Nottingham Craft Beer Week 2016 Publication

nottingham Craft Beer Week 4-10 july 2016

WELCOME We set up Nottingham Craft Beer Week last year to promote and showcase our city’s many venues and breweries that love and sell this thing called ‘Craft Beer’.

Last year the most popular question was “What exactly is Craft Beer?”

Things have come a long way in a year and there will be a lot of other questions being asked. Styles such as sour beers, saisons, imperial stouts, session IPAs, double IPAs and American pale ales have become very familiar to some. We have certainly seen in our bar, Junkyard, that these styles are being asked for and the knowledge is getting out there.

There are some who are keen to speculate that this is merely an expensive fad, but the foodies have driven this forward and now there isn’t a supermarket alcohol aisle that doesn’t have a ‘craft’ section. The big brewers have all taken note and are now trying to muscle in on the scene. But no matter how they market their product, they won't be able to compete with the true craft brewer if the beer simply isn’t good enough.

There are hundreds of new independent breweries that have appeared in the UK in the last five years, all trying to make the best beer they can.

These have been supported and promoted by CAMRA, but only if they have adhered to CAMRA’s traditional brewing and packaging terms and conditions. Filter your beer, or carbonate it, or stick it in a keg, and they won't get behind it. However beer weeks such as ours will support brewers and beers from all over the world made by people with a passion, no matter how they package their beer.

I think the main feature of Nottingham Craft Beer Week 2016 will be how we promote the truly independent brewers and shine a light on the difference between true craft and the stuff made by the bigger boys who are keen to cash in on this new beer drinking trend. There will be chances to meet the brewers and to taste so many different beers. Then you can decide for yourself whether something is worth shelling out your hard-earned on.

Last year’s Craft Beer Week was a pleasantly surprising success, and we’re keen to take this to the next stage. Many people drank craft beer for the first time, many tried beers that they would never usually drink, and many new favourite beers were found. There are now even more craft beers being brewed in Nottingham, and this year we really want to shout about these too.

We hope you enjoy the week and that you discover something new, something fun and something that will make it harder for you to go back to drinking the ordinary and unexceptional.

Nigel Garlick Director, Junkbars

CONTENTS 6. So What Is Craft Beer?

15. Overheard In Notts Pubs

25. North By North West

7. Pick Of The Week

16. Leaders Of The Pack

29. Adventures In Europe

21. Food And Brewed

30. Top UK Beer Festivals

The owner of Beer Cavern attempts to define the indefinable

A special edition of the much-loved LeftLion feature

Our top tips for the week ahead

We look at some of our favourite beer packaging

9. Craft Beer Venues

Our guide to bars and pubs where you can get craft beer. Continues throughout the publication

Purecraft’s head chef talks food and beer pairing

23. Mikkeller Running Club

12. Meet The Brewers

We quiz the crafty guys on what makes them hoppy

Design & Photography Raphael Achache

A report on some favourite European beer holidays

After our week ends these other events are only a train ride away

Documenting the Danish maverick brewers’ exercise routine

CREDITS Editors Jared Wilson Shariff Ibrahim

A report on the buzzing scene developing in and around Manchester

Put together by

Contributors Andrew Smith Matt Hinton Nigel Garlick William France Paul McDermott

Photography Fabienne Burnett

#ncbw16

www.extended.agency Tweet us during the week

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So what is Craft Beer?

Matt Hinton, the owner of Beer Cavern, tries to unpick the true meaning of craft. . .

“What is craft beer?” It’s a question we hear often, particularly in the shop.

And it’s a difficult one to answer. To date, craft beer doesn't have a proper definition in the UK, so how do you explain it to someone in the absence of a definition? And how do you define the undefinable?

In the USA, breweries have forged a definition that is based around a brewery’s size, its independence and the use of traditional ingredients and brewing methods. So a brewery that has an annual output of more than 6 million barrels, and is more than 25% owned by an alcoholic drinks business that isn't a craft brewer, wouldn't be considered a craft brewery.

CRAFT BEER – DEFINING THE UNDEFINABLE We’re living in an age of revival in the beer scene.

Rule books are being ripped up and palates are becoming awakened as a new wave of brewers reinvent what we thought we knew about beer.

As organisers of Nottingham Craft Beer Week, we wanted to present our interpretation of what makes craft beer. We hope you agree. . .

Craft Beer...

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Is inclusive. While it doesn’t always conform to the rules of traditional real ale, it doesn’t exclude those rules either.

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Can be served in keg, cask, bottle or can.

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Is often unfined, unfiltered and unpasteurised. These beers are usually hazy – this is a good thing!

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Generally produced, sold and supported by independent breweries, distributors, wholesalers, bottle shops, bars and pubs.

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Doesn't compromise on ingredients or flavour.

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Looks to the future while respecting hundreds of years of tradition.

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Is brewed, sold and consumed by people with passion, who care about great beer and care where it’s brewed, who it’s brewed by, where it’s sold and of course how it tastes!

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Doesn't require an awesome beard, but it does act as a useful bib for when things get heavy.

This American definition simply wouldn’t work in the UK. Our biggest ‘craft’ brewer, BrewDog, currently produces only 220,000 Hectolitres (187,000 barrels). They’re currently in the final stages of expanding their operation to 1 million hectolitres, which is still only 852,000 barrels, leaving them some way to go before hitting the ceiling of the US definition of craft.

Many believe that in a country of our size, the 6 million barrel definition leaves far too much room for bandwagon-jumpers from the marketing departments of multinational conglomerates who might stick the words ‘craft beer’ on a product to cash in on the term.

Provided their output is less than 6 million barrels a year, they are less than 25% owned by an alcoholic drinks company that isn’t a craft brewer and the majority of their total volume derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients, they would still be considered a craft brewer by the US definition. But would the UK craft beer scene accept them as craft brewers?

This predicament came to the fore in December 2015 with AB InBev, the world’s largest brewery, acquiring a stake in Camden Town Brewery.

You may remember that Camden, BrewDog, Beavertown and Magic Rock were leading towards a UK definition

for craft beer (James Watt had been talking about the need for such a definition since 2012) by forming United Craft Brewers, and in late 2015 things seemed to be progressing nicely.

Then came the bombshell that Camden had sold out to AB InBev, and the craft community went into meltdown, with Twitter rants aplenty from both sides of the argument. James Watt took the opportunity to announce that BrewDog would not sell any more Camden beers as they “don't sell anything made by AB InBev.” Whatever your stance on the acquisition, it’s hard not to see a dilemma emerging in the UK whereby a brewery who sells a portion of their operation to a larger company (Camden still own 95% of their business so are still ‘craft’ by the US definition) can be struck off by large portions of the craft beer scene as having sold out. We find ourselves back to square one with the United Craft Brewers, whose membership is presumably one high profile brewery down, and whose website has disappeared.

So maybe now we need a definition more than ever, before craft beer does indeed become bastardised by the multinationals. With the merger of the world’s two largest breweries, AB InBev and SabMiller, looming, that threat seems ever more likely.

As a committee member of Nottingham Craft Beer Week, I was tasked with coming up with a definition of craft beer, as a useful guidepost for those people new to the scene. You can read this in the box on the left.

This is by no means a commercial definition and is a long way from absolute, but it stands as a starting point for those who are perhaps unsure about what makes craft beer, or a nod and a wink to those who maybe still hang on to the craft beer versus real ale argument. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

WHAT’s HOPPENING? Wondering where to get your drink on this Craft Beer Week? To make sure you make the most of your imbibing, we’ve picked the choicest events and venues, and bottled them up in this very easy reading guide…

Annie’s Street Party Annie’s Burger Shack Sat 2 July, 12pm Can’t wait for Craft Beer Week to start?

Annie’s Burger Shack and Ocean State Tavern are holding their annual street party to celebrate American Independence Day. The whole of Broadway will be rocking, as it welcomes an outdoor mobile bar offering craft keg beer and real ale, live music throughout the day, fun stalls, a burger buffet served from 12-4pm and much more. Reckon you’re a big eater? You can even test your belly’s mettle in Annie’s Deathray Burger Challenge. If the weather for American Independence Day turns out to be rather more British, head downstairs to the Ocean State Tavern, which has been handcrafted in the style of a Rhode Island portside bar, with a wide range of bottled beers from all over the world, as well as an ever-changing range of cask ales. Free

Spice of Thornbridge The Herbert Kilpin Tue 5 July, 6.30pm-8pm Get a bit of spice in your life during Craft Beer Week, as new pub The Herbert Kilpin teams up with Thornbridge brewery for a spicy food and beer tasting session. Sample five amazing Thornbridge beers (two in cask and three in keg) each beer paired with nicely spiced food.

Thornbridge’s Meghan Waites will take you through their beers and explain why they work with the food we have selected. Tickets are strictly limited to 30 people, so if you want to go down with friends, family or work colleagues, it’s best to book early! Get your tickets from The Herbert Kilpin and Junkyard next door or call 0115 9501758. £10

Comedy and Beers The Cross Keys Wed 6 July, 6pm Fancy a bit of a giggle during Craft Beer Week? Get your laughing gear around this event at city centre pub the Cross Keys. Their regular comedy night, Fowl Humour, is bringing a very special lineup of standup comedians, featuring local lad Patrick Draper and special guests. You can keep yourself well lubricated between laughs with plenty of craft beer on draught, including Navigation’s full NavBrew range.

