#ISBFX #Brewday2 - "2nd Down & 9" - Amity Brew Co

“Because we are your friends, you'll never be alone again, COME ON! “

“We Are Your Friends” - Justice v Simian

As a blogger - way back in the mists (the mid 10s) - I popularised the hashtag #BeerPeopleAreGoodPeople

Some mocked. But, whilst it may not be a universal truth for some, some of the loveliest humans have entered my life via this beer world that I circle around.

My main passion is music, not beer. My sporting passion is The NFL. American Football. My team? The Baltimore Ravens.

The Raven. The blackest of birds. Dark. Like the beers of my dreams…… (hold that thought)

3 years ago, I was invited to join an NFL Fantasy League, populated mostly by Beer Industry folk. I felt incredibly flattered.

That group is such fun. The “smack talk” is brutal. But the sense of camaraderie is real.

Further reinforcing my premise. #BeerPeopleAreGoodPeople.

This group was where I first encountered Russ Clarke, owner of today's hosts, Amity Brew Co.

Amity - Friendship. Just the very brewery name screams ISBF.

And when Russ invited us over to brew, it was a no brainer. It felt just right.

Unlike me. When I realised i’d arrived at the wrong building!

But Russ is one of life's “good ‘uns”. He came to pick me up…… phew. Looked a long walk for this gammy knee!

But seeing as we were - inadvertently - at Sunny Bank Mills, Russ took the chance to show me the “old” site.

Having moved - the majority of - brewing operations to the new site at Greengates (Bradford), the former premises maintains as a rather lovely tap room.

The kit at this site is where - for now - Amity Cask output is brewed.

The Taproom is lovely. And the brew kit was nicely set up. But didn't prepare me for what was coming!

I've been to - and brewed at - larger set ups, but this was so well set up. A beautiful kit.

And I was about to see it in action….

Pilsner Malt predominantly, this malt bill had lashings of Munich, Carafa, Vienna & Chocolate Malts. This beer was heading to a place in my heart. Darkness.

Watching this kit in operation was fun. The mash tun was soon occupied. And the colour of this beer was soon established….

Russ explained to me how the new kit has substantially increased efficiency, with extraction from the malt of up to 95%. Lifting my jaw for a moment, I peered into the vessel that aids this, the Lauter Tun…

First Runnings were soon heading to the kettle/copper, but not before I got a taste… Thank you Tom (head brewer)!

Warm and sugary, yes, but this was so clean, beautifully smooth, with a rich maltiness lightly infused with a little chocolate.

Full of promise….

That Fish tho……. 🤤🤤🤤

Once boil had commenced, with that beautiful dark liquid merrily rolling, it was nearly hop time. Only one variety going in, for a slight twist, Mandarina Bavaria.

My job…

With my favourite bit to come, the dig, there were more Mandarina Bavaria hops to add generating more beautiful brewery nose joy.

Transfer to FV was soon under way and Russ had an arrangement to attend (kindly taking me along - thanks for the lift Rich!)

So - so far as the brewday was concerned - my day was done.

HUGE thanks to Russ for the invite and his hospitality. Such a fun day, brewing a style close to my heart.

Massive thanks too to Tom & Dave for their patience and the education - every day is - indeed - a school day!

A really excellent and lovely team.

So. What have we brewed?

A Delicious Schwarzbier, “Festoon” with a slight tweak with the hops. And we'll have it TWO WAYS (Both Cask & Keg).

And you'll get this first where?

Few remaining tickets via this link

Come & join us. See for yourselves why people say nice things about us!

That “arrangement”? The soft opening of the new Taproom for Bini Brew in Ilkley.

And what a lovely place it is. Well worth a visit.

Back soon with TWO MORE Brewday blog posts!

Be kind to one another.

Jim x