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#ISBF6 - Post 4 : Brewday No 1. Torrside
Brewdays. Sometimes, planets align. In the ISBF6 Constellation, Torrside are stars. Always up for doing something special.
Two weeks ago, they opened the doors to 2 helpers and one (Beerfinder) interloper. I pass you to Alice, for eloquence way beyond a 16thC Wandering Inquisitor. (Photos courtesy of a bad Vincent Price impersonator)
Its 9:05 on Sunday morning (That’s a positive LIE IN! Ed) and Luke (@hopsnsprockets) and I are on the train trundling out of Stockport through the southern reaches of Greater Manchester and into the rolling hills of the Derbyshire Dales clutching a hefty cargo of homemade sausage rolls. We’re on our way to New Mills, a charming mill town in High Peak famed of the Swizzels sweet factory and, far more importantly, home to Torrside Brewing with whom we are to spend the day brewing up an early addition to the ISBF line up.
The fact we’re on the way at all is something of a miracle given that our local pub, Stockport’s little gem that is the Petersgate Tap, was in the final throws of hosting its ‘Monsters’ event. An entire weekend with close to every tap and hand pull dedicated to a selection of the aforementioned Torrside Brewing’s more potent offerings.
It’s a ballsy move, not every establishment would want to risk scaring off potential punters with a wall of beer upward of 9% or indeed have to deal with the potential aftermath of such a crackpot scheme. However, with Torrside having earned themselves a well-deserved reputation for producing impossibly smooth and easy drinking ‘big beers’ along with a hugely enthusiastic legion of loyal follows from across the region and beyond, it can’t help but be an unmitigated success. So much so this was the second Monsters Weekend of the year.
All three of Torrside’s guests this morning are feeling the after effects of two days indulgence in ‘ones they made earlier’. We all went in hard on Friday, (with @beerfindergeneral in particular carving himself out a notable and well-tweeted place in local folklore) only to find ourselves back for some hair of the Dogs of War on Saturday.
And so it is that a slightly jaded trio meet at New Mills New Town station. James graciously took some merciless ribbing on the chin on the stroll down to the brewery, a good job as fairly obvious it wouldn’t be the last time that day his various shenanigans were to the subject of much mirth given we are about to spend it with the gentleman proudly responsible for his downfall.
Having done a little homework and read some of Jim’s other brew day blog posts, I know that he generally eschews the technical details (having covered them countless times before) in favour of a more anecdotal recount of the day’s activities. Excellent news for me. Whilst Luke has embraced home brewing with a fervour (regularly turning our kitchen into a hop scented Turkish bath house), I remain keener on the social aspects of beer; its discovery, consumption, sharing and discussion; content to pass judgement on someone else’s hard work. Don’t get me wrong, I know my fermenter from my mash tun but I’m hardly an authority on the finer nuances of the brewing process.
Cheerily greeted by brewers Chris (Spade Master) and Peter (Chief Spoon Wielder), I handed over my pork based snack offering. I saw this as a handy way to ensure I was looked upon favourably, no matter how useless I turned out to be at any other brew day activity.
With the formalities taken care of, it was time to crack on with the business of the day. I’m not sure how much I can give away as regards the particulars of the beer brewed specially for ISBF. Suffice to say it will be one of Torrside’s eponymous Monsters, a noble hopped, barrel aged Belgian beast.
With the grain hefted, stirred and merrily mashing, Nick, brewer number three, arrived at the ideal moment to assume his role as barman for the day and crack open the first of many varied and interesting beers.
The early wort; the thick, sweet, monster making stuff; made its way into to a state of the art piece of brewing equipment, a giant olive oil pan specially imported from Italy sitting on a paella burner. The first of the noble hops went in to the boil, eliciting an impressively vivid green eruption. Peter put on a demonstration of liquid thermodynamics worthy of the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, creating a hypnotic sequence of whirlpools and volcanoes and we all stood transfixed by the bubbling cauldron like a group of survivors huddled around a burning oil drum in a scene from some post-apocalyptic movie.
As the brew cooled, the time wiled gently away. We chatted and joked and supped. The sausage rolls dwindled. Peter stirred (and stirred and stirred), estimating the temperature of the brew with remarkable accuracy as only a man skilled in his craft can, based on how sticky his spoon handle was getting.
The Torrside dogs kept us entertained. Kami (an old hand at all this nonsense) sat quietly by the doors soaking up a few rays, safe in the knowledge that the humans would come to her and she would not want for attention with minimal effort on her part. Toshi, the newest member of the family was far more forthright in his demands for a scratch and a leg upon which to lean. A doe eyed, spindly creature who at first glance looked to have the appropriate number of limbs in the appropriate places and a willowy air of grace and poise…until he moved and it was evident that he wasn’t a dog at all but a cross between a daddy-long-legs and a tangled up slinky strung together with bungee cords.
Digging out the mash tun, I enquired as to whether they’d found anything useful to do with the spent grains. There followed a colourful description of the farmer that collects it to feed his cows and the local Tesco’s discount aisle on a Friday night where he might be found with his unfortunately stereotypical cohorts, baler twine belts and flat caps a plenty.
Eventually it came time to transfer the brew to the fermenter. This was yet another highly technological operation utilising a Wilko’s basic sieve and plastic measuring jug.
It is my belief that these low tech solutions are undoubtedly one of the things that makes beer brewed on this scale what it is. Today was a new experience for me and I wasn’t sure what to expect but there was something reassuringly familiar about the whole process, not so far removed from the home brew roots from which Torrside grew.
I feel like we, as enthusiasts, often perceive a sort of kinship or shared understanding with the brewers that produce our favourite beers. Spending the day with the Torrside team showed me that this relationship isn’t imagined.
The beer itself is a real and tangible connection between the brewer and the drinker and through that product we experience a little bit of the time, effort, enthusiasm and passion that is poured into what they do. It’s why each brewer has something distinctive about their beer, a little of that individual’s personality can’t help but make its way into the stuff that eventually lands in your pint glass and it’s why something brewed in a sterile, faceless factory devoid of any actual people can never hope to have the depth of character of something that’s been patiently stirred by hand for four hours.
With the brew day wrapped up, the temptation to sit back and relax for a few more convivial beers was hard to resist, but we made the first sensible decision of the weekend and called it a day. It was a school night after all! My heartfelt thanks to Jim and James for inviting us along and to Peter, Chris and Nick for having us. I look forward to sampling the fruits of the days labour in November!
#ISBF6 - Post 3
Pretty innit?
Hello again! I did say that I’d try to keep these posts to monthly. I’ve almost kept my word.
A few bits of info for you for this update.
Firstly, Sponsorship. I’d like to say a huge “THANK YOU” to Petersgate Tap who have agreed to sponsor our petite and bijou programme! I rather like having a programme rather than a sheet of paper, it allows us to highlight the lovely design of the Boy Genius and gives us room to give you information and have some fun. They aren’t cheap to produce, but the sponsorship helps hugely in that regard.
And – more to the point and the ethos of ISBF – The Petersgate is a bloody splendid bar and – crucially – Independent. Again, thank you!
And – whilst on the subject of sponsorship…..
One of the things I’m most proud of with this event, is the fact that there is no “corporate” sponsorship. That the people who get involved – via sponsoring beers and other things, are individuals and independent small local businesses. They feel what we do. They understand. And they enjoy it all the more.
So far this year, I haven’t really pushed this hard, but at the moment, we have almost the same level of committed sponsorship pledges as in the WHOLE of #ISBF5. That’s bloody amazing.
The feeling I’m getting is that – once launched on 25th August at 8pm : set calendars! – tickets won’t last long. So, you know what’s coming eh?