Entry is £7 which includes a craft beer (or soft drink, of course), or opt for a tasty homemade burger for £14 (including a craft beer or soft drink). Food is served between 6-7pm, or if you’re just there for the comedy, pop down around 7pm for an 8pm start. £7-14

Luponic Distortion Purecraft Mon 4 July, 7pm What a way to kick off Craft Beer Week – Adrian Walker, Export Director at the award-winning Firestone Walker Brewing Company, is jetting all the way over from California to present new hop-driven brew Luponic Distortion. It’s all a bit revolutionary in terms of brewing, as every 90 days, Firestone’s brewing team mixes things up and chooses new experimental hops to use in their next release. You know which edition you’ve got by the number on the can. Adrian will be talking through the idea behind it, and leading a tasting and Q&A session. To make him feel at home, Purecraft's kitchen will also be laying on some very authentic food from the good ol’ US of A – the price of admission includes a can of Luponic Distortion, a portion of Key Lime pie and what they promise will be “very sexy” American Independence beef cheek chilli hot dogs with beer-battered onion rings. Hot diggity! £12.50

Black Iris and INFL Southbank City Tue 5 Jul If you were wondering what’s been going on over at the Approach in Friar Lane recently, we can tell you that owner Great Northern Inns has been having a bit of a refurb, including a rebranding as the Southbank Bar, Nottingham City (sister pub to the Southbank Bar on Trent Bridge).

Fear not, they’ll be back open again in time for Craft Beer Week, and have a belter of an event to kick things off on Tuesday 5 July. They’re hosting a night in conjunction with Black Iris Brewery and I'm Not From London (Nottingham's DIY gig promoter, record company and music publisher), featuring some amazing local bands and musicians, not to mention some amazing beers from Black Iris as well as their resident NavBrew selection. If you’ve been to INFL’s music events at the Navigation brewery, you’ll know what to expect. Great music and great beer, but now in a shiny new city centre venue! Free

Barrel Ageing Beer The Herbert Kilpin Wed 6 July, 6.30pm-8pm Black Iris and Junkyard have collaborated to come up with Nottingham’s first barrel aged beer, a honeyed dubbel aged in Girvan grain whisky barrels. And this Craft Beer Week, you’ll get the chance to sample it at the Herbert Kilpin. Give it a try both before and after barrel ageing, and drink alongside the beautiful Girvan whisky. Black Iris head brewer Alex Wilson will tell all about the process of barrel ageing, and the beer that went into the barrel, and Girvan’s Alwynne Gwilt (aka Miss Whisky) will be talking about Girvan and how beers and whiskies go so well together. This is going to be a corker, so as tickets are strictly limited to 30, we suggest getting in early! Get your tickets from The Herbert Kilpin and Junkyard next door or call 0115 9501758. £10

Craft Bottle Share Kraftwerks Tues 5 July, 7pm Sharing is caring, according to Kraftwerks and Brew Cavern. They’ve got together to put on the first Kraftwerks and Beer Cavern Bottle Share – an event introducing some special larger beer bottles to show that sharing beer isn’t just about having a cheeky swig of your mate’s bottle while they’ve popped to the bogs. All bottles will be 750ml and carefully selected by the organisers, with six from Mansfield Road micropub Kraftwerks, and half a dozen from bottle shop Brew Cavern. As well as introducing the concept of big bottle sharing, it’s also a chance to taste and appreciate some weird and wonderful beer styles, and discuss tasting notes with your pals round one of Kraftwerks’ old bierkeller benches (and maybe grab a pretzel to soak it all up). There’s a maximum of ten places available though, so make sure you don’t sleep on tickets! £20

Shiny Showcase The Kean’s Head Wed 6 July We like shiny things, especially Shiny beers, so we'll be all over the Shiny Showcase and Meet the Brewer event at the Kean's Head like magpies on tin foil. Shiny started life at the Furnace Inn in Derby, and have rapidly grown from a small outhouse brewing operation to become one of the most prominent craft producers and distributors in the Midlands. The beer list for the event is yet to be confirmed, but among their extensive range of beers are everything from the SIBA gold-winning Affinity bitter and Soleil saison, right up to the rocket fuel-like 7% West Coast IPA, Rocket. On the night, they'll be shining light on the very best that Shiny have to offer, including some exclusive one-off specials, and there'll be an opportunity to meet the brewer and talk with the guys who bring so much great beer to the Midlands and beyond. Free

Ilkley Tap Takeover Ocean State Tavern Wed 6 & Thu 7 July, 5pm Check out what Ilkley Brewery have to offer as they take over the Ocean State Tavern (the downstairs bar at Annie’s Burger Shack) for a tap takeover. Ilkley Brewery is one of Yorkshire’s finest, with some exceptional beers (no tat), so this is one not to be missed. They’ve picked up countless awards along the way for their beers, which include highlights like the Dinner Ale Victorian pale ale, Siberia rhubarb saison, Stout Mary oatmeal stout, The Chief American double IPA, Westwood white chocolate stout, and many more. On the Wednesday, there’s also the chance to indulge in one of Annie’s infamous burger buffets for just £10. There’s no need to book, just toddle down from 5pm – Wednesday’s burger buffet is served at 7pm. Free

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Runaway Tap Takeover The Ned Ludd Thu 7 July, 5pm The Runaway Brewery was founded in 2014 in Manchester by Mark and Darren, two old friends who came together to take on a new challenge – to join the movement to help modernise British beer and beer culture. As seasoned beer drinkers themselves, flavour and quality always come first at Runaway.

Now, they’re taking over the taps at the Ned Ludd in Friar Lane, so head down for a chance to get to know their range of craft ales, which includes IPA, pale ale, American brown ale and smoked porter, and maybe even a couple of seasonal specials too. Everything’s brewed by hand in small batches at their microbrewery in central Manchester, and the beer is unfiltered, unpasteurised and conditioned in keg and bottle to retain as much flavour as possible. Free

Omnipollo and To Øl The Kean’s Head Thu 7 & Fri 8 July Omnipollo, from Stockholm, and To Øl, brewing out of Copenhagen, are two of the most exciting and progressive breweries in Europe, both of whom are consistently producing weird, wonderful and delicious beers. And now the Kean’s Head are delighted to welcome both breweries for a special, oneoff Tap Takeover on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th July. The very fruity beer list includes To Øl’s Berry White, Hoppy Mondays, Tangerine Cream, Roses Are Brett and Mochaccino Messiah, and Omnipollo’s Fruit Tap #3 Sour Apricot, Ellis Mango Pils, Onda, Leon and Magic #3.5 Pineapple Gose. Free

Kraft Cavern Hopkinson Sat 9 July, 2pm Kraft Cavern is a collaborative craft beer event from Kraftwerks micropub and Brew Cavern, the bottle shop residing in Flying Horse Walk.

They’ll be taking over vintage treasure trove Hopkinsons on 21 Station Street (next to the train station). Expect ten keg beers from the likes of Stockholm’s Omnipollo, Copenhagen's Mikkeller, Belgium’s Rodenbach, Hudd’s Magic Rock and London’s Beavertown for your quaffing pleasure, as well as brewers from Magic Rock and Beavertown hanging about to have a chat. Not only that, but Smoqued will be parking up their 1973 Citroën H van outside to dish out all manner of posh street food (steak quesadillas, pigeon tostadas, monkfish tacos and the like), and they’ll have DJs spinning Afro-Cuban disco bangers till midnight. All very on-trend. Free

Meet Elusive Brewing The Canalhouse Thu 7 July, 6pm Despite their name, we’ve managed to track down Elusive Brewing’s whereabouts over Craft Beer Week – they’ll be running a Meet the Brewer and Tap Takeover event at the Canalhouse on the Thursday. Elusive Brewing is the brainchild of Andy Parker, awardwinning home brewer and all round good egg, who amazingly only established the 5 brewers’ barrel brewery earlier this year in Finchampstead, on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire. This will be the first time they’re bringing their beers to the city of Nottingham, and with interesting brews including their Cherrywood Road lightly smoked ruby mild, Starship Fleet English pale ale and Cherry Cola Imperial Milk Stout (oh, yes), we hope they’ll be coming back more often. Both cask and keg will be available, so pop along for a sample, and chat to Andy about his beer and plans for the future. Free

Meet the Brewers Hopology Thu 7 & Fri 8 July Venture a little further south from the city this Nottingham Craft Beer Week, and you’ll be treated to a couple of free Meet the Brewer events at the excellent Hopology bottle shop in West Bridgford. The first, on Thursday 7 July (6-7pm), will see John from Beeston Hop talk about the Beeston-based artisan brewery and their beers, such as the Sauvin Blanc wheat beer, Pieter Brown Belgian dubbel and Spring IPA, and maybe why he gave over 50% of his net profits last year to local refugee and homeless charities. Top man. Next up on Friday 8 July (4-6pm) is your chance to meet Andrea from the family-run, Loughboroughbased Charnwood Brewery. As well as their permanent Salvation golden beer and Vixen copper ale, Charnwood brew up two specials every month, and their bottled beers include the blonde lager-style Liska, an APA and IPA. Definitely worth making a slight detour for.

Free

Wild Card Tap Takeover The Ned Ludd Sat 9 July, 5pm East London-based Wild Card Brewery started as a hobby, but soon got out of hand – they now operate a 6 brewers’ barrel kit in Walthamstow, and have a firm reputation for no-nonsense, uncompromising beer. Head brewer Jaega Wise originally hails from Nottingham, and she’s now making a return trip to her home turf five years after leaving for the capital, and bringing a load of exciting beers with her for Nottingham Craft Beer Week. Head down to the Ned Ludd in the city centre for a Wild Card Brewery Tap Takeover, where you can expect to sample all sorts of Wild Card brews – these include the Jack of Clubs ruby ale, Queen of Diamonds IPA, King of Hearts blonde, and Ace of Spades London porter. Now that’s one heck of a hand… Free

Thornbridge Tap Takeover Embankment Pub & Kitchen Thu 7 July, 5pm Checked out the Embankment Pub & Kitchen yet? If not, there’s now another reason to toddle down to Trent Bridge, as the newly Castle Rock-owned historical pub in Jesse Boot’s former office and pharmacy is hosting a Thornbridge Brewery Tap Takeover slap bang in the middle of Nottingham Craft Beer Week.

