“The papers write about it back in England, it's practically a lifestyle in Berlin….
.... We do it different on the West Coast…. “
“We Do It Different On The West Coast” - The Mountain Goats
Lyric Choice? Well, this morning (time of writing Saturday 17th) I overslept. Having been to see The Mountain Goats last night.
And…. Well. You'll see the beer style later….
Another early start. Get up. Walk Dogs. Prepare food. Then get in the car for a drive.
Not far. A mere 70 miles.
But do you KNOW the M6?
The sky was black as pitch. Rain was thumping on the car bonnet. But do you know what? I had a song in my heart.
Because a very lovely human, from one of the UKs Finest Breweries, had asked if we fancied a collab for ISBF.
That gets me. Right in the tear ducts.
ISBF is small. A little niche. But 3 lovely humans, up in Kendal, at a brewery I admire hugely, weren't thinking of profile, reputational enhancement, they were thinking of doing something nice, for a little beer do. 80 miles from the brewery.
That's Lakes Brew Co for you.
There's a lot about Lakes that “feels” ISBF, that “Don't Be A Dick” poster is just one of the things. A small thing. But it's about the feels.
And Lakes “feel” right. Open. Welcoming. A little self-effacing. No hype. Just doing the good stuff. And doing it bloody well.
I couldn't wait to get started. That's how Lakes make me feel.
Mashing in was straightforward. I quite enjoy the physical side of brewing, so when it's a fairly straightforward plan for the beer, we try to do the grafty bits and leave the geniuses (in this case Alex) to do the genius, clever, beer making stuff.
Decanting multiple 25kg sacks of malted barley into the grain hopper felt the least i could do. (400kg - mostly Extra Pale with a little Carapils & Wheat)
Grain in and being hydrated, The Trickster appeared (aka Loki) With his Servants, Matt & Michelle (Co-owners) and my role altered somewhat. I was now Loki’s plaything.
Fresh Meat as it were. And that furry thing is an absolute joy of a pooch. There's little that he won't chase.
A message came in from my Granddaughter - via Mummy….
Michelle got wind of the plot - my exit plan (with Loki) was foiled!
Dammit!
Anyway, back to the beer. And hops. And a variety completely new to me - with a little story behind it.
Manilita.
If you get THAT reference, you're even older than me. With a 60s Western TV fetish!
Manilita is an experimental hop variety from New Zealand and it smelled bloody lovely and citrussy when pellets were rubbed.
I DO love this fun aromatherapy!
The hop is named - apparently - in tribute to the Acapulco - Manila Galleon trade route which lasted for 250 years. Ending with the commencement of The Mexican War of Independence in 1815 (you do, indeed, learn something new every day!)
The Manilita was preceded by copious amounts of Simcoe & Jimbo Catnip (aka Centennial) and joined by Citra pellets and Mosaic Spectrum.
If heaven smells like this….. (I'LL end up in hell, obviously) so lovely…..
The beer was looking a rather lovely colour. And the hop additions were - predictably - an aromatic joy.
Brewdays are about friendships, absolutely, but the sensory overload is a thing of wonder too. (SUCH a shame I can;t be there for the dry hop - more Citra, this time Dynaboost)
The malt hatch location meant digging out was more “dragging out”, but nonetheless fun. On this beautiful SSV kit, the various processes were smooth as silk, so, before I knew it we were transferred to the Fermentation Vessel and other than more playing with Loki, were done. (I had to race off and head home. Appalling planning - on my part - meant I had tickets for Arab Strap that evening)
Gratuitous Gig Shot! Aidan Moffat in full flow….
So. What have we brewed? Did the song title not give it away?
A West Coast IPA. With a brewery that makes absolutely belting WC IPAs, a style we both adore. It's going to be an absolute banger.
And where are you going to get to try this first?
Are. You. Kidding. Me? 🤣🤣🤣
I can't express my gratitude to Matt, Michelle, Steve and - the brewer today - Alex enough. I just can't. Words fail me.
#BeerPeopleAreGoodPeople.
The Lakes Brew Co team would never say this about themselves, but they exemplify this. Anyone who knows them would say the same
They also make exceptional beer (Try their Canyonero WC IPA - It's stunningly good) not to mention their beautiful bar in Ambleside… ah sod it's. It's gorgeous
I don't drink much at ISBF. I can't switch off.
But rest assured. This beer is on my dance card. Oh yes.
Right then. Tickets.
There are just 2 left for Thirst Chance Thursday. Go get them.
And just 20 left for the super chilled Saturday evening session. And that's it. Link here.
Back - real - soon. With Brewday 8.
Be kind to one another.
Jim x