One of the ONLY ways you may be able to gurantee a ticket for #ISBF6, IS via sponsorship. Those tickets will be reserved. A bit like presales.
WHAT YOU GET : For your £65 beer sponsorship
2 tickets – to the session of your choice
£10 beer tokens per sponsorship
2 pretty glasses
Interested? Click on the “contacts” tab. Simples!
Next up…… on the subject of thatpretty glassware.
I’ve always liked an “etch” look to glassware. Makes it look just that bit more special. I’ma huge fan of The Prisoner and was thrilled to be allowed to refer to the iconic imagery by the rights holder ITV Studios. I normally ask for mock ups of the glassware imagery much nearer the time of the event, but just couldn’t help myself…. So….
Unlike last year, the etch really seems to work. I (Jim) am chuffed to bits with the way It’s turned out, as are our generous sponsors House of Hops! Claire & Scott were beaming when I showed them on Wednesday, the day before their 1st birthday!
Like I said last time, I’m so pleased we have another sponsor local to the event, it also helps that they’re lovely people too.
And now – a little surprise....
A few months back, I was approached by someone I find it difficult to say “No” to. With a proposition.
I’m a bit of a fan boy of Runaway Brewery – always have been. Mark has been a big supporter of what we do from Day 1. So when he asked, I simply couldn’t say no. To be honest, I was incredibly flattered and nearly hugged him.
So. What am I waffling about?
This year, Runaway Brewery is 5 years old. And Mark wants to have a weekend party at the end of May. And – I’m giggling here – asked would I like to have an #ISBF6 themed/branded bar as part of the event.
The idea. An #EvilKegFilth bar. With breweries that will most certainly be appearing at Hemsley House on Halloween. Mark let me run off and play. So I did.
8 breweries. 10 beers. And I – for one – Can’t wait to try them all! The breweries and beers are listed below.
Come along. Have some fun. It’s Manchester. It’s a Bank Holiday weekend! Let’s party! And I (WHOOP!) get to work behind a bar!!!
Finally, the obligatory tease. Well, it wouldn’t be one of my posts if I didn’t, would it?
In the afterglow of #ISBF5, some offers of assistance came my way, regarding the sourcing of something...... a bit different. And, as one of the mantras has always been “evolution, not revolution” I was suitably intrigued to follow up.
These conversations have continued over the last few months and what was – initially – a little refreshed wishful thinking, has solidified. Up to the point where we are 75% certain of pulling this off.
It may not happen, of course. Logistically, it may prove too much of a challenge for our humble little bash. But...... If it DOES happen, I personally (and I may be wrong of course) have never heard of the like in this area of Greater Manchester. Maybe even the UK.
Hell am I excited at the thought!
And. I’ll keep it under my hat. Let’s say, it will be a nice surprise.
Back soon! Be kind to one another.
Jim x
Sustainable Communities
Encouraging needs to be met locally.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
#ISBF6 - Post 2
Pretty eh?
Hello again!
It’s nice to catch up eh? I’ll probably keep these updates to once a month (so long as there is something to say, some “news” to impart...)
In Post #1, I alluded to paying a little more attention to cider. Well....
If I’m honest, I’ve been embarrassed re Cider at ISBF for some time. Not that I believe that what we had was rubbish – it wasn’t – but that I never focused on it. Never have I given it even close to the attention I’ve given beer. Real last minute stuff every year. Until this year.
This year, I’m quite excited about it.
In December, I had a chance encounter with a lovely couple whilst at Torrside picking up a clutch of Monsters. We chatted and got on well. They said they normally drank Cider, but didn’t at #ISBF5 and focused on some of the tarter beers and really loved them.
It was only afterwards that I realised that they were arguably Greater Manchester’s premier Cider enthusiasts and evangelists. Dick is responsible for the unbeatable Cider Map of Manchester and Cath is an aspiring Pommelier – yes, such a thing exists! So, a month later, I met up with Dick and we talked. And I was fascinated with developments in small batch artisan Cider. I wanted to know more.
Then he invited me to a Cider tasting at Runaway.
Oh. My. Days. My eyes were opened!
Suffice to say, I’m excited. And I’m not easily excited.
So. The idea is to have a presentation / tasting / MTC (Meet The Cidermaker) with someone so elevated in the Cider world as to be almost out of reach to the likes of #ISBF6. Precise details haven’t been hammered out yet, but......
Acclaimed author and renowned Artisan Cidermaker Susanna Forbes and a special guest will be leading a tasting and discussion about Real modern Cider linking in to the (substantial) flavour, aroma and techniques interface between Cider & Craft Beer.
This will be something NOT to MISS. I, for one, am genuinely excited. Those who know me, know that I choose (and use) words very carefully. And mean everything I say. This is not hype.
And this work is all down to Dick & Cath... For which I thank them hugely!
Next up. We’ve got a new glassware Sponsor!!!
ISBF has always tried to be about localism. And at its heart, it remains committed to being as local as it can be. It supports local causes – this year Start Inspiring Minds again – and we like to be involved with local independent businesses. I’m absolutely delighted to say that our new glassware Sponsor is the ace Swinton Micro Pub House of Hops!
Located just around the corner from Salford Town Hall, it couldn’t be more appropriate!
We were really excited when Claire & Scott made the decision to open a Micro Pub. Even more so that it was a mere 15 mins door to door from my (Jim) house! We’ve been thrilled to see how successful they’ve become in a location (Swinton) where they’ve become the vanguard for modern tasty beer.
I was made up when they approached, the decision to agree was instant. To have a glassware Sponsor that is local to the event, it matters. And we couldn’t be happier.
The “Look”
Almost before we’d finished serving at #ISBF5, I’d had an idea, a thought as to what I wanted the imagery based on. I discussed it (briefly) with Andy (aka Design Genius) and he was quite excited – which is always a good start. But I needed to reach out. Re copyright. And I had to dig a bit.
The copyright had changed hands over the years, but I managed to locate the current rights holder and – having emailed – was the recipient of a phone call from a rather lovely lady who seemed surprised that I’d asked (they don’t normally, apparently!). It was an easy chat. I think we actually spent more time discussing likely breweries than the subject of permissions!
Suffice to say, I obtained permission. It was surprisingly easy. And I’m all giggly.
Next, Ticketing.
The “back office” stuff doesn’t normally impact on the attendees, but I thought I’d bring this up.
Weirdly, I get approached by varies companies over the course of a year about ticketing services. Most of the time, a polite “I’m OK with what we’ve got, thanks... “ type reply suffices. But one company caught my eye with the phrase “50% of our fee goes to a charity of your choice”.
That was the bait on the hook. I bit.
The firm is Citizen Ticket. And once is spoken and was assured that that money could go to START, I was sold. So. That’s where we will be hosting ticket sales.
Dates : 31st October to 2nd November
Tickets – as I’ve said previously – will go on public sale at 8pm on 25th August. Unless you’re at our little launch bash....
That will be at The Brink on the same evening at 6:30. Attendees to that will get first chance to buy tickets, get to drink exclusive beers brewed for the event and a chance to buy some exclusive bits and bobs. Tickets for that will go up (they’re already set up!) on Monday 22nd July at 8pm.
Set calendars....
Sponsorship! I nearly forgot…….
If you’d like to get involved with our little bash via sponsoring a beer or something, please get in touch via the “contacts” page. Last year, we were overwhelmed with the number of individuals and small local businesses that got involved. This year, we’d love to hear from you - people have already started without a reminder!
Sponsoring a beer (or cider!) will cost £65. What you get is…..
2 tickets to the session of choice
£10 of tokens per sponsorship
2 glasses
The choice of Supplier to sponsor - based on order of contact.
i look forward to hearing from you!
That’s all for now. (I’ve started contacting breweries, but that’s boring isn’t it?....)
Keep your eyes peeled. Back soon.
Jx
Carbon Zero
Achieving a net zero carbon footprint.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
#ISBF6 - Post 1
Happy New Year!
The end of each year is always the time when I (Jim) attempt to catch those beers I missed on the bar at ISBF. 2018 was no different. Ah.... The perils of being – or attempting to be – responsible during the event eh?
And – despite my promises to self to take some time off – it’s also the time when I take stock of what worked and – more importantly – what didn’t. The things that I got wrong.
And look to put those things right.
It’s truly heartwarming when you see plaudits being handed out, when you see the efforts of the entire group of helpers and volunteers rewarded with “Best Beer Festival” gongs. It makes me go all gooey when people (rightly) point out the feeling, the friendliness of the team, the music, everything but the beer.
Because – whilst the beer is important – these things are about people enjoying themselves. And if you DO enjoy yourself, we’ve done our job. And enjoyed ourselves doing it.
But. And here’s the rub. Having set a date of end of October, that means planning has to start now. And has.
I’ve already stated that there will be changes on the beer front. 70 keg and 30 cask. With the cask all dispensed straight from the vessel. The aim being that each beer you get will be cooled. Not warm. It’s difficult at beer festivals to get cask right, but, within the facilities we have, we’ll try. I also had a few whispers in my ear about potential opportunities for something “different” – on both cask and keg. Those have been pursued this week and may have already borne fruit.
To be frank, if these come off, I’ll be astonished. But you’ve got to shoot for the stars right?
For my (Jim) part, I’ve always been acutely aware that I haven’t paid enough attention to the non-beer side of this event. So I intend to make use of the next 7 months and address that. Indeed, I’ve already made some progress on that. To the extent that – for the first time - at #ISBF6, we’ll have a presentation on the Thursday evening. Indeed, there is already an agreement in place. And if this comes off it may be game changing for us.
Another change will be fewer tickets. Yes. You read that correctly. Fewer tickets. That applies on the Friday evening through to Saturday evening. The numbers will be reduced to 250 maximum. Why? It was just a bit too warm. And a teensy bit too crowded. To offset that, there’ll be a slight increase for the Thursday evening and Friday lunch sessions. To 200.
THAT should mean that the majority of (the increased) beer volume should last well into Saturday evening.
And – on that subject – the alarm bells that started to ring during that Saturday evening session mean that I need to recognise that – despite the mitigation I’ve mentioned above – there will be a slight gamble with beer choice on the Saturday evening. Let me be clear, ALL of the beer is – or is sourced to be – as exceptional as I can get. I don’t do FOMO, but need to recognise that some do. So, with that in mind, ticket price for that session will be slightly reduced. (Not by much, because the entry element is a small part of the ticket price.)
Going back to breweries. And beer... I’m tickled that several breweries that haven’t been at ISBF previously have agreed to come and have beer at #ISBF6. Each year things need to change, but one thing that won’t is the requirement for each beer to be new to Manchester (as at the start of the event). And – if it comes off – there’ll be a major change with the keg offer. Which, logistically, may be a challenge too far. But we’re certainly going to try.
And this year – for the first time – as much thought will be given to the cider as to the beer. So watch this space.
For now, that’s it. I’ll keep you updated when I’ve got information for you. But, please remember this. Given the feedback I’ve had and the continuing complimentary social media, when those fewer tickets go on sale on 25th August, don’t hang about. Because I get the feeling that they won’t last long.
Be kind to one another.
Jim x
#ISBF5 - Wrap : Pt 2
Yes. People matter.
That’s the whole THING that underpins everything to do with The Independent Salford Beer Festival. People. Helping. Trying to make a difference. Of course the beer helps, but if you’ve been with us more than once, if like to think you get “it”. The feeling we try to create.
This feeling. It’s in the DNA of the event now. Like the word “friendly” shot through a stick of rock. We’ve tried to create a relaxed space. Comfortable. Respect. Good people drinking good beer. I loved the moment when Stan (the Chair of the building) looked in the main room, his face beaming. He didn’t know what to expect. Couldn’t believe what I’d told him about the drinkers that come to ISBF until he’d seen for himself.
You’re good people. You’ll realise HOW good later on.
One of the things we are most pleased about is the number of people who wanted to be involved via sponsorship. THAT was amazing. No major companies, no “banner” sponsor, just individuals and small independent businesses coming together, supporting a small independent event. And it’s to those businesses and people I want to turn to now and thank from our hearts. The ISBF Family salute you. You make a difference. As you will see. And we are so grateful that you take that punt on our little bash.
So. Huge thanks to the following...
Rob Hamilton and Team Black Jack
Malcolm Bastow at Five Towns Brewery
Andy Heggs and Drumbeat Creative
Jason & Jules Bailey of GRUB
Michelle Shipman of the fabulous Berries, Beans & Beer for the Gins!
Charlie Hooson-Sykes for her help, advice and persuasive skills with our petite Gin Bar!
Fevertree for the Tonics.
Paul & Cheryl at Pictish Brewery
Phil at Hobs Repro
Dave & Jen at The Northern Type in Eccles
Phil & Rachel at Otters Tears in Burslem
Simon at Olsson Fire & Risk
East Lancashire Railway / Trackside
Nook & Cranny (Bromley Cross)
Graham Stock
Terry Johnson
Plug & Taps (Preston)
Not To Forget
So. To the point of ISBF.
People. And helping.
This afternoon, myself, Gerry & TLO met the CEO of Start Inspiring Minds, Bernadette. A woman who is as passionate as us about helping people.
START was founded 25 years ago to help people with issues around mental health. And the main route to helping people regain self-esteem, to rebuild and to attain mental resilience, is through the arts. Creativity. Building into their members that they have ability, that they have a value.
Walking around the place, the various workshops - Ceramics, woodworking, textiles, painting - you get an idea as to the love in this place. That people MATTER. It felt …..right.
We spoke with Bernadette about that F word a lot. Feeling. That is how we have built this event. It needs to FEEL right.
And START feels like a good fit as a charity to support. So we will, With #ISBF6
But first, this year. I’m a little bit overawed by what we’ve achieved if I’m being honest. I’ve had an idea for a while as to how well we did. How YOU did. But (unusually) I kept quiet. Just to make sure I wasn’t mistaken. Thanks to your thirst, generosity and the hard work of the entire ISBF Family, START are better off to the tune of £11,000.
We’ve never raised that much before. I’ve got used to that figure for a couple of weeks, but Bernadette, Gerry & TLO were a bit stunned.
As I said earlier, it’s START’s 25th Anniversary this year. And that’s a nice present just before Xmas.
Thank you all. And a very Merry Xmas.
Roll on #ISBF6. Back soon.
Jx
#ISBF5 - Wrap : Pt 1
I have absolutely no idea where to start this post. The last week has been a combination of blur and surprises to me. But, I’ll give it a go.
People. People matter. Things, beer, don’t matter anywhere near as much. Not to me anyway, nor – if I’m any judge – to the rest of the ISBF Family. That extended (and growing) group that comes together every year. To smile and dispense both beer and joy. And that is something that I – as the presiding officer of this beery shambles – insist on. For them – the “family” (the word “volunteers” doesn’t do them justice) – to enjoy themselves. Because if you can’t have fun doing this.....
So Where was I? Ah yes. People.