Since starting out as a 10 barrel brewery in the grounds of Thornbridge Hall, Thornbridge have ballooned in size, moving to a very swanky modern new brewery and bottling line in Bakewell in 2009, but still retaining their traditional brewing values, mixed with a very modern and innovative twist. They’ll be showcasing a wide range of cask and keg for the takeover, so expect anything from their Huck double IPA to the Saint Petersburg imperial Russian stout, and everything in between (here’s hoping the Jaipur X Imperial IPA gets a runout too). Free

Fourpure Tap Takeover The Canalhouse Fri 8 July, 6pm Named after the four core ingredients needed to make beer (grain, yeast, hops and water), Fourpure Brewing Co. was founded in Bermondsey, London in 2013 by brothers Dan and Tom Lowe. And since then, they’ve been at the forefront of the beer scene in the capital – indeed, in 2014, they were the very first UK craft brewer to start canning their beers, seeing the benefits that cans can have on their contents (protection from light and a trusty seal, as well as the environmental aspect). They’ll be bringing up some favourites from their core range, which includes their Pils Lager, American IPA, Session IPA, IPA, Flatiron Red and Oatmeal Stout, along with some specials and seasonal beers for you to try. According to Fourpure, there may even be some free beer too, although they’re keeping schtum on what you may have to do in return…

Free

TryPA Crafty Crow 4 – 10 July Forget the referendum – this is the vote that really matters. Nottingham’s newest craft brewery, Pica Brewing (the craft arm of Magpie Brewery, based at Meadow Lane), are giving you the exclusive chance to not only try, but decide on, their next IPA. For the duration of Craft Beer Week, Crafty Crow (on the corner of Friar Lane, by Nottingham Castle) will be featuring four brand new IPAs from Pica to sample, and letting you vote for your favourite.

Votes will then be counted and the winning beer will be added to the Pica range along with Twisted Wheat wheat beer, Jester American pale ale and their delicious Oatmeal Stout. Yes, this is truly great responsibility, but forget your usual allegiances, or what’s the current flavour of the month, and try to vote on the best IPA for the people. Free

Meet Alphabet Brew Co Kraft Werks Thu 7 July, 8pm Founded in 2014, Alphabet Brewing Company are arguably the most creative brewery to come out of the exciting Manchester craft scene, with innovative brews like their Flat White breakfast stout, Canadian Chainsaw Massacre maple brown ale and Space Invader pink grapefruit and tarragon saison (even their labels are achingly cool). Now you can meet the brewers themselves, as ABC head down the M1 with beer in tow for a Meet the Brewer and Tap Takeover event at Kraft Werks. They’ll have some exclusive new brews for you to enjoy, from modern styles to reinterpretations of old ones, and you’ll get to meet the brewing team and ask them any burning beery questions too. Advance tickets cost £10, which includes six 1/3 pint tasters and a guided talk by the brewers in the price. Alternatively, just head down and pay on the evening. £10

Return to Lambicland Hopology Sat 9 July, 1pm Love lambics? Or don’t know your gueuze from your kriek? Get yourself down to the Hopology bottle shop in West Bridgford on Saturday lunchtime during Nottingham Craft Beer Week for their free European wild and sour beer tasting, Return to Lambicland.

Lambics are Belgian beers characterised by their distinctive dry flavour and sour aftertaste, brought about by spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts and bacteria that are native to the Zenne valley near Brussels.

They’re also hot property at the moment.

Hopology pride themselves on a range of Belgian beer that’s unparalleled in the East Midlands, comprising a quantity from some excellent small producers, so this is a great chance to get some expert lambic knowledge to show off to your mates. It’s a free hour-long event, just make sure you’re there for 1pm. Free

Crafty Menu Crafty Crow 4 – 10 July Beer and food go together like, well, beer and food. Make sure you’re well stocked on grub during Craft Beer Week at the Crafty Crow pub, who are putting on a perfectly paired menu of great British food, along with great British beer. Each dish will not only be made fresh using some fine craft beer, but also paired perfectly by the expert team with one of their exquisite craft beers, either from tap, bottle or can (check out our piece on beer and food pairing on p21 for more). With the regular food menu featuring everything from Magpie ale-braised beef cheeks to moules frites, you can bet there’ll be something tasty for everyone to tuck into. The Crafty Menu is being served 12-9pm every day throughout Craft Beer Week, so ideal for setting yourself up for a day or evening’s beer tasting.

Various prices

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BOILERMAKER

Brew Cavern

36 Carlton Street, NG1 1NN, 0115 958 7528

The Boilermaker experience is centred around kicking back, relaxing and enjoying the company you’re with. Humour them by ordering one of the quasi-funnily named, often strangely garnished cocktails, some wine or take a pick from the selection of craft beers available.

It’s all table service so sit back; ensure you waste your time as effectively as possible. Do your utmost to forget less vital information such as your PIN or what you just forgot to do before leaving the office.

Replace it with how to mix a Sazerac or the name of a brewery on the left coast.

9 Flying Horse Walk, NG1 2HN 07742355347

showcase their ability to incorporate various styles of beer into cocktail offerings. The winner’s drink will be available to order throughout July. boilermakerbar.co.uk /boilermakerbar @boilermakerbar @boilermaker36

BREWDOG

Located in the hustle and bustle of Hockley, they are perfectly situated for all your craft beer needs. As well as amazingly

brewcavern.co.uk /brewcavern @brewcavern @brewcavern

BUNKERS HILL

20-22 Broad Street, Nottingham NG1 3AL, 0115 9583613

Their Nottingham outpost is a total heaven for craft beer lovers, with eighteen taps boasting beers from around the world. Half of these are BrewDog’s own creations, the other half are selected from some of the best breweries in the world. On top of that stellar lineup, they have roughly thirty different guest bottles to choose from.

celebration of some of the most exciting craft beer in the world, with DJs and street food, and eight beers on tap from Mikkeller, Beavertown, Magic Rock and more.

For Craft Beer Week, Brew Cavern are teaming up with Kraft Werks to put on a pop-up craft beer bar at Hopkinson on Saturday 9 July. Kraft Cavern will be a

Cocktails are a large part of what they do, and they’ll be hosting a beer-oriented cocktail competition inviting bartenders from around the city to compete and

Hailing from Scotland, BrewDog are one of the most famous craft beer companies in the world, with dozens of bars both in the UK and as far afield as Barcelona, Hong Kong and São Paulo.

Brew Cavern is a craft beer bottle shop stocking more than 350 beers from the UK, Europe, USA, New Zealand and more. These include beers from Beavertown, Kernel, Siren, Buxton, Magic Rock, Mikkeller, To Øl, Omnipollo, Yeastie Boys and Evil Twin, to name a few. Their mission is to source hard to find beers from around the world, from the hoppiest IPAs to the most complex sours and lambics. The selection is constantly changing and evolving, so you can always find something new and exciting.

36-38 Hockley, Lace Market, NG1 1FP, 0115 910 0114

knowledgeable staff and awesome beers, they also have games for you to fill your time with. The Xbox seems to be a firm favourite. brewdog.com brewdog nottingham Twitter: @brewdognotts Instagram: @brewdognotts

The very recently refurbished (it just re-opened in early June) Bunkers Hill is a modern pub/bar sitting at the foot of Hockley. Often used as the first pub before a night out or the last pub on the way home, Bunkers has six cask ale taps as well as ten craft taps and a fridge with 40+ bottled and canned beers from the most innovative and fashionable brewers in the UK and USA. A new menu, and brand new kitchen boasting a range of sticky and dirty indulgence food such as burgers, wings, ribs and fries, complement the extensive beer range.

All ten craft taps and all five cask taps will feature beers from Magic Rock from Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 July.

bunkershillnottingham.co.uk /bunkershill @thebunkershill @thebunkershill

To celebrate Craft Beer Week, Huddersfieldbased brewers Magic Rock Brewing Co. are taking over the pub for the entire week!

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THE CANALHOUSE 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH 0115 958 7528

Situated inside a historic canalside location at the old British Waterway building (definitely the only pub we know with its own indoor canal and bridge), The Canalhouse boasts a beer selection to suit all tastes. From traditional German lagers to bold and expressive new-wave IPAs, they stock more than 250 bottled beers, with ten keg taps and six casks, meaning there’s always something for everyone.

27-33 Market Street, NG1 6HX, 0115 985 9304

The Canalhouse are hosting a range of events for Craft Beer Week including a Meet the Brewer and Tap Takeover with Elusive Brewing (Thurs 7 July) and a Tap Takeover with London’s Fourpure Brewing Co (Fri 8 July). Check pages 6-8 for all the details.

thecanalhouse.co.uk

Outside, the expansive beer garden will be the place to be during Nottingham Craft Beer Week; a beery sun-kissed oasis by the waterside – what more could you want?

Well, that’s presuming there will be some sun.

/canalhousebar @canalhousebar @canalhousebar

102 Friar Lane, NG1 6EB, 0115 8371992

Throughout Craft Beer Week, get an exclusive chance to not only try, but decide which will be the next beer in the range from Pica Brewing, with four new IPAs to try then vote for your favourite to join the lineup.

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The third cafe and bar in the Copper brand in Nottingham (after Mapperley Park and West Bridgford), is located in the heart of Nottingham city centre, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and a full evening menu.

Don’t forget their amazing bar fully stocked with craft beers, cask ales and speciality cocktails. Copper City provides a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy superb food and drinks with friends, in an amazing building, lovingly restored back to 1930s glory. They’re in the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast and lunch during the daytime, pre-theatre dining or an evening out with friends.

During Craft Beer Week, they’ll have live music from Steve McGill (7 July) as well as a bottomless cocktails deal (10 July). Beerwise you’ll find the whole host of NavBrew craft beers on the bar all week, as well as some special unique bottled beers, brought to you from Brew Cavern.

coppercafe.co.uk /coppercafecity @coppercafenottm

THE CROSS KEYS

CRAFTY CROW

Nestled in the shadow of Nottingham Castle, the Crafty Crow offers the very best of British independent products.

Specialising in beer, and featuring an impressive fourteen craft beer taps which emerge from a retired Grundy conditioning tank, along with ten real ale hand pulls, they offer an ever-changing selection of beers from some of the best and most exciting brewers across the country.

Copper CITY

15 Byard Lane, NG1 2GJ, 0115 941 7898

They’ll also be offering a Crafty Menu of Great British traditional bar food sourced from the local area, paired with Great British beer. Each dish will be not only cooked with, but paired perfectly with exquisite craft beers.

craftycrownotts.co.uk Facebook: /craftycrow Twitter: @crafty_crow Instagram: @crafty_crow

Steeped in hundreds of years of history and renovated to the highest standards, one of Nottingham's finest pub gems is back to its former glory. The Cross Keys offers a fantastic range of quality beers, including seven hand-pulled real ales, craft beers and a fine selection of wines.

The food menu is essentially British-based with an extensive breakfast selection as well as light bites, homemade pub snacks and a delicious choice of evening meals.

And there’s a beer garden that’s perfect for sitting and watching the world go by.

For Craft Beer Week, they’re putting on a special edition of their Fowl Humour comedy night on Wednesday 6, with local comedian Patrick Draper and special guests. £7 entry with a beer or soft drink, or £14

with a burger too. They’ll also have the whole host of NavBrew craft beers on all week – including English Rebel Pilsner, Ghost Rider Unfiltered Pale, American Saviour IPA and Twisted Genius Dark.

crosskeysnottingham.co.uk /thecrosskeysnottingham @crosskeysnottm

Doctors ORDERS 351 Mansfield Road, NG5 2DA, 0115 960 7985

Set in a former pharmacy, and styled on a Victorian apothecary, Doctor’s Orders is a cosy micro-pub (Nottingham’s first, in fact) on Mansfield Road, Carrington, that boasts all things crafted. There’s real ale from Magpie brewery and many more, craft bottles and cans, and real cider and wine, all supplied by local independent producers.

Complemented by traditional bar snacks (the local pork pies – and ‘vork’ pies – and Scotch eggs are very popular), this is the place to be for good beer and good conversation, with no distractions from games machines, TVs or music. You don’t even need to get up for a top up – it’s all table service!

THE EMBANKMENT 282-284 Arkwright Street, NG2 2GR 0115 986 4502

Pop by over Craft Beer Week to check out the beer range and enjoy a peaceful pint, and stock up on a selection of craft bottles and cans to take away.

doctorsordersmicropub.co.uk /domicropub @domicropub

Spanning three floors, this stunning Tudorstyle building houses many rooms. Among them are the Dispensary, a real ale, craft beer and high-end spirit bar, with a nod to the medicinal history of the building, and the aptly named Arkwright Room, which is used as a restaurant serving up delicious home cooked food.

Upstairs there are two function rooms available for hire. Jesse Boot’s former office is complete with the original stained glass windows and a gallery view over the main room of the building. And the Lord Trent Room has been lovingly restored to its former glory with a 1920s art deco style, with endless potential for any event.

Make sure you check out the Thornbridge Brewery Tap Takeover at the Embankment on Thursday 5 July for Craft Beer Week, where the Derbyshire-based brewery will be showcasing a range of cask and keg. castlerockbrewery.co.uk /theembankmentpub @embankmentnottm @embankmentpub

MEET THE BREWers

interviews: Shariff Ibrahim

With craft breweries cropping up in Notts like a particularly ferocious strain of hops, we thought it would be a good idea to get to know the guys who actually create your favourite local craft brews. So we quizzed the brewers from Pica (Magpie), Totally Brewed, Black Iris, Neon Raptor, Navigation and Traffic Street (Castle Rock) on all things crafty…

Nick Keith Development Brewer Magpie Brewery

Robert Witt Head Brewer Totally Brewed

Alex Wilson Brewer Black Iris

Started brewing: In my student kitchen in Derby Road, Lenton. Magpie gave me my first opportunity in a commercial brewery and Pica provided me the chance to develop craft recipes.

Started brewing: Two years ago in Nottingham.

Started brewing: In 2011 in a tiny rented brewery behind the infamous Flowerpot pub in Derby. Then in late 2014 we got our act together and moved to a brand new custom brewery in Basford, Nottingham. Since then we’ve expanded production and diversified our beer range and launched our keg beers for the first time.

Beer inspiration: BrewDog. Education about beer and the brewing process was at the heart of their marketing. I also admire the Wild Beer Co for their ambitious exploration of flavour.

Proudest beer moment: Brewing Twisted Wheat. I believe the concept is original, and the first batch had a flavour profile that was pretty much exactly as intended, which is surprisingly rare when creating new beers!

Thoughts on craft scene: It’s a flourishing community, but I feel the on-trade is slightly lagging behind with regards to craft keg. I hope more bars can have the confidence to move away from mainstream products, so more people have the opportunity to get hooked on exploring flavour in beer.

Craft trend predictions: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle seems to be a huge thing at the moment, and personally, I love running. I can imagine many more beers approaching the moderation trend, such as a rise in gluten-free or low alcohol beers.

Favourite beer style: I love big Belgian Trappist beers. Trappiste Rochefort 10, a quadruple, is possibly my favourite beer ever. I would also like to make a special mention of Weihenstaphaner Hefeweissbier.

Guilty drinking pleasure: I have been known to have a mass-produced beer while at Nottingham Arena. I’m yet to learn how to smuggle craft cans past security there…

Hot tip for NCBW: The Crafty Crow is running a battle of the IPAs. They would love to hear your feedback on the beers, and the most popular will become a regular feature for Pica Brewing. magpiebrewery.com 12

Beer inspiration: The wave of American IPAs a few years back really floated my boat. Before that, I was quite traditional.

Proudest beer moment: Our trademark IPA, The 4 Hopmen of the Apocalypse (5.2%).

It won me a homebrew competition prize before I turned pro, and then won us a Midlands Gold in our first six months.

Secret to brewing: Passion!

Thoughts on craft scene: It’s growing and it’s good fun. But it’s very regional at the moment and some markets need to grow a bit more to make it more of a decent commercial outlet for us.

Craft trend predictions: I think it might swing back around to getting flavours from yeast strains again or, more short-term, finding other flavour ingredients than hops.

Favourite beer style: It varies on the size of the moon. I'm not too into sours, but dark complex beers through to ultra-hop monsters are my thing.

Guilty drinking pleasure: Jack Daniel’s and Coke. For when you’re beered out.

Hot tip for NCBW: The Black Iris boys have got a lot of new brews organised this year, which I’m really looking forward to checking out. totallybrewed.com

Beer inspiration: Wild Beer Co are one of my all-time favourites. Their innovation is fantastic but backed up with incredible drinkability. But recently I've also been very keen on beers from Chorlton Brewery.

Proudest beer moment: Personally, I'm most proud of our Rise and Shine Coffee Milk Stout. I love dark beer and this one uses coffee from our friends down at Delilah Deli in town. It also won us a bronze in the Speciality Beers category at the SIBA Midlands Beer competition!

Secret to brewing: Balance. Being able to think big but also deliver on drinkability, which I think is a fine art.

Thoughts on craft scene: It's just a great place to be. Recently, I was up in Berwick in a tiny micropub drinking Cantillon in the sun, which a few years ago would have been much less likely. Availability and knowledge have gone a long way.

Favourite beer style: I have a massive fondness for sour beer, hence my particular love of Wild and Chorlton. Black IPA is another favourite and I love the combination of bitter hops with sweeter malts.

Guilty drinking pleasure: Strongbow.

Hot tip for NCBW: The Kean’s Head is a no-brainer! I'm also really excited about the Kraft Cavern collabo pop-up! facebook.com/blackiris.brewery

Gavin Drummond and Adam Henderson Founders/Head Brewers Neon Raptor Brewing Company

Dom Flynn Head Brewer Navigation Brewery

Dan Gilliland Developmental Brewer Castle Rock Brewery/Traffic Street Specials

Started brewing: We started out with homebrew kits, and after two or three goes we decided we needed to do it properly. We bought some basic equipment and raw ingredients and brewed up our own creations on a gas hob in the kitchen. Then we found a host who allowed us to ‘cuckoo’ brew on their kit.

Started brewing: I started out brewing at Kelham Island Brewery about 12 years ago. I’d worked there while at university part time, but I’ve been full time in the industry since 2004.

Started brewing: I started working at the brewery tap, The Vat and Fiddle, in November 2009 and then the brewery in March 2011, before transitioning fully into the brewery and brewing the core range beers. Then alongside that in late 2013 I started work on the Traffic Streets.

Beer inspiration: Beer-wise, Victory at Sea by Ballast point and All Day IPA by Founders. As for breweries, Stone, Green Flash, Founders, BrewDog, Hill Farmstead, 3 Floyds and Omnipollo. Also Alpha State down in Kent – their Mosaic DIPA is to die for!

Proudest beer moment: We are most proud of Endangered, our bourbon, oak and vanilla porter. It was the first beer we ever made and made us both decide we wanted to start brewing for real!

Secret to brewing: To have a passion for your product and an attitude that only the best is acceptable.

Thoughts on craft scene: Really exciting! There are loads of great breweries popping up all around the country and the quality of each one is just driving up the standards across the board.

Beer inspiration: Oakham JHB and Hopback Summer Lightning.

Proudest beer moment: Creating a genuine craft lager [English Rebel] that we sterile filter and keg onsite was by far and away the most challenging. It probably takes double the amount of labour of any other beer.

Secret to brewing: Every day I look at getting our products more efficient and ways to analyse the methods of brewing to create consistent beer. On top of that, cleaning.

Thoughts on craft scene: It’s flourishing, mainly down to sales of real ale. If the keg market ends up like cask market with lots of bars taking notice and replacing bland beers with craft keg, that would be fantastic.

Craft trend predictions: Craft brewers might start going back to basics and really try and bring some love back to old favourites such as red ales and lagers.

Craft trend predictions: I think the super-hoppy beers will always have mass appeal and I love them, but I also really like beers that don’t rely on hops to create flavour, using malt, herbs and fruit. Also new age milds, but I don’t think any hipster brewery are going to rush to put the word ‘mild’ on their beer fonts!

Favourite beer style: Barrel-aged Imperial stouts. The roastiness of the dark malts and the deep complex flavours, matched with the thick body and the use of coffee or cocoa nibs produces delicious results!

Favourite beer style: I’m not a fan of sours, but that aside I like all sorts. I think beers suit situations. So IPAs with a curry, lager at the football, a bitter in a country pub with a Sunday roast. . .

Guilty drinking pleasure: Gav: As with anyone born in Scotland, I have a soft spot for Tennent’s Lager. . . .

Adam: I’m going to go one step further and say Tennent’s Super Lager! Seriously.

Guilty drinking pleasure: I love cocktails!

Hot tip for NCBW: Kraft Werks! They always have hard to find drinks on tap as well as an unbelievable selection of craft beer cans and bottles from around the world. neonraptorbrewingco.com

Hot tip for NCBW: The Approach is getting a refurb as Southbank bar on Tuesday 5 July, and will be hosting a night in conjunction with Black Iris Brewery and I'm Not From London, featuring some amazing local bands and musicians (and beers). navigationbrewery.com

Beer inspiration: At the Vat and Fiddle, we got a 9-gallon barrel of Paradox 10% imperial stout from BrewDog. It flipped everything on its head and turned mild-mannered regulars into spectacles of entertainment for all the other punters.

Proudest beer moment: Experimenting with different and new techniques is always the most gratifying part of the job. The Guns of Navarone was the biggest challenge; it was double mashed and our brewhouse just isn't set up for that kind of thing. It was the first time they let me loose on the big 40 barrel kit so I thought we had to do something special.

Secret to brewing: An awesome beard?

Thoughts on craft scene: It's buzzing. It's not a revolution because revolutions are normally violent, instead it just seems to have a sense of natural relief about it, in that finally there's an alternative option to the products provided by big businesses.

Craft trend predictions: I'm waiting for all the barrel ageing programmes to hit the taps and shelves, and dessert beers are looking hot. The word ‘Crask’ has been bandied about a fair bit too. Post-modern cask anyone?

Favourite beer style: All of them! Because beer is ace.

Guilty drinking pleasure: Evian.

Hot tip for NCBW: We’ll have a tent at the Kean's Head for the duration. That place is awesome, and what they've got on beer-wise over the week is unbelievable. castlerockbrewery.co.uk

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THE HERBERT KILPIN

126 Melton Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6EP, 0115 9816346

10 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2FZ

Opened in June 2016, this pioneering new public house serves five cask and ten keg lines, as well as a full menu all day long specialising in feelgood food. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with their sister pub Junkyard, they share a front and back yard but a different ethos and feel.

It’s comfortable, relaxed, informal and familiar with a classic style but very much a contemporary feel. Their friendly and informative staff have a real focus on serving fantastic products and supporting independent suppliers.

HOPOLOGY

Thornbridge beers and spicy food with Thornbridge’s Meghan White on Tuesday 5. On Wednesday 6, you’ll get the chance to sample the new Girvan whisky barrel aged tripel beer from Black Iris, and meet head brewer Alex Wilson and Girvan’s own Miss Whisky Alwynne Gwilt.

thekilpin.co.uk @thekilpin

During Craft Beer Week, The Herbert Kilpin will be hosting tutored food pairings of

Hopology are an independent beer shop specialising in bottled and canned beer from small breweries (winner of the Off Licence News Midlands Region independent beer retailer, no less). They stock a large range of local beers in their shop in West Bridgford, but their real speciality is Belgian and Dutch beer – they always stock more than 100 different ones, including a number of rarities from some excellent small producers.

6pm), meet Andrea from the family-run, Loughborough-based Charnwood Brewery.

On the Saturday (1pm), they will also be reprising their free European wild and sour beer tasting, Return to Lambicland, so plenty of excuses to pop down.

During Craft Beer Week, Hopology are holding two Meet the Brewer events. The first, on Thursday 7 July (6-7pm), will see John from Beeston Hop talk about the Beeston-based artisan brewery and their beers. Then, on Friday 8 July (4-

hopology.uk /hopologybeershop @hopologybeer

SPECIAL EVENTS in The Ocean State Tavern at ANNIE’S BURGER SHACK Saturday 2nd July - Annie’s Annual Street Party to celebrate Independence Day (4th July) starts at Midday till late – Live music, stalls, burger buffet, The return of Deathray challenge!

Plus we have an outdoor mobile bar for the day offering craft beer in the sunshine.

Sunday 3rd July - Sunday Live Music Session - Lady Rose & her line up Including Rob Green, from 6.30pm in the Tavern.

Tuesday 5th July - Annie’s weekly Quiz - A beer based topic, 7:30pm for 8pm start in the Ocean State Tavern.

Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th July - Tap takeover in the Ocean Wednesd State Tavern by the popular Yorkshire based Ilkley Brewery from 5pm - 11pm. Also on wednesday please join us for an Annie’s Ocean State burger buffet meal at 7pm for just £10.

Here in the historic Lace Market of Nottingham, we are proud to show off our wonderful selection of craft keg and bottled beers throughout the Nottingham Craft Beer Week.

During the week we will be hosting 1 of Black Iris’s 6 special beers in collaboration with 5 other venues.

We are also featuring craft keg beer from Kernel, Beavertown, Odessy, Howling Hops, Adnams, Thornbridge, Shiny, Pica & Annie’s Own Special Summer Keg (Oakham Ales). Special offer 10% off our craft bottles. - Also available to purchase for take away with 20% off. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Cheers, from Annie and her team. www.anniesburgershack.com 5 Broadway, NG1 1PR B

JUNKYARD

KEAN’S HEAD

12 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2FZ, 0115 950 1758

46 St Mary’s Gate, Lace Market, NG11QA, 01159 474052

Junkyard Bottle Shop and Pour House combines the laidback feel of a North Californian bar and eatery with a specialist craft beer shop. Nestled in Bridlesmith Walk, just off Fletcher Gate, they’re open from 10am until 1am serving coffee and teas, freshly prepared food all day and a truly amazing range of craft beers, wines and cocktails.

During Craft Beer Week, Junkyard will have loads of their brewer friends dropping by and mini tap takeovers here, there and everywhere.

As a bottle shop and pour house, all their offerings are available to take out as well as drink in. A true neighbourhood bar with a hidden backyard oasis in the heart of the city centre. With possibly the most eclectic list of keg beers ever, look out for their ‘Something Else’ evenings, where they serve up the most outrageous beers ever brewed.

junkbars.com

It offers a choice of six traditional cask conditioned ales, two traditional ciders, eight regular keg products, ten dedicated craft and world beer lines and more than 100 bottled beers, as well as one of the largest spirit selections in the city centre.

With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff, The Kean’s Head is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a drink.

/junkyardnottingham @jydpoho

able? miser o s k o lo le! o you m miserab d y h a I :W Man 1 I'm British. : 2 n Ma

"You know there's good beer and ba d beer?

Well, have you go t any good beers? "

“Got any of those lagers? Like Guinness?”

r “Do you have any other kinds of cide except for apple and pear?”

"I can't stand any of this craft shit, have you got any Beavertown?"

went to Leicester “Was that the night we at was a great and your wife cried? Th night, wasn’t it?”

“Do you have any Ca “It's Can tillon ma n-till-i-on?” te.”

“I can’t believe that you’ve just bou ght a coffee. It doesn’t even get you dru nk!”

"I don’t like beer, I only like lager."

Situated opposite the imposing St Mary’s church, in the historic and now culturally vibrant Lace Market, is the small, but perfectly formed, Kean’s Head (taking its name from the renowned 18th/19th Century Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean).

“Last time I went to give blood, they told me I didn’t have enough left. Where’s my blood gone?”

Look out for some exciting events on over Craft Beer Week, including a Shiny Brewing Showcase and Meet the Brewer on Wed 6 July and the Omnipollo and To Øl Tap Takeover on Thu 7 and Fri 8 July, and a Buxton Brewery Meet the Brewer on Sat 9 July.

castlerockbrewery.co.uk /keans.head @keanshead

“How do you pron ounce Gueuze?”

“Gueuze.”

“Got anything th at's not too strong ? Like 4.2 rather than 4.

9.”

A crawl tonight.

“We’re doing the CAMR and a pint of lager, Two whiskies with coke please.”

“I think I’m going to give up water for Lent.”

h ve slept wit very girl I’ e r fo id u q “If I had a 50.” the balls and bust I’d have £7.

“I went to punch him in my knuckle.”

“Can you pour me another one? I don’t like that white stuff on top.”

Read Overheard In Notts each month in LeftLion Magazine or online at leftlion.co.uk/overheard 15

LEADERS OF THE PACK

words: Shariff Ibrahim

The debate over what’s the better packaging material out of bottles and cans may rage on, but one thing brewers can definitely agree on is that a funky label is a must. We’ve picked out a few of our all-time favourite bits of craft beer packaging for you to peruse. . .

Beavertown Brewery

Skulls, spacemen and ‘saucers all feature in probably our favourite colourful craft cans of recent years from North London’s Beavertown. We love the very Illuminati-esque stylings of the Neck Oil Session IPA, and psychedelic skull emblazoned on the Bloody ‘Ell Blood Orange IPA, but the classic Gamma Ray design might just pip it with its Martian ray-gun battle scenes. Top work, Nick Dwyer.

Mad Hatter Brewing Co

Have Liverpool’s Mad Hatter Brewing Co gone mad?

Yep, we’re afraid so, they’re entirely bonkers, but the best craft beer and labels always are. Based on characters from Alice in Wonderland, their awesomely bold Mad Hatter and White Rabbit illustrations just scream ‘Drink Me’. A few favourite bottle labels include the Cascara Cooler sour ale, Krampus dunkelweizen and Fattest Stout.

beavertownbrewery.co.uk

madhatterbrewing.co.uk

Evil Twin Brewing

The Danes certainly have a knack for cool design, and that especially goes for Evil Twin Brewing’s packaging.

A combination of bold typeface and colourful geometric patterns make these labels particularly striking, especially on the larger 750ml sharing size bottles. We’ve picked out the Lil’ B Imperial porter, limited edition Femme Fatale Kabosu Brett IPA, and Ron and the Beast Ryan for particular mention. eviltwin.dk

16

Bottles and cans kindly supplied by Kraft Werks and Brew Cavern.

Wild Card Brewery

Pick a card, any card. We can’t, as we love the whole range from East London brewery Wild Card. The beer bottle labels for the Jack of Clubs ruby ale, Queen of Diamonds IPA, King of Hearts blonde, and Ace of Spades London porter all combine playing cards with beautifully intricate portraits of birds for a classic design. wildcardbrewery.co.uk

Weird Beard Brew Co

At a glance, West London brewer Weird Beard Brew Co’s dark labels and font look quite traditional in style, until you clock the grimacing hop-eyed skulls dresses up in gothic/ voodoo/ steampunk-y garb at the bottom. We’ve picked out the Sorachi Faceplate India Pale Ale and Decadence Stout as two of our favourites from the range.

Spooky! weirdbeardbrewco.com

Mikkeller

Maths and physics teachers aren’t renowned for their coolness, but former Danish educator Mikkel Borg Bjergsø has one of the coolest breweries going. And the labels for his bottles and cans are just as innovative as his cutting edge brews. Want to move like Jagger? The Henry Jagger APA is for you. We particularly like the fruity patterns on the cans of Hallo ich bin Berliner Weisse. mikkeller.dk

17

KING WILLIAM IV Eyre St, NG2 4PB, 0115 958 9864

Known locally as ‘The King Billy’, this is a completely independent, family-run pub on the edge of Hockley. Best known for their ever-changing selection of ten real ales, they’ve recently added seven real ciders, four craft taps and a range of specialist bottles and cans.

A small but satisfying choice of hot and cold cobs, homemade sausage rolls (vegetarian option available) and pork pies round out the menu. A community pub since the 1830s, the traditional bar area has been expanded with a secluded roof garden, a pool room where you can play your own music, and a comfortable new lounge exhibiting a local photographer’s work.

513 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, NG5 2JL, 0115 837 3090

If conversation fails, there’re games ranging from darts and shove ha’penny to Pandemic and Netrunner. The King Billy is dog-friendly, to the point of having a wall decorated with photos of canine regulars.

Live music lovers should visit on Thursday nights, when an Irish folk session takes over the main bar. thekingbilly.co.uk /thekingbillynottingham @thekingbillypub @thekingbillypub

LION AT BASFORD

Every day, you’ll find eleven cask ales, five draught craft beers and more than forty bottles and cans from around the world on offer. The huge beer garden is a big hit in the summer months, and its close proximity to Shipstone Street tram stop makes the pub extremely accessible from the city centre.

18

Kraft Werks bottle shop stocks more than 400 specialist craft beers from around the world, available to drink in and take out.

From beers brewed by monks for centuries to hipster IPAs from East London or New York, from thigh slapping traditional German lagers to saisons and stouts, their expert staff can help you find your favourite tipple or explore something new.

As well as some banging rare beers, throughout Craft Beer Week, there are some great events on at Kraft Werks. On Tuesday 5 July, they’re teaming up with Brew Cavern to host an evening of bottle sharing to introduce the concept of a big 750ml bottle share.

On Wednesday 6, there will be an introduction to yeast, hosted by Mike James from Landlocked Brewery, and on Thursday 7, Manchester’s Alphabet Brew Co rock up for a Tap Takeover. There are limited tickets for each, so find out more on pages 7-8.

kraft-werks.com kraft werks nottingham @kraftwerksnotts @kraftwerksnotts

NED LUDD 27 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DA, 0115 924 3415

44 Mosley Street, New Basford, NG7 7FQ, 0115 970 3506

Located in the shadow of the old Star Brewery, The Lion at Basford is a renowned real ale and craft beer pub sat just yards from Black Iris Brewery and surrounded by a rich brewing heritage. The pub is now just as famous for live music and burgers as it is for beer.

KRAFT WERKS

During Craft Beer Week, The Lion at Basford will be introducing a food menu that matches all their burgers and hot dogs with a different craft beer. thelionatbasford.co.uk /thelionatbasford @thelionbasford @thelionbasford

The Ned Ludd is a modern but cosy city centre pub specialising in craft beers, real ales and freshly-prepared British cuisine.

Being part of the Nottingham Brewery family, you will naturally find a selection of their cask beers on the bar.

Up to fourteen ever-changing keg lines and four cask ales are always available, with a significant range of quality beer styles from many UK and international breweries. They also stock an impressive selection of canned and bottled beers, lagers and ciders. Look out for regular craft beer events, such as tasting sessions and Tap Takeover evenings – and make sure you try some of the many beer-inspired items on the food menu.

For Craft Beer Week, they are welcoming Runaway Brewery for a Tap Takeover on Thursday 7 July, and London-based Wild Card Brewery are returning to their home turf for a Tap Takeover on Saturday 9 July.

See page 7-8 for more details. thenedludd.co.uk /the nedludd @nedluddnottm

20

Food and Brewed

words: Andrew Smith

Pairing food with beer is about more than just getting a manky kebab after a pint. Andrew Smith, former Restaurant Sat Bains chef and now head chef at Purecraft (the new Nottingham bar from the guys at Purity Brewing), is on a mission to show that great beer and great food go hand in hand. Here he tells us how he’s learned to pair beer with food, and how not to burn your beans…

When I was approached to create a beer and food pairing menu for Purecraft, the first thing that came into my head was my trip to Australia four years ago.

Yes, I know when we think of beer and Australia it’s Foster’s that comes to mind, but you won’t find anyone drinking that there. While industrial lagers remain the dominant force, the country has been enjoying a craft beer revolution, particularly in Melbourne where I spent most of my time.

It was there where my eyes were really opened up to the many amazing beers now available and how well food could work with it or even in it. Without a doubt, the particular highlight and still best meal I have ever eaten was at the ‘Gypsy and the Goat’ night, a dinner featuring beers from Melbourne brewery Mountain Goat and special guest, ice cool Danish brewer Mikkeller. It was five courses featuring two beers with each course, all served by waiters in matching Communist-era clothing, taking instructions from a cigar-chomping bearded man on a platform overhead, while we sat at a table set up for the night in the middle of the brewery floor.

It wasn’t until the job at Purecraft came up that I really had the opportunity to do something with beer and food. In the four years since returning from Australia, I have played around with a few ideas but nothing like now. I have been amazed at how much you can do with beer; it’s pretty exciting.

While writing the menu, there was a lot of experimentation and, believe me, a lot of things went wrong. We all know that beer batters work and everyone likes a good steak and ale pie, but I wanted to do more than that and see where we could go with it. From my limited beer knowledge at the time, I always knew a few simple things such as taking beers over certain temperatures can ruin them, an example of that being the Purity Saddle Black beans we have on the menu.

When I first tried them, I added the beer quite early and by the end of the cooking process they ended up very bitter and not very pleasant, so in the end we take the beans further than normal so they are a touch drier then add the beer right at the end of the cooking process. It works amazingly, and the beer tastes great.

Bitterness in beers I would say is the biggest problem.

I tried to make a panna cotta out of Cascade hops, and it was possibly the worse thing I have ever made. I’ve since read that by somehow capturing the steam from hops you can use them in cooking. I am just waiting on my call back from Sat Bains as to when I can use his test kitchen!

Beer does not just need to be cooked into things for it to work. We do a lot of brining here, whether it be pork belly, chicken or my standout dish, the sea trout. I have always loved cured sea trout and, done this way, it’s great.

From the moment I tried Purity Longhorn, it was always my favourite of their beers – an amazing citrus and tropical fruit-flavoured IPA. It was when scrolling through Instagram that I saw a chef curing salmon in passionfruit and lime. Visually, it looked incredible (filters do help…), but straight away I thought of the sea trout dish: Longhorn-cured sea trout, passionfruit, avocado, crispy shallots. I have to say it works incredibly well and we have had some great feedback on it.

As a chef, you are forever learning, and with all the beers around now, I will never stop learning. There are lots that we are trying and we will get to showcase them at a number of upcoming events. The standout one for anyone wanting to know more about beer and food pairing and tasting will be on 30 June. We are preparing a six course tasting menu using all six of the Purity beers across the courses. If you can make it down, it would be great to see you on the night!

Purecraft, 13 St Peters Gate NG1 2JF, 0115 934 9040.

Check out the menu

We all know that beer batters work and everyone likes a good steak and ale pie, but I wanted to do more than that and see where we could go with it.

Fancy checking out Andrew’s food and beer pairings? Book yourself onto Purecraft’s Beer and Food Pairing Menu event on Thursday 30 June, 7pm, £30 per head. Here’s the menu to whet your appetite…

•

Caramelised onion and UBU broth, Old Winchester croute, - served with Purity UBU (4.5%, IBU 36)

•

Chicken liver parfait, spice plums, Lawless brioche – served with Purity Lawless (4.5%, IBU 36)

•

Longhorn and passionfruit cured sea trout, avocado, crispy onions – served with Purity Longhorn (5%, IBU 55)

•

Mad Goose brined pork belly, charred gem, black pudding, apple – served with Purity Mad Goose (4.2%, IBU 48)

•

Panna cotta, spent grain caramel, Pure Gold shortbread – served with Purity Pure Gold (3.8%, IBU 42)

•

Local cheeses, Saddle Black chutney, crackers, honey dates – served with Purity Saddle Black (5.1%, IBU 41)

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REFRESHING

*in our approach UNDERSTANDING YOU, FIRST...

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*

Mikkeller Running Club a drinking club with a running problem

Running and beer. Not two pastimes that necessarily go hand in hand. Or so you might think. Matt Hinton from Brew Cavern looks at the history of the Mikkeller Running Club, the founder’s rivalry with his ‘evil twin’, and how it inspired him to start his own club in Nottingham…

If you're even remotely interested in craft beer, you’ll have heard of Mikkeller, the gypsy brewing phenomenon that sprung out of Copenhagen in the mid 2000s and is now a worldwide brand with bars in Iceland, San Francisco, Singapore and Bangkok, to name a few.

What you might not know is that brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergsø first discovered craft beer while studying for an athletics scholarship at Kansas State University. You could say running is as much a part of his DNA as craft beer.

Upon returning to Copenhagen, he discovered a craft brewing revolution taking hold. His twin brother Jeppe, who had also recently returned from an athletics scholarship in the USA, had started a beer club where, together with several friends, they’d share the most interesting beers they could find.

In 2005, Jeppe opened a bottle shop called Olbutikken which became popular with the serious tickers of the Copenhagen beer scene. Around this time Mikkel, who by now worked as a science teacher, started home brewing in his kitchen with an old running pal, Kristian Keller.

One of their early creations was Beer Geek Breakfast, an oatmeal stout brewed with French press coffee. Jeppe agreed to stock it and it was an instant hit.

The twins had a successful relationship built around an agreement that Mikkel would brew beer and Jeppe would sell it. For some time, this worked well. Mikkeller beers attracted people to the shop, which acted as the perfect outlet. Then in 2010, Mikkel decided to open the first Mikkeller bar in Copenhagen. This didn’t go down well with Jeppe, who felt the pact had been broken, and so began the sibling rivalry that had its origins in the competitive nature of being a twin. Shortly after the opening of Mikkeller Bar, Jeppe started Evil Twin Brewing as if to cement the rivalry and perhaps to say “steal my idea, and I’ll steal yours.”

How much of the perceived rivalry is real and how much is simply played up for effect, I guess we’ll never know, but it does provide a great narrative, and both brewers seem to revel in it at times. In 2013, Jeppe pulled out of Copenhagen Beer Celebration at the last minute, citing a particularly heated email exchange with Mikkel. In 2014, he said he’d show up anyway, to stop Mikkel feeling like he’d won. It’s not hard to imagine this extreme sibling rivalry being just as ferocious during their running days.

In 2014, Mikkel started Mikkeller Running Club in Copenhagen. The concept was simple; exercise is good for your body and soul, and so is beer! The idea was to meet once a month, go for a run, then drink beer. At the first event, eight people showed up. They now have more than 200 runners at the Copenhagen MRC every month, with regular ‘training’ runs each week and clubs all over the world.

We decided to start one in Nottingham too. This city has a strong running heritage, with the marathon now being 35 years young, and an up and coming craft beer scene, with new bars, bottle shops and breweries opening all the time.

We usually meet on the first Sunday of the month at Brew Cavern, go for a steady 5km run, then swing by the Kean’s Head for some Mikkeller Beer.

We'll be hosting a special Mikkeller Running Club on Sunday 3 July as a prelude to Nottingham Craft Beer Week.

Usual format – meet at Brew Cavern around 11.30am, run 5km, then head to the Kean's Head where Dave will have several Mikkeller beers on tap, as well as bottles in the fridge. There will be nibbles too; running can be hungry work!

You can sign up for the running events on the Mikkeller Running Club or Nottingham Craft Beer Week Facebook pages. mikkeller.dk

Exercise is good for your body and soul, and so is beer!

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NORTH BY NORTH WEST words: William France

William France, from premium craft beer distributor Vertical Drinks, on what makes the beer scene in the North West so great. . .

Britain has always been great for beer. For centuries we have brewed some of the best beer the world had to offer, and our tradition stands proudly alongside the great brewing nations of Belgium and Germany. British beer has always been revered and travelled for, and has always combined cutting edge brewing technologies and the best ingredients.

This tradition did take a blow in the 70s, though, as large companies merged to make even larger ones that wanted to make economics the main focal point of beer production.

Processes were tightened, staff reduced and ingredients trimmed, which did bring a new era of homogeny. Beer lovers no longer drank domestic, locally brewed beer that was made by a friend at the town brewery, they drank the same beer as the guy in the next town and so-on.

Personally, I was never that into beer while I was experimenting in my teens – nothing more exciting than bitter, thin and lifeless lager or smooth flow ever crossed my lips. This did change however while studying at university.

I worked in a little independent pub in Huddersfield called Zephyr which stocked a range of new and exciting beers that I had never tried before, including foreign imports such as Brooklyn, Sierra Nevada and Goose Island.

This seems a strange place to find such specialist products ten years ago, but there’s a strong link between the area and two particular companies. The suppliers of these beers were Vertical Drinks and James Clay, both based in the north-west – one in Leeds, one in Elland. Both companies were partly responsible for reigniting the UK beer scene and are the reason why I have spent ten years working in the industry.

They imported new beers into the country while supplying some of the best independent beer bars, including North in Leeds which for a while was the jewel in the crown for beer drinkers nationwide.

Jump forward a few years and I was fully immersed in this new emerging world. BrewDog had just started, Thornbridge were still at the hall (the original 8 barrel kit) and I had worked on opening Port Street Beer House in Manchester. The buzz was electric and a lot of amazing things happened in a short period of time. Keg British ‘craft’ beer at this point was only available from the likes of BrewDog and Meantime, but a

couple of north-western breweries really pushed to give this dispense method a go, one being Summerwine from Holmfirth. Summerwine were a little-known outfit until they released of a beer called Diablo, a super hopped, bitter as hell, fantastic IPA. I tasted this beer and the brewery instantly became my favourite in the UK at that point (funnily enough, I went to work with them a couple of years later and brewed Diablo commercially).

Another obvious brewery to mention at this point is Magic Rock. I got very friendly with these guys from the off, and again they became one of my favourite breweries, their beers deliciously tasty and heavily influenced by the US scene.

People scrambled to try it. Kirkstall Brewery also gets an honourable mention – an offshoot of Vertical Drinks, they brewed a great core range and brought US contacts in to brew with them. The Odell Brewing collab in cask was something really special.

A year later, the Independent Manchester Beer Convention started, with the aim to bring together the best of the UK brewing scene and showcase it in a beautiful, listed Victorian bath house. Again I was lucky enough to work on this in its first year. Bringing together the best of the UK scene under one roof had never been attempted before, as well as having a large proportion of keg beers. It had its critics, but four years later it’s still going strong and is now seen as the UK’s most progressive and innovative beer festival.

Manchester and the wider area are now absolutely buzzing with new breweries – it almost feels like a renaissance moment where it’s reaching a point of ultimate creativity and popularity. You can walk around Manchester on a Saturday and visit brewery taps including Cloudwater, Trakk, Runaway and Blackjack; you can get on a train to Huddersfield and visit what is arguably the best one in the UK at Magic Rock; or you can head to a local micro bar that has popped up in a suburb like Heaton Hops. Great beer is everywhere here.

The scene in the north-west is thoroughly thriving, and makes it a fantastic location for beer lovers to visit, become immersed and enjoy beer with friends. The conversations are the same but the beer is now much better – it’s a great place to call home.

It almost feels like a renaissance moment where it’s reaching a point of ultimate creativity and popularity.

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The Ocean State Tavern PURECRAFT Annies’s Burger Shack, 5 Broadway, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PR 07463 033255

The Ocean State Tavern name comes from the nickname given to the state of Rhode Island, where Annie of Annie’s Burger Shack grew up. They have a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and the bar is decked out with furniture and fittings to resemble a true New England tavern, mixing the modern day with decades past.

Here you can find an ever-changing passionate range of cask ales, craft kegs, ciders, wines and spirits, including a wide range of over 140 bottled beers from all over the world (as well as table football, board games and more). Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as the locals do from Bar Harbour, Maine all the way to New Haven, Connecticut.

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Over Craft Beer Week, they’re holding Annie’s Street Party to celebrate Independence Day, with plenty of craft beer and burgers, plus the Ilkley Brewery Tap Takeover on Wed 6 and Thu 7 July (turn to pages 7-8 for more).

anniesburgershack.com /anniesburgershack @original_annies @anniesburgershack

13 St Peters Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2JF, 0115 934 9040

Purecraft is a partnership of standout crafted beer and fresh, real food. They opened in March 2016 and are located in a beautiful heritage building in St Peters Gate in the city centre, a stone’s throw from the superlative Council House. Great for an express lunch and break from work, or a spot of shopping with a beery stop-off at… well, anytime really! Evening dinner and Sunday lunch are not to be missed (check out head chef Andrew’s piece on page 21 for an idea of his cooking).

For Craft Beer Week, Purecraft will be welcoming Adrian Walker from Firestone Walker on Monday 4 July, who will present their new brew Luponic Distortion.

Tickets are just £12.50 and will include a can of Luponic which they have matched for American Independence Day with an amazing beef cheek chilli dog with beerbattered onions and a portion of Key Lime pie. purecraftbars.com /purecraftnotts @purecraftnotts

Sir John Borlase Warren Ilkeston Road, Canning Circus, NG7 8GD, 0115 988 1889

The Sir John Borlase Warren completed a major refurbishment in February 2014 and was taken over by the Hucknall-based Lincoln Green Brewery in May 2015. The pub offers a warm and friendly welcome, with a range of Lincoln Green Brewing Company craft ales (including the Marion Pale Ale, Hood Best Bitter, Sherwood Extra Pale Ale, Tuck Porter and Archer American-style IPA), and guests from both near and far, across twelve hand pulls.

secret garden at the back which is perfect for kicking back with a beer of a summer’s evening.

sirjohnborlasewarren.co.uk /thesirjohnborlasewarren @thesirjohn @sirjohnbw

While real ale forms the heart of the offer, the draught wall with its ten regularly changing taps, the range of 65 gins and more than thirty different whiskies ensures there is something for everyone.

