Norwich Beer Festival

An early start!

I got up at 06:30 for a bus at 07:50!  

(I'm not in Liverpool at present, that's a 5 hour train journey each way!  Funnily enough it is the same train).

I reached Peterborough Queensgate bus station at 08:45 and decided I didn't have enough time to catch the 08:58 train and the 09:45 would be better (and there was only half an hour between arrival times).  As I'd been up and out so quickly I'd only managed a glass of water (!), so I headed over to Subway on Cowgate for a Mega Breakfast Sub and a cup of coffee.  I devoured my sub like a child with chocolate, but took a little longer on the coffee.  I then headed over to the train station.

A ticket from Peterborough to Norwich is now £21!  I headed over to platform 5 and sat in the waiting room. which is also the coffee shop.  I resisted the temptation of a second cup of coffee only 15 mins after my previous one.  The train arrived and departed on time and this is where I sit writing the first part of this blog.

The beer is live!

At 6pm tonight (26th July 2016) Brewdog will do a nationwide launch of "Live Beer".  The first Live Beer will be their Dead Pony Club.

What is Live Beer?

As Brewdog explain it, Live Beer is keg conditioned, with live yeast and served through a sparkler! For more info click the link below.

I am hoping to get out to the Live Beer launch in Liverpool tonight for a couple of hours, so expect a report soon.

As always you can follow me on Twitter and Periscope @cyber_beer.
I hope to be able to do a live scope of the launch and a review of Dead Pony Club Live later today.


https://www.brewdog.com/lowdown/blog/live-beer

Coal Heavers Beer Festival and others

Hi all,

I've just spent the last two afternoons at the beer festival at Coal Heavers Arms in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (have got the bus from Bourne, Lincolnshire).

It has been ridiculously hot, 25 degrees yesterday and 27 degrees today.

I've had several nice beers including a dark one from Spitting Feathers in Cheshire and only flavoured with papaya!  

Today I've been to Coal Heavers, Cherry Tree and Palmerston Arms.

And it's goodnight from him

Today I'm a little sadder.

Veteran comedian Ronnie Corbett has died!  :-(

Half of the 70s/80s TV double act The Two Ronnies (with the the late, great Ronnie Barker), Corbett entertained thousands on a Saturday night.  I always looked forward to it.

As an atheist I probably shouldn't say this, but, if there is a Heaven, this classic comedy double act, now reunited, will entertain the residents, Angels and the big man himself for all eternity!

Upcoming events....

I have some interesting events coming up.  This weekend I am working at the Ship and Mitre beer festival at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight.  the weekend after I am attending the CAMRA AGM in Liverpool and the weekend after that I am once again working at Isle Of Man beer festival.

I hope to see you at something, somewhere, soon! :-)

Marble Beers Damage Plan Launch - Brewer Interview

On Friday 19th February 2016, at the launch of their new 7.1% keg IPA Damage Plan, I managed to snag a few minutes with Marble's head brewer, JK.  And I got a more comprehensive answer to one of my questions than I'd expected!

CyberBeer: Why such a strong beer?

JK: Its not particularly strong,  7.1 is a nice, cheeky IPA strength.  As the year have progressed, with American brewing being the driving being most brewing in the world beers have become stronger, so we're just doing what we need to do to say current with the market, really.  It's a good session strength, you can drink schooners of it and you're okay.  You don't have to drink pints and pints of it, its not that sort of beer.  Its a casual beer, you can drink it with food.

CyberBeer: How did you come up with the name?

JK:I'm a massive metal fan, I love heavy metal and my favourite guitarist is Dimebag Darrell. Dimebag split away from Pantera with his brother and started Damage Plan and he's dead, its my homage to Dimebag

CyberBeer What hops have you used in it?

JK:We've used Summit, Equinox and Mosaic are the three main hops we've used for aroma and flavour

CyberBeer: What type of malt have you used in it?

JK: Low Colour and  Maris Otter, that's it.  We did use some acidulated malts to change the PH of the mash, but that's it, very simple malts.  Just wanted it about the hops really,

CyberBeer: Is there a target market for this beer?

JK: To be honest, I brew beer that I like and I want to drink, so when I think of a beer I want to brew its what I want to drink and I hope everyone else does really

CyberBeer: Is this your first foray into "craft beer"?

JK: No, no , no.  I used to work for Thornbridge, I've worked for Fullers. I was head brewer at Buxton for a couple of years and I've home brewed since I was 15.  My ex assistant brewer at Buxton was Joe, who's mum owns Marble, so I've known them for years.

CyberBeer Have you tried it?

JK: Yes

CyberBeer:  What's your opinion, as the brewer?
JK: It's good.  I'm actually really pleased, 'cos there's usually something wrong with the beer you brew, but, it needs a touch more carbonation, but that's it.  I'm well pleased with it.

Marble Beers Damage Plan Launch

11:20

Arrived at Liverpool Lime Street for the 12:12 train to Manchester.

12:44 

Arrived Manchester Victoria

13:15

Arrived at Marble Arch.

After much uming and ahing I decided on Marble Burger and Chunky Chips for lunch. One of the best burgers I've had in a while!  My compliments to the chef!  The chunky chips were amazing!

14:19

Damage Plan samples given out!

Golden beer. Sweet start leading to a hoppy finish.  Flavours come out more if you hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing!

Far too drinkable for a 7.1% beer!

Overall?  I like this beer!

I was also privileged to a presentation by the local CAMRA branch