This event was conceived in the back room of Gerry’s house. To help people. To raise money to do just that. And, each year, with a fortuitous combination of good beer, good people and a “winging it” attitude towards “organisation”, we’ve done just that. This event Isn’t “slick”. It isn’t “professional”. What it IS, is “from the heart”. When I “drop the mic”, a whole bunch of people pick it up and sing their bloody hearts out. And I love these people. They know this. If they don’t, I’ve failed.
Since I flipped the lid from a bottle of “Twisted Spire” by Hobsons in September 2011, then wrote some fumbling nonsense about it, I’ve been on a journey. And learned loads about who makes good beer. And that makes what I do with ISBF really simple. And when you do something like this, simplicity matters.
Another thing that helps hugely – and I frequently call my “superpower”, it’s the knowing of lots of people who know how to do the clever stuff. All that technical stuff that I can’t. Setup, design, dispense troubleshooting. Not to forget the brewing of simply fabulous beer. I owe them all. Hugely.
In terms of gratitude (and I owe a LOT), before the event, the following people are paramount
TLO, Mick, Phil – in all likelihood, they’ll never read this. But without their forbearance and tolerance, this event couldn’t have happened over each of the last five years.
Gerry – I blame her for everything. She made me do it, she’s difficult to say no to. She’s my extended family’s matriarch. Our rock. And this year, without her contacting the Mayor of Salford, this event would have ceased.
Andy Heggs – Words fail me.
Lee, Sam, Gaz at All Flow Dispense. That set up. And take down. Just heroes. And I don’t say that lightly.
Rob Hamilton & Team Black Jack – I simply can’t afford to thank them as much as they deserve. It’s no exaggeration to say that without their help and tolerance of my mithering and intrusion, this doesn’t happen. Ta.
Malcolm Bastow – Brewer. Friend. Again, words fail me. Except, “That Candidate....... “
Jeff – For willingly organising the volunteering (and all the ancillary bits)
Sherpa & Jaz – Without you two, I’d have been shipwrecked on the Wednesday and Thursday. Handballing 1200 glasses from a pallet in the pouring rain is no joke.
Jo & Mike – Tunes. “Shit Wifey” comments. Standing at a “gin bar” for hours. You know I love you both. See you soon at The Nook.
Luckily, there’ll be a second post when I know how much we’ve raised and where our lovely sponsors will get their proper thanks.
That all said, it seemed to go alright. IF* this event ever happens again, there were several lessons learned. In order, they are.....
Slightly cheaper Saturday evening tickets. I really didn’t get how thirsty people would be. And the way those keg fonts were emptying so quickly gave me terrors! We started with 24 more keg beers than 2017. And they got drained. Without exception. Which leads to....
More keg. Especially at the lower abv “session” level. That volume was a close call. We do nearly ran out. Call it planning genius or accidental. But if all those with tickets on Saturday evening had turned up, we’d have run out by 9pm.
Less cask. But only a little. Because that almost all went too.
Controversially (for traditionalists). No handpulls. ALL cask will – if we do this again – be on stillage and served direct from the cask. And if I personally witness anyone getting angry with volunteers, they will be “asked” to leave. By me. This is beer. Something to enjoy. Not something to get ANGRY about because it’s a degree Kelvin warmer than recommended. These people give up their time to serve beer. They do it cheerfully. They do it because they care. Not because they wish to be abused.
I might even reduce numbers in the busier sessions. And up them slightly in the quieter ones.
In short, evolution. As in each year we’ve done this. No revolution. No “all you can drink”. No taster glasses. We don’t get everything right, but we try.
*About that IF business…….
#ISBF6 : 31st October to 2nd November 2019. At Hemsley House.
You may wish to diarise that date.
Tickets will be released on 25 August 2019. Forward planning eh?
And now, some sleep………….
#ISBF5 : Thursday 29th November to 1st December - So Here We Are
These things take time. And frequently (as Rabbie Burns is famously quoted as saying) “The best laid plans o mice an men aft gang agley. And oh BOY do they go agley!
From deciding/desiring to “go again” to getting here has taken about 8 months and it has certainly been an interesting journey – to put it mildly.
We’re almost at the stage where I hand this monster over, but for now, I’ll talk in the 1st person. This is me. Jim.
Once we’d secured Hemsley House (and I can’t WAIT for you to see it!) I wanted this to be a bit different. It had to be different. More space. More people = more beer. Over 25% more beer.
But we’ll come to that later.
It’s truly humbling to see and feel all the love for this event. It kind of means that we’ve got it to where we/I always wanted it to be. Good beer, good people and good music. All coming together. The three things that I care about most. Despite the new surroundings, this isn’t a fancy bash. It Isn’t – nor will it ever become – “up itself”. That would be most “un Northern”. And I/we are products of this environment, these twin cities of Salford & Manchester. And we don’t take ourselves too seriously up here.
And we love where we’re from. It’s in our blood. All of us involved. This wee family that comes together each year. I love these people.
So. Enough mawkishness. What’s going to happen next week.
Well. We open on Thursday 29th at 6pm for a start. That’s a quiet one. And all about the beer. With a little background music in the Rink Suite (#EvilKegFilth room). The cask room (Worsley Suite) will remain free of tunes. As will The Walker Suite (aka The Green Room)
Friday lunchtime the same. 11:30 opening. Good beer, good tunes. Same format.
Friday evening, will see Zacc Rogers play two sets in The Rink Suite. Go have a watch /listen on You Tube. He’s bloody good! Sets probably 7:30 & 8:30 ish. But that’s up to the artists! We’ll also have a presentation from Ryan of new Preston brewery Chain House. We’re proud to give them their first Mancunia exposure and I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of their beers in the coming year.
Saturday Lunch will see 2 presentations/chats.
Firstly – at approx 12:45 – Former National Champion Home Brewer, Andy Parker, he now of Elusive Brewing, will be talking matters Home Brewing. Man knows his stuff.
Shortly afterwards we will have an MTB style thing with exciting new Yorkshire venture SALT Brewing (They’ve got theprettiest of set ups!)
All meetings will be in The Walker Suite.
Saturday evening, live music again with the ace voice of Elly Grice and the Guitar Merlin that is George Fell (anyone who watched him last year, knows)
The beers will be at a range of prices generally (with certain limited exceptions) in the following price ranges…
Cask :
Up to 3.5% - £3 a pint
3.6 – 4.5 £3.30
4.6 – 5.5 £3.60
5.6 – 6.0 £3.90
6.0 – 6.9 £4.20
7.0 – 7.9 £4.80
8.0 – 8.9 £5.10
9.0 – 9.9 £5.40
10 and above £6.00
Beers 7% and above only served in ½ Pt and 1/3 Pt measures. With some exclusively in 1/3 Pt measures.
Keg
3.0 – 3.9 £3.90
4.0 – 4.9 £4.50
5.0 - 5.9 £5.10
6.0 - 6.9 £5.70
7.0 - 7.9 £6.30
8.0 - 8.9 £6.90
9.0 – 9.9 £7.50
10 & above £9.00
Again, Beers 7% and above only served in ½ Pt and 1/3 Pt measures. With some exclusively in 1/3 Pt measures.
These aren’t “rip off” prices. I don’t do that. And please remember, ALL profits go to charity.
The prettiest beer festival T-shirts ever will be on sale at £17.50 in grey and red. They’re gorgeous. And I thank my Design Genius, webmaster and all round good (H)egg Andy for the beautiful look.
The food – once again – will be of the wholesome type. Think hotpots / Chillis etc.
Big thanks to the following – without whom this wouldn’t be happening….
Team Black Jack. Without whom the beer wouldn’t be here. Utter stars
Malcolm Bastow of Five Towns. Ditto for Yorkshire. And for other reasons only he knows and I’m not telling.
Lee & Sam at All Flow Dispense. 5 years of installing bars in the face of my chaos. Cheers fellas.
Dave & Jen at The Northern Type – For sponsoring our glassware.
Bailey & Jules at GRUB – for so much. And the sound system!
OK. What you really want to see is what’s below. So. Fill your boots. It’s taken 8 months to get this lot together, with lots of changes since the initial brewery list was published. Hope you enjoy it.
Please NB. The aim is to source beers new to Manchester. This isn’t ALWAYS possible. Some can and DO slip through the net, for certain I’m no Untappd or Ratebeer hound – as anybody who knows me knows all too well. But it IS the aim. To give you 94 beers new to the area. And it’d bloody hard work.
So don’t shoot me if I’ve missed one or two!
Read responsibly.
See you next week.
Jim & The ISBF Family
Cask
Brewery Beer Style ABV
Abbeydale Raspberry and peanut butter BA Imperial Stout 10
Bad Seed Super Sobremesa (Coffee & Almond) Stout 8.5
Beatnikz I Session San Diego Session Pale 4.2
Beer Nouveau Tarragon The Dragon Stout 8.4
Black Jack Deck of Cards US Brown Ale 5.6
Blackedge Nelson Sauvin Session Pale 3.8
Blue Bee Archimedes Principle Pale Ale 4.2
Brass Castle Funkshine Bretted IPA 5.7
Brew York Amber Gambler (Wood cask aged) US Amber 4.7
Cheshire Brewhouse Crush Collision Session Pale 4
De Ranke XX Bitter Belgian Blond 6
Distant Hills White Peach Milkshake Session IPA 4.2
Elusive x North Riding Mochachino US Red Ale 5.8
Five Towns Candidate Breakfast Stout 9
Five Towns Sweet Thing Melon Pale 5.5
Five Towns x Rivington Sweet Thing (Reprise) Imperial Fruited
Milkshake IPA 9
Neptune Atlantic Ridge US Brown Ale 5.5
Night Jar Turbo Tuk Tuk Thai IPA 5.2
North Riding x Elusive India Porter Porter 6.7
Pictish Caradoc's Thirst Table Beer 2.9
Pomona Island Best Ever Death Metal
Band Out of Salford Mandarin Pale 5.5
Rammy Craft Little Wonder Session Pale 3.6
Redwillow Tearless v4 (Cryo Hop) Table Beer 3
Revolutions Phantasmagoria Oatmeal Pumpkin
Brown Ale 4.5
Runaway x GRUB Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cake! 5.5
SALT Brewing Jute Session IPA 4
Thirst Class Dandelion & Burdock Pale Special Pale 4.8
Tigertops Honey Bear Honey Pale
(Orval Yeast) 4
Torrside v Runaway Social Distortion Pale Ale 5.6
Turning Point Yellow Matter Custard Vanilla Wheat
Pale 6
Vocation Imperial Russian Stout Imperial Stout 10.6
Wigan Brewhouse All American 5 Hop Session Ale 4
Wilde Child Enfant Terrible Milkshake
Table Pale 3.1
Wishbone The Black Imp Imperial Stout 8.7
#EvilKegFilth
Brewery Beer Style ABV
6th Day Brewing Land of Make Believe Mandarin Champale 5.50
8 Arch Dainty NE Pale 4.80
Abbeydale Table Bretted Saison Dry Hopped Saison 3.60
Almasty Dank NE IPA 6.00
Ampersand Lemon Voyage Lemon Verbena
Brut IPA 6.00
Beer Ink Maude The Merrier Canadian Breakfast
Stout 8.80
Bexar County Thin Line Between Green Tea, Mango and
Genius & Insanity II Sriracha Pale 6.60
Bexar County (c) Getting The Band Back
Together Mini Porter 3.10
Big Fish Brew Co Division 1 NEIPA 6.70
Black Lodge Origami Unicorn DDH Pale 5.00
Bone Machine Día de Muertos Mexican Stout 7.40
Boutillers Jam Sandwich Pale Pale Ale 4.60
Brew By Numbers tbc Cranberry Wit 5.50
Brick Blackcurrant & Sumac Sour 3.60
Buxton Cherry Sour Fruited Berliner Weisse 3.50
Chain House Brew Co Shorts in October Hazy Pale Ale 5.00
Cloudwater "Cherry and Sea Salt" Imperial Stout 11.00
Cwrw Ial Lager Lager 5.00
Double Barreled Raspberry & Beetroot Gose 5.00
Elusive Bless The Rains Coffee Hazelnut Porter 7.00
Elusive x North Riding India Porter Porter 6.70
Fierce 6pm Sinner Amber DIPA W/Lime 8.50
Hawkshead Autumn Equinox Blackberry Sour 3.30
Kernel Dry Stout Centennial Stout 4.40
Korupted Brew Co Beaucoup de Baies
Fourrees Saison 5.80
LHG Otherlands Cascadian Black 6.60
Liquid Light Electric Machine IPA 6.50
Little Earth Dandelion de Garde 8.40
Loka Polly Chinook / Mosaic (ONLY KEG!)DIPA 8.60
Lost & Grounded Take Me To The Top IPA 6.80
Macc Brew Co We All Hail Hail Yuzu & Sorachi Pale 5.00
Magic Rock Dairyfreak (Hazelnut) Milk Ice Porter 5.20
Mallinsons Lager Lager 5.00
Marble Decadence 2018 Imperial Stout 10.50
Marble x
Wander Beyond Found Your Marbles Fruit Blended Impy 11.00
Mills Picture Pot Blended Sour 6.30
Neon Raptor Endangered Oak Bourbon
Vanilla Porter 6.60
Neptune x Tom's Tap Farmhouse IPA Farmhouse IPA 7.20
Northern Alchemy Cola Sour Sour 4.00
Northern Monk tbc DIPA 9.00
Pilot Brut IPA Brut IPA 6.00
Rivington Stock Ale Stock Ale 7.70
Runaway (c) Coffee & Chocolate White Stout 6.50
Six Degrees North Snowy Belgian Winter ale 7.50
Squawk Fusca Chocolate Vanilla Stout 9.00
Staggeringly Good Ekuanodon Vermont DIPA 7.40
Thirst Class x
Tickety Brew Plum & Licorice Stout Stout 6.20
Thornbridge Mint Choc Chip Lucaria Ice Cream Porter 4.50
Three Blind Mice Bretted Gooseberry Saison 5.20
Tom's Tap Imperial Brown
Breakfast Stout Imperial Brown Stout 6.00
Torrside Destination Unknown Double Ruby IPA 9.50
Track Hedgerow Sour
(collab w/Garage Brewing) Sour 5.50
Twisted Barrel Behold A Pale Horse DH Belgian Tripel 9.00
Verdant #6 DIPA 8.00
Vibrant Forest Luciferin Black Imperial Lime
Gose 7.40
Watts & Co Paddington Pale Ale Lime Marmalade Pale 4.30
Weird Beard JD Barrel Aged Sadako Imperial Stout 9.50
Wild Weather Strawberry Daiquiri Pale 5.00
Wilderness Equinox Saison Mixed Culture Saison (Burgundy BA Blended with fresh Saison) 5.20
Wylam Pigs Ear - Art & Beer Pale Ale 5.00
Please note. There WILL be a small, select & local Gin Bar and there WILL be ciders. I just don’t know quite what yet!
Some of those beasties are UNIQUE to us. Some you may never see in Manchester again. All (or near as) will be new to Manchester.
And they’re all for you. Enjoy.
See you next week!
Jim
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 13 - Distant Hills
A little surprise to me was this. A final brewday! The design genius that is Mr H took some time out from being whipped mercilessly by YT to go and have some fun.
Covertly.
Take it away mon genius!
“It’s well known that the Independent Salford Beer Festival is unique insofar as every beer that Jim showcases are ones you will not have had before. It’s nothing short of amazing that literally every beer available is a first for Greater Manchester. This comes from Jim’s not inconsiderable persuasive powers, encouraging brewers to collaborate, concoct and come up with something you won’t have had from them before. Guaranteed. (I didn’t pay for that - Jim)
This year is no different, but it’s not just new and never before had beers. There’s even new breweries, ventures and new projects to discover. THAT’S how powerful a pull this festival has.
And the latter is why I find myself in a cavernous yet sauna like warehouse at an undisclosed location in Derbyshire at - a pretty civilised in brewing terms - 9am on a Thursday morning. Seriously, I had to sign a NDA before they let me over the threshold. Every photo taken (by my sharp eyed mate Nick) was vetted. This is a set up playing their cards very close to their chests, for now.
And no wonder. A 24 hectolitre steam driven brewhouse is a sight to behold. I’ve been to a few brew days but never on a kit the size of which requires a sweeping staircase to access the mash and lauter tuns. This is the cutting edge of craft right here.
Italian made, recently shipped in via three lorry loads and fitted by a team flown over especially to commission it, this thing is a BEAST. So much of a beast in fact a whole wall needed to be removed to get the thing in.
The steam that is the blood to this brewing organism clicks, whirrs, rattles it’s way round the system - and at points does a very good impression of the Flying Scotsman pulling to a stop.
The brew team are still breaking the kit in, and taming the beast. This was only the fifth brew on the kit, so the day wasn’t without its moments. There’s still one or two technical creases to iron out but nothing prevented the brew from coming out EXACTLY as planned. And nothing that a layman like me would have noticed had it not been for the odd furrowed brow or head scratch from the brew team.
I won’t bore you with the brewing process, I’m sure you all know what goes on when and in what order, but of course you want to know what was cooked up. Well, for starters hop-wise its got Hercules for bittering, followed by Citra, Calypso and Wolf later on in the process. As well as lactose. And 20 kilos of peach puree. You can see where this is going.
You’ll be enjoying a White Peach Milkshake Session IPA at 4.2%.
If you get to it before I drink it all. “
Thank you my little Stormtrooper!
Come sample this mystery. For the very first time. Here. At Hemsley House. And #ISBF5.
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 12 - Blue Bee
It’s a rare thing that a brewery sneaks up on my taste buds. Where you find yourself – without actual consideration – ordering their beer where you see it. Because it’s consistently excellent.
That’s Blue Bee for me. I clearly remember the online conversation with Josh (Brewer) last year. When he offered me one of two beers. A Session Pale (which my head NEEDED) and a rich dark (which my HEART needed!). I put it to a team vote in a rare moment of weakness. The team voted for the Stout.
It ended being the fastest seeking cask at #ISBF4.
So you can see why I’m in Sheffield at 8 am yesterday (Saturday) morning.
And I got lost. But fortunately, a nice busman pointed me in the right direction!
Many months ago, Josh agreed to host us for a brewday and wanted to do a Session Pale. I was delighted. I wouldn’t say that was a forte, as I’ve never had a bad pint of Blue Bee. But his session pales are just delicious. Crisp, sharp, hoppy, dry. ALL my boxes ticked.
The fact that I was sweating over my average abv made the idea of a session Pale all the more joyous!
Located a short walk from the sprawling Kelham Island area, I walked in to Josh getting the grains ready. I looked around the brewery. Logical. Set up for ease of use, simplicity. But, but, what’s those SQUARE things??
Yorkshire Squares! Those fermenting vessels of legend! And my first sighting in the wild. Josh explained their usage and what they bring. He explained a lot of things yesterday. It was an educational day all round.
All Pale malt. Simple. The gravity fed grain mixed from above meant that mahjong (or “mashing”, depending on your predictive text!) was a joy.
Hops. Hmmm...... Bittering? Columbus. SO aromatic. In with 3/4kg. Instant aroma hit. Fruity and delicious.
Then, the waiting. Which meant all the laptop stuff I couldn’t do on the train. I caught up in time for late hop addition. A hop that I’d never previously used. Eureka! Archimedes missed out. Bloody hell these smelled beautiful!. 10kg. And the brewery erupted with tropical fruit notes. Just WOW! I hope it’s not the last time I use these!
The way the brewery is set up (to my mind) contributed to how smooth this brewday went. For me, as much as the beer – and the rapid dig out (with farmer turning up unexpectedly!) - this was about talking with a young man steeped in Sheffield. Totally immersed in the beer industry of this brilliant beer city. There seemed to be nothing - or no-one Josh didn’t know.
After the brew, we went for a walk. Via a few beers. With standouts being two Sheffield stalwarts. The Kelham Island Tavern (my VERY FIRST Pictish dark beer!) and a delicious Blue Bee 5 Hop, then Shakespeare. And an excellent North Riding.
Josh even made sure I didn’t get lost on my way to the train station too!
Truly, I’m glad all these brew days are done. I’m shattered and my body clock is completely askew (I’m a day out). But with days like this, I feel like I could go on forever. Talking and making beer with someone whose beer thoughts are almost a mirror. With whom I agreed with on SO much. It was an utter pleasure. Cheers Josh!
So, what have we got coming? With an additional 5kg of Enigma in dry hop, we’re going to get a Sessionable Pale Ale. At about 4.4% abv. Punchy and fruity. Dry with a nice bitterness. It’s precisely what we/you need. From a brewery that does this SO well.
Can’t wait. Come and join us. It’s going to be fun!
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 11 - Pictish Brewery
What can you say about Pictish? Are they hip? No. Are they fashionable? No. So what? Why? What do Pictish actually DO?
Well, “they” (Paul) in my educated opinion, make the finest session Pale Ale this side of the Pennines. Only Mallinsons rival. And I introduced them to each other. And am in awe of what they both do.
If you speak to “people in the know”, many will sigh “Ahhhhhh.... Brewers Gold*.....”. Simply put, if you want session Pale Ale on this side of the Pennines in cask, look no further. I – for one – am a HUGE fan. If I see Pictish on a bar, then they other beers can wait. This isn’t me hyping – I’ll leave that to others – just me. I adore consistency of excellence. And That’s what I get from Paul Wesley.
It’s why I’m at Rochdale Station. At 6:50 am.
I spoke with Paul about his brewing plan. And what he suggested made my heart sing. A Table Beer. That sub genre that I – for one – thought was going to take off this year. One that was sharp. And hoppy. A sweet song to my ears....
Mash in was simple. Pale malt with a bit of Cara and Oat. Pale, with body. Win. Hops? Brewers Gold and Cascade for bittering. Done. And they smelled SO GOOD. So aromatic. Almost good enough to be the late addition. But there were other ideas. I got to choose..... 😊
Transfer? Lovely and pale. But that was only the half of it. I’ve described Paul to others as like a blood cell with five different things to do. Simultaneously. He’s a blur of movement. And – like many brewers – He’s acutely tuned to the sounds of his kit. And today wasn’t simple. Today was akin to Pump Armageddon. And the skills of an artisan brewer were essential. Plumbing. Engineering. The kinds of things that you need to do when a pump fails. Other brewers will sigh with understanding. And my admiration of their skill sets increases.
From an outsider? Sensory overload. Aromas were lovely. And that was BEFORE the late hop decision. Which was mine. Yum.
How to choose? Stick your head in a bag and inhale like you’re Bill Clinton. Ahhhhhhhhhh........Citra...
Yup. I could resist. I was like a lemming on top of a cliff. And I jumped. Tropically. Oh the smells!
And then..... Transfer pitch and done. It wasn’t QUITE that simple, but things rarely are in the world of the artisan. Like I said, I am complete awe of the skills of the lone brewer. It’s far from just about grains, hops and yeast.
So. What have we got? A 2.9% table beer. I got to choose the hops. I got to choose the name.
My thought process went something like...... Pictish...... Celtic symbolism....... History nerd (me)...... Great Celtic Warrior....... Caradoc! (The Roman derivation was Caractacus). It’s a Table Beer, therefore meant to slake Thirst.... Caradoc’s Thirst! Say hello. You’re going to love this!
*What did I say about Brewers Gold?
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 10 - Pomona Island
Middle of 2017, I (Jim) started to hear rumour of a new brewery in Salford. That Brewery was Pomona Island, they were preparing to open their wings and fly, but - having chatted with one of the founders, Gaz - they weren’t quite ready for #ISBF4. I was gutted. What better than to launch an exciting new brewery at our wee Salford bash?
Fast forward a year. And Pomona have been putting out some simply astonishingly good beer. From a standing start, they have firmly established themselves amongst Manchester’s finest brewers. And that’s no easy thing to achieve. I was ultra keen to have them onboard at #ISBF5.
I was also keen - this year - to match members of the ISBF family up with friends. With people they know and respect. Jock with Malcolm at Five Towns, Sarah with Black Jack. Somehow, Jeff and Pomona just went together like cheese and crackers. Pomona being the cheese and Jeff? Well, do the math……
Accompanying Jeff - and keen to get involved - was excellent amateur brewer Paul. They may have enjoyed themselves….Take it away Jeff!
When the opportunity to go down to & brew down with POMONA came up how was I able to refuse, I had one of best nights of Manchester Beer week there when myself & a whole bunch of others went on a barge trip along the River Irwell to the brewtap. I’ve known Gaz a while & had been introduced to head brewer James when he first arrived in Mcr from Tempest Brewing.
On the run up to brew day discussions were had over what to brew, our remit was something pale, preferably cask & not too big. At the ticket launch for ISBF I asked a local homebrewer & fan of the festival Paul Delaney if he wanted to join in the brewday ( a shrewd move by me meaning the cleaning of mash tun could be halved). (Lazy git! Ed)
On the morning of the brew day Gaz picked us both up & we headed over to the edge of media city where the brewery is sited, not too early a nice civilised half 8. We were greeted by James who had already printed off the recipe sheet & immediately started running through it while Gaz grabbed us some wellies & brewed the coffee. First job is mashing in & for this it was 10 bags of Maris Otter
All the while James is sharing his knowledge & explaining the process to me & happy to answer Paul’s more technical questions. While the mashing in & the transfer are happening we get an invite from Gaz to taste some of the beers they have been barrel ageing, probably a good idea to watch out for these when they are released.
Transfer complete & it’s time to clear the mashtun with the two of us taking turns & James doing his bit too
It was going to be a 75 min boil which was enough time for a stroll into media city for a pint & some food. Suitably nourished we return to add the hops which for this is 3.5kg of Amarillo. Transfer to the fermenting vessel followed with then more cleaning
The mandarin juice will follow to create a pale coming in at 5.5abv & available for first taste on cask at ISBF5
We hung around & had a go at filling some casks, moving casks to cold store & having a few more beers fresh from the vessels. As it was by now around 5pm we thought a good idea to head for a few beers & so made the 30min walk into Eccles for to The Northern Type.
Massive thanks to the Pomona gang for a good day out.”
Cheers Jeff. Looks like FAR too much fun was had for my liking!
A Mandarin Pale eh? From Pomona Island? Like Jeff said……First pour at Hemsley House!
Shame there’s so few tickets left eh?
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 9 - Neptune Brewery
Today was important. This was for me (Jim). A lot like the Bexar County brewday. Let me explain.
Over two years ago, numb with grief, I made the decision to continue with #ISBF3. I needed something to keep me moving. To stop me falling into a pit. I wrote about that here.
It was the right decision for me. But I couldn’t face all the brewdays I’d organised. And one by one, I had to make phone calls cancelling arrangements. For me, the calls were “simple”. For the recipient they were harrowing. One such was to Les O’Grady. And I remember exactly where I was when I made it. As – as I found out today – does he.
This year was about catching up. And dealing with unfinished business. With bloody good people.
Les & Julie have been with us each year. Each Saturday lunch session. It’s like tradition. And from the moment Les started brewing, I wanted his beer. And we’ve watched Neptune develop into a little Liverpudlian powerhouse, pushing out exceptional beer, punching above their weight and steadily gaining an excellent reputation for flavour and consistency. Never shouting about it, letting the beers talk. And they do.
So this year, I wasn’t going to miss this. No matter what.
Which is why I find myself at Aintree station in North Liverpool. Awaiting the loveliest taxi driver.....
Space. Shiny floor. Shiny kit. Then a hug from Les. He knew. They both knew. I just knew this was going to be one of those “good days”. A reintroduction to Gav and we were ready to roll with some lovely malt. Including one new to me, Gambrinus Honey Malt. Exciting!
I love that smell of hot porridge. I never could tire of that. The brown malt boomed out aromas of slightly burnt toast with a real sweet smell from that honey malt coming through. The brewery smelt astonishing. And I take some astonishing these days.
The brown malt had an instant colour impact. So it was fortunate that we were planning my favourite beer style. An American Brown Ale.
As anyone who’s done this before will know, a brewday is brief flurries of activity followed by...... waiting. So we’ll skip a bit eh?
Having helped Gav dig out that deceptively deep vessel, it was time for lunch and a delicious Mosaic & Citra IPA....
And the aromatic “trial” that is breaking up the 5kg of Centennial (I did say that was my catnip hop, right?).
With rich earthy smells from the transfer to the copper filing the air, it was time to sample the wort. And oh was it surprising! Earthy, deep and earthy, but really light with an initial impression of a really light dirty chocolate Crunchie! It’s really the only way I could describe it! Another is delicious. And That’s before the hops....
Speaking of which...
Following which the place was flooded with earthy fruity aromas. It was a bit like Beery Aromatherapy.
Before I knew it the day had flown – and I’d blagged a t-shirt – we’d transferred to FV & pitched the hydrated yeast (expertly whisked by YT). Home time came far too early. But I’ve got a day job. Otherwise....
This was an important day. We talked about important things. And shot the breeze about lesser stuff. And do you know what? I left with a sense of achievement. I’d finally, FINALLY, brewed with Neptune. Not only that – and having had an ACE time – I’d helped make what initial tasting tells me is going to be exceptional. And a “must try”. Even Les will enjoy THIS one at #ISBF5!
Come try “Atlantic Ridge”. You’ll LOVE it!
And if you haven’t got tickets, be quick. All gone except Thursday evening. And only 15 left of those! Click here
Only 15 tickets left.
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 8 - Black Jack : A Birthday Treat
To so many drinkers in Manchester, Black Jack are important.
For the beer? Naturally. They make excellent beers.
For the exceptional brewtaps? Absolutely. Spring, Summer or Autumn, whatever the temperature, they set the standard. Whilst many of my (Jim) friendships may have been formed elsewhere, many have also deepened and been cemented right there. In that yard, at the bottom of Irk Street.
That said, without Black Jack, this event would be an awful lot more difficult, if not impossible. What they do for us is incalculable. And invaluable. Collection, storage, delivery & distribution. Black Jack help to make this event what it was and has become.