Southbank City

Throughout the week, we have a variety of live bands and events, from Nottingham's finest bands to touring bands and headline acts. We also hold special events and Q&A evenings with very special guests from the worlds of sport, screen and stage.

The bar serves up brilliant beers, cask ales, craft beers and a delicious range of speciality cocktails, with the kitchen open for breakfast daily and a range of tasty treats all day including stone-baked pizzas, belly-busting burgers and lip-smacking

Stratford Haven 2 Stratford Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6BA, 0115 982 5981

Friar lane, NG1 6DQ, 0115 950 6149

The Southbank Bar – Nottingham City, is a new addition to the Southbank brand.

Famous for our hospitality, comprehensive live sports coverage and brilliant selection of live music. We show every major sports event on 24 4K screens, including private screens in all our booths and our amazing 155" HD rear view projector – well worth a look.

Oh and then there’s the food. The Sir John offer a range of sandwiches on home-baked bread, filling evening main meals, and their renowned Sunday lunch. There’s even a

lighter bites, all with a US-inspired taste.

And if that isn't enough to keep you entertained we also have custom built darts oches, American pool tables, a PS4 and private booths - all available for private hire.

Our stunning interior has been designed and built from scratch by local designers, joiners and craftsmen and features wall art by some of Nottingham's finest graffiti and street artists. southbankcity.co.uk /Southbank City @SouthbankNottm

The Stratford Haven pub in West Bridgford has been part of the Castle Rock Estate since 1999. Previously a pet shop, the site has been renovated to create the pub you see today (they still welcome dogs, provided, as they say, they’re accompanied by a responsible adult!)

With fourteen hand-pulls, the impressive beer range features micro-brewed beers alongside some well-known favourites, and of course a good selection from the Castle Rock range. In addition, they boast a handpulled traditional cider, an ever-increasing range of bottled beers and a growing range of craft beer too. They also offer hearty homemade food, with everything from cheese cobs to pies to curries.

During Craft Beer Week, they are offering cask v keg brews for the week, with a range of beers in different styles. Pop down to sample some great local beers alongside beers from interesting breweries around the UK. castlerockbrewery.co.uk /stratford.haven @stratfordhaven @stratfordhaven

southbankbarnottingham

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HOP AROUND EUROPE

words: Paul McDermott

Beer festivals. Once the preserve of warm, twiggy beer, Morris Men and the socks and sandals brigade, things have begun to improve dramatically in recent years. The likes of the Independent Manchester Beer Convention, Craft Beer Rising in London and Newcastle's Craft Beer Calling are drawing in a vibrant mix of imbibers of all ages, ethnicities and genders.

Good times, and a fine indicator for the shape of things to come, but for really great beer festival experiences it's worth looking beyond these shores and taking a foray into Europe. In a marked contrast to the UK, where third measures are a new phenomenon at many festivals, most of the larger craft beer festivals in Europe see beers served in continental 9cl pours (with a special tasting glass provided), a very sensible approach which allows visitors to sample a good few brews without any ill effect.

Below are four of my personal favourite European beery events, each one special in its own way, all of them unique.

Borefts Beer Festival

Leuven Innovation Beer Festival

The annual Brouwerij DeMolen festival is held over the last Friday and Saturday of September, in the sleepy Dutch town of Bodegraven. Set in and around the brewery itself, the event features an eclectic mix of guest brewers, from zeitgeist outfits like Omnipollo and Magic Rock, through emerging names such as Brekeriet or Brewski, right up to big hitters like BrewDog – all of them bringing their beery A games.

A newcomer to the Euro fest circuit, Leuven Innovation have just held their second festival in Leuven, Belgium, building superbly on the solid foundations laid by last year's inaugural event. Taking place over Sunday and Monday in early May, the festival is housed in De Hoorn on the waterfront – formerly the Stella Artois brewery – a stunning venue which lends itself perfectly to the event.

In terms of organisation, there are plenty of tables and seats, reasonably priced food and a very relaxed atmosphere – lots of smiling people, no massive queues, and the timing usually ensures good weather too. For those who want to carry on the party that little bit longer, the official Borefts After Party takes place on Sunday at Kaapse Brouwers, on the waterfront in Rotterdam.

What makes Leuven particularly interesting is the diverse selection of breweries in attendance, from representatives of the New Nordic Tradition such as Haandbryggeriet, through Victory Art Brew (of the newly emerging Russian craft beer scene), right up to the likes of Duvel Moortgat. This is one of those events that is still nicely below the radar, while managing to punch well above its weight – it’s not too busy, the atmosphere is lovely, and there are great staff and interesting beers.

Alvinne Craft Beer Festival Every year or two at the beginning of March, the Belgian village of Vichte plays host to a festival organised by Brouwerij Alvinne, an event with a heavy slant towards the sour end of the beer spectrum. A far cry from the light and airy surrounds of Borefts, this takes place in a warehouse with guest breweries from across Europe and further afield – expect to see the likes of Toccalmatto and Naparbier rubbing shoulders with Jester King, along with a guaranteed arsenal of darkness from the mighty Struise and their mobile bar.

present

Luponic Distortion 5.9%, IBU 59

Monday 4th July Meet the Brewer, Adrian Walker Booking essential - tickets include:

Luponic Distortion (330ml) Beef cheek chilli dog Key lime pie £12.50pp

t 0115 934 9040 e nottsinfo@purecraftbars.com www.purecraftbars.com @purecraftnotts

The beer list is what makes this event, but for the foodies there is onsite catering from the renowned Nuetnighenough (alongside the usual burgers, hotdogs and chips). Add to this the fact that right next door is Bierhalle Deconinck, arguably the finest beer shop in Belgium (and a fraction of the price you will pay in Brussels) and you have something really rather special.

Cantillon Quintessence OK, so this one is not technically a festival, however it is one of the highlights of the global beer calendar. Every two years in early May, Brasserie Cantillon, the worldrenowned masters of lambic brewing, hold a one-day spectacular at the brewery in Brussels. The event sees the Cantillon team joined by two guest breweries, friends with whom they have collaborated on brews, for a celebration of beers brewed spontaneously with wild yeasts. In 2014, the guest breweries were Russian River and Allagash of the USA, to give some context.

The format to the event is very different from a festival: you buy a ticket (€35 this year) which includes an 11cl glass with which to sample all the beers on offer, along with some small food pairings. All the beers at this event are limited to one pour per person, with no refills – although there is the whole of Brussels for those wanting to carry on!

Paul McDermott runs UK Cra�t Beer Forum, an online community for like-minded cra�t beer lovers. In between his regular travels to cra�t beer festivals across the UK and Europe, you'll see him at the bar in Nottingham's best cra�t beer bars.

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BEER HERE NOW Quality beer shouldn’t just be a June-July romance. With craft breweries constantly popping up, and established breweries always coming up with exciting new brews, you can always be sure of trying a quality new beer somewhere in the UK. So here we asked Os Morgan, director at bar and bottle shop Kraft Werks, for his pick of all the best beery goings-on in the UK this year. Best get your travel card out…

Birmingham Beer Bash 21-23 Jul In 2013, Brummie beer lovers came together to realise their ideas of a perfect beer festival. The Birmingham Beer Bash has grown ever since and now promises beers from the likes of Northern Monk, Siren Craft, and Buxton among many others. Local artisan food is also available to line your stomach and prepare you for all for that ale tasting. It’s held at the Bond Co, a former canal warehouse on Fazeley St in Digbeth, just a fifteen minute walk from the main railway stations, and less than five minutes from Digbeth coach station, so hop on a train or bus and get hopped up for the day. £9 upwards London Craft Beer Festival 12-14 Aug A huge barbecue, live music, and craft beer galore. The fourth year of the London Craft Beer Festival is set to have everything a good beer festival needs (great beer, mainly). London is at the epicentre of the craft beer revolution, and this beer festival is truly reflective of that. This year’s list is yet to be released, but last year saw beers from the likes of Brew By Numbers, Pressure Drop, and Evil Twin. Not to be missed for locals and visitors alike. Head down to the Oval Space, 2932 The Oval, Bethnal Green E2 9DT and get your beer on. £25 upwards

Bristol Craft Beer Festival 2-3 Sep The same people behind the London Craft Beer Festival are also going to be setting up shop in Bristol during the weekend of 2-3 September. So expect exactly the same vibe – brilliant beer, fantastic food and mustsee music. According to them: “Late this summer, the world’s best breweries are descending on Bristol for a unique festival of craft beer. A festival ticket gives you unlimited opportunity to explore and discover of over 30 world-leading breweries, bringing over 200 different beers, and enjoy our stellar music line-up and delicious food market. The Bristol Craft Beer Festival has arrived.” £30 upwards Leeds International Beer Festival 8-11 Sep The Leeds International Beer Festival has oodles of beer from the world’s finest artisan breweries, but that isn’t all. A street food festival is occurring at the same time, in the same place – and it’s well known that nothing pairs better than decent beer and good quality street food. There are far too many breweries confirmed for me to list here, but with the likes of Beavertown, Thornbridge, Wild Beer Co and Yeastie Boys in attendance, you know it’s going to be good. Why not head up and make a beery weekend of it? £6 upwards

Indy Man Beer Con 6-9 Oct Up in Manc in October? If you like your beer, you could definitely do worse than the Independent Manchester Beer Convention (Indy Man Beer Con/IMBC) – a world class showcase for the best breweries from the UK and beyond. They say: “Taking over the stunning surrounds of the Grade II listed, architectural gem Victoria Baths for its 4th year from Thursday 6th October to Sunday 9th October, IMBC brings together the most progressive, forward thinking breweries from across the UK, Europe and USA for a multi-sensory, headlong, hop-forward beer extravaganza.” Sounds alright, doesn’t it, our kid? Price £TBC

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