City of Ale returns to Norwich, Norfolk from 23rd May, a county that boasts 44 breweries and a raft of other award-winning malsters, and brewing businesses.
The programme of events run from 23rd May to 2nd June, with nearly 50 pubs taking part, running events, being part of the Ale Trails, and serving the region’s renowned beers.
Brian Finnerty of the National Farmers’ Union, East Anglia, explained: “The best beers require the best ingredients and we are right in the heart of the best barley-growing region in the world. That’s where the beer supply chain starts.
“It’s widely acknowledged that cereal growers in our region produce the finest quality barley, including the celebrated Maris Otter variety.
“The East of England remains a centre for this crucial crop, thanks to its combination of soil composition, climate and farming expertise. This ensures that barley grown here meets the exacting standards of maltsters such as Crisp.” Much of the barley malted by Crisp is on the company’s historic floor maltings. The malt is then used by the region’s brewers to produce exceptional beers.
Adrian Dyter, managing director of Crisp added, “The 200 plus farmers who supply us are – literally and figuratively – true experts in their fields. The quality of grain they produce allows us to create exceptional malts. In the hands of skilled craft brewers, these result in beers packed with flavour and character.
“We are so very lucky to have City of Ale to showcase the amazing beers brewed in the area. The ten-day celebration has had a big impact over the years, inspiring many other city-wide beer festivals, and earning well-deserved recognition for Dawn and Phil. They were the first to create a city-wide beer festival back in 2011 – and the event has gone from strength to strength.”
