of their Valour, a whopping 7.7% 1917 recipe imperial stout. Whilst there I also tried a taste of their Dogs of War bottled Eldeberry Barley Wine at 10%, before heading up to see the folk at Lost Industry.

By now I was starting to get quite cold - my sleeves had been rolled down by now I should point out - so I asked for a taster of their recent Wild honey Braggot. Am unable to remember it's strength, so no change there then, but I did thoroughly enjoy it and my catch up with those that I chatted to. Next I moved onto both the Double Barrelled and Orbit beer stands. At Double Barrelled, whom I suspect may be from Reading,, I tried some of their excellent Parka, a 4.5% Citra Dry Hopped Pale, and at Orbit I purchased a delicious third of their Nico Kolsch lager. As well as a couple of their beers on draught they also sold large strong bottled versions for a tenner each - and the Kolsch was excellent. I also found time to have a quick chat with the lass behind the Anarchy Brew Co stand, and to point out that the last time I had tried one of the beers she had on was up in Berwick, which is at least nearby their brewery...

My last stop was once again at St Mars of the Desert and I finished on a third of their Long Way Round - a truly excellent Citra NEIPA at 5.4% brewed with Young Master, which is either an ingredient, a person, or a copy of an early Jackie Chan film.....

I said my goodbyes to Martha and went and sat up at the top with a man from Doncaster who I have seen since but cannot quite remember the name of - really interesting to meet a man of his slightly older age who was more than happy to try keg beers in what was after all, an almost entirely keg only festival (there may have been hand pumps on the Thornbridge Bar but am not sure....).

Thank you once again to organiser Jules who provided me with a trade ticket, and to all the amazing brewery staff and their equally excellent products which managed to provide an excellently wide ranging selection of delicious potations for everyone to try. And, as with last time there wasn't a bad beer on and all the brews were reasonably priced.  

Really looking forward to returning in March 2021 for the next Sheffield Beer Week Indy Beer Feast!

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

The 4th South Normanton Beer Festival

Elloh,

     last year me, Tash and Wee Fatha were driven by Wee Keefy to South Normanton to attend their beer festival. We liked it so much we decided to go again this year. Alas WK was orf to Cropton beer festival so was unable to drive us, and since he didn't want to drive there and have three thirds in 4 hours WF was encouraged by WK to go by public transport. Lets get this out of the way now - that was a terrible idea! However, let us also not worry about that. Lets talk festival.

Last year me and Tash had met Mick, Care and Bridget (and others) working behind the bar. As we got on so well, I became friends with them on Faceache. I met all of them this year, and that just added a little extra enjoyment to the festival. Arriving about 14.00 we found it was free to get in (woo-hoo!) and £3.00 for a returnable or keepable glass - there were a limited edition of festival ones this year. Being a poorpa, I bought me and WF a returnable one.

Tokens were 50p each so roughly two for a third, three for a half and six for a pint, with some extra coinage for stronger beers. As is commonplace for myself these days, numerous stronger ales were consumed. Well, it would be rude not to.

The festival is quite small admittedly, but showcases a very good range of local and some slightly further afield real ales - considering my hopheadedness, I have to say I was very pleased with the number of plus 5% IPAs available, but this style did not dominate (nine of the thirty two were IPAs). I started on a half of Thorley and Sons Pale and Interesting Pale Ale. Not seen or had their beers before, and this was a really enjoyable starter.

Having caught up with Clare and learned Mick was at a meeting nearby I decided to go for something stronger, and chose a half of Abstract Jungle Brewery Solo, a strong IPA at 5.9%. This was a very well balanced hoppy IPA and really hit the spot. Next I followed Clare's advice and got myself a half of the Torrside Brewing Katakana, a 5.2% Belgian Blonde style ale with Sorachi Ace hops - the strong hop flavour was in fact calmed by the Belgian yeast I think, and the beer was delicious.

I next tried the Black Market Illicit and Gaol No Prisoners, both pale ales but at different strengths with the No Prisoners at 5.7%. Both were tasty but also had quite earthy flavours. My next half was Dead Beard IPA at 5.5% from the Hairy Brewers, and his was probably my beer of the festival, although both me and WF enjoyed the Beer House from Hopjacker. I also tried Langwith Mozza at 5.9%, a blonde, and the Littleover Dazzler IPA at 4.5%. I also tried Lost time wheat beer from Torrside and Shiny Brewery Happy people. Every single beer I went for was available, but many had started to run out when we left about 19.00.

I finished the night on a half of the Bride Farm Yarlington Mill Dry cider at 6.5% and a half of the Double Vision Impaired Vision Perry at 7.4%. As well as the choice of ales, the cider and perry list was notable with some decent drys on offer. Thanks to Mick Bull for his advice.

So, an enjoyable festival with free entry, a good range of beers and ciders and friendly staff. Am hoping to go again next year.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy