The latest iteration of the Norwich Beer Festival takes place this month and, following a two-year absence, returns to The Halls in Norwich with a wealth of beers including a special anniversary release.
Taking place from Monday 26th October, the festival’s host venue, the medieval friary complex will be filled with “beer-lovers, music and friendly banter”.
“We’re looking forward to what promises to be an exciting week, giving thousands the opportunity to sample beers not usually found locally, whilst soaking up the traditional and unique historic Halls complex,” said Craig Harmer, Norwich Beer Festival organiser.
A huge range of cask and key-keg beers will be housed in St Andrew’s and Blackfriars Halls, the World Beer Bar hosted in the downstairs marquee and cider and curiosity bars will complete the occasion, with hot food served throughout the event.
Local beer offered includes Xtreme’s Xanadu, an easy-drinking golden session ale, bittered with Chinook with light summer aromas from the hops, Willamette and Columbus, brewed in Peterborough. Diplomat Brewery is offering Victory, a full-bodied beer with a rich biscuit and toffee malt base, balanced by traditional English hops, brewed in Badersfield Norfolk.
From further afield comes Monty’s Malties, from Montgomery Powys, a gluten-free copper bitter, an easydrinking ale that delivers a toffee richness of a traditional maltled brew. Greater Manchester is represented by Pomona’s Amen Break, hazy pale ale, with its name a nod to the iconic 1969 Amen Break drum solo by The Winstons, which laid the foundation for UK rave, jungle, and drum and bass music.
Meanwhile, the Curiosity Bar in St Andrew’s Hall always aims to offer something unusual and wonderful and this year have selected Bewdley’s Topsey Turvey, a limited edition sweeter golden beer and Crossover Blendery’s Bramble, Thorn & Briar, an oak-aged golden ale, refermented on raspberries and blackberries.
Also, Ludlow’s Silent Knight, ‘Move over espresso martini’ this beer is a smooth creamy stout with overtones of espresso coffee and hints of sweet vanilla.
As the CAMRA branch organisers of the Norwich Beer Festival are celebrating their 50th year, a collaboration with All Day Brewing Company has resulted in the launch of a unique celebratory golden ale and Norwich and District CAMRA have been inviting the public to name it via their Facebook or Instagram pages, with a Beer Lovers Hamper on offer to the winner, before its debut at Norwich Beer Festival.
Lucy Cousins, Chair of Norwich and District CAMRA, added: “This special anniversary brew is a fantastic way to celebrate 50 years of Norwich & District CAMRA. Working alongside All Day Brewing Company to create a beer that reflects both our heritage and the thriving local brewing scene has been a wonderful experience.”