In short, on many levels, they are integral.
And there was one thing I wanted to do whilst this event exists. Brew with the most chilled man in Manchester. The man who couldn’t be more chilled if he was called Jack Frost. Rich. Therefore....
I’ve also tried to get other people involved in these brewdays. People who might never have done this before. And people who love the brewery concerned. Meet Sarah..... A self – confessed Black Jack fan.....
Being Rich, this was a relaxed brewday with a relaxed start time. So I had a lie in.
The plan : An American Brown Ale. My liquid catnip. My favourite beer style. And Rich was all over that!
The execution : Entering the Brewhouse via the tradesman’s entrance, Rich & Euan were already sorting the malt out, with a whole sack of brown nestling in with the Pale and smaller amounts of Black & Cara ready for the hot bath they were about to receive.
Now then, I’ve mashed in at a few breweries over the last 4 years, but watching Rich was a revelation. A fury of blurring arm action, I was embarrassed by my puny efforts. Now I love the porridgey smell of mashed Pale malt, but once the brown and black sloshed in, the smells were astonishingly good. Bitter chocolate and biscuity porridge aromas don’t half make me drool!
Enter Sarah at this point. To chorus of Happy Birthday. And she was totally prepared for my birthday “gift”, the dig out. I didn’t expect her to be so bloody enthusiastic though!
Transfer to the copper completed, hop time! Again, Sarah dove into breaking up the Crystal & sticky Comet with relish. Savouring the opening of the hops is a joy and that Comet was SO juicy and aromatic. I think Sarah enjoyed that bit!
The smoothest of brewdays. Deploying an unfeasible amount of hops for a mid strength beer, the brewery smelt amazingly fruity and a quick taste of the “brewers breakfast” of the hot transferring wort had all the earthy, biscuity flavours I was expecting. This is going to be everything I want in this style once those aromatic hops and bittering Admiral do their thing.
Max & Jeff arriving with doughnuts (accompanied by some El Dorado Sour) rounded off the brewday so well. Before I knew it, Rich was digging out a serious depth of spent hops and we were done! And over to the even MORE social side of this, to The Runaway Tap for a brewday debrief (ans a sneaky keg taste of a beer we’re getting on CASK) then finishing the day in the obvious place. The Smithfield and more beery chat with Euan, Rich & Rob.
A day to remember for both me & Sarah. I think she enjoyed her birthday dig – she was a natural!
Thank you Rich & Euan. Not to forget Rob. And HUGE thanks to Sarah for her Herculean efforts in overcoming the effects of a rather late night and having such an obviously fun time. It always is at Black Jack.
Can’t wait for the Summer Brewtap’s return!
4 more brewdays to go. The end is in sight. Just over 3 ½ weeks until those doors open..... Few remaining tickets (Thursday evening only) available here.... See you at Hemsley House!
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 7 - Five Towns (The Trilogy Completed : AKA "A Sweet Thing at the Magic Shed")
From the very first ISBF in 2014, Malcolm Bastow and his Five Towns beers have been a fixture at our little bash. I knew they were good, but little did I know they they would become so integral to the event. Voted by drinkers as “Beer of the Festival in 2014, 2015 and last year, with last year’s beer (The Belgian Rhubarb tripel “Always Crashing….” entering local legend and an entire 9 selling out in only a few hours at the Smithfield!)
It’s become a tradition to have 2 beers. But this year……Oh bugger it. Take it away Jock - today’s guest scribe!
“So between Jim (Beers Manchester & ISBF founder) and Malcolm (Five Towns Owner & brewer), they concocted the idea that Malcolm would have 2 of his own beers and a Collab on at #ISBF5.
Well, he has earned this, seeing as his beers have won beer of the Independent Salford Beer festival 3 out of 4 previous years.
Impy seems settled in Wakefield!
We were discussing the beers a few weeks back at a Five Towns Tap take over in Harry's Bar Wakefield and when Malcolm said that one of the beers would have Melon hops and a little sweetness, an idea occurred...
Malcolm is a massive Bowie fan and as I am too (Jock) and many of his beers are Bowie theme named, I blurted out 'Sweet Thing' (at least I think it was me) then we all thought,hang on….. 3 beers? Why not call them…… ...Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing(Reprise) a trilogy of Bowie songs from the classic “Diamond Dogs” album and often performed/recorded live as one longer dark and seedy wonderful song. My Bowie favourite...
So a plan was hatched, 3 beers, 3 brew days - All available first at ISBF5.
Jim, Malcolm and ISBF comrades had already held 2 of the brew days (already blogged by Jim), so this was the 3rd one,
5.30am up and 7am start, myself and Jim arrived at same time and on entering the Magic Shed at the bottom of Malcolm's garden……..
……Where I found out that the Candidate had been casked and Sweet Thing (Reprise) was sat in the fermenter making itself beautiful for the aforementioned Charity beer festival.
The mash was prepared, with mash temp at 66.6 (a photo op NOT to be missed – Ed), Transferred to the copper then bittering hops added. Leaving those to the boil, we went for a brew of a different kind.
We had company for this from no other than the man himself - Bowie! A life size cut out in Malcolm's living room.
Breaking up the Hops is joy, smells wonderful, then this incredible smelling Melon hops 'batch one' was added, a short time later 'batch two' of the Melon Hops was added.
Only if this was scratch and sniff could you really enjoy how good the raw hops smelt.
Time for breakfast, another brew accompanied by that cardboard life-size Bowie and Bacon/Sausage/Egg muffins. Refreshed and ready for some physical work, Jim and I dug out the used Mash and put it in sacks ready for the local farmer to use to feed his cattle.
The luscious liquid then syphoned, pumped really, via heat exchange apparatus to the Fermenter. Jim added the final touch, the yeast.
Malcolm will 'dry hop' with Melon hop pellets later...job done..4 or 5 hours of the most enjoyable work this desk jockey has done since 'this time last year'
Thanks to Malcolm and Jim for a good day. And this beer 'Sweet Thing' will be a pale, lovely drinkable 5.0 to 5.5%, the other 2 beers in the trilogy around 9%!
This one will be the first one I try on Thursday 29th November. Hemsley House, Salford. I have tickets, many, many others have too, not many left....
Every single penny of profit goes to Charity.
Great people. Great charity. Great venue and GREAT BEER.”
Cheers Jock!
He’s coming. Are you? The last few remaining tickets are here
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 6 - North Riding, Elusive, Five Towns
An evening and a day in Scarborough. At my favourite pub. And brewing with - and I will argue the case with anyone - the best specialist cask brewery in the UK, along with one of the most respected brewers “darn sarf” and all the winners of Beer of the Festival at ISBF.
I couldn’t be objective….Well, I could, but I’m lazy. So, over to #EvilKegFilth Overlord Chris!
“Jim asked if I wanted to write this up. So I did.
‘Went to brew beer. Brewed beer. Job Done.’
Jim said that was a little succinct, so I had another bash.
He also asked me if I wanted to go to North Riding to brew some beer. Well, I haven’t been to Scarborough since I was about 25, and therefore to North Riding.... exactly never, so I jumped at this opportunity. Reason number 1. I’ve had Stuart’s beers before (most recently at an MTB at Stalybridge Buffet bar) and they’re bloody delicious. Reason number 2. Then Jim casually mentioned that the Dave Grohl of Brewing was going to be there too, doing a collab for the festival. Like everyone else, I love Andy, and his Elusive beers. So, that was reason number 3. Sorted.
What I didn’t know was how long it would take to get to Scarborough on the train. Having to go via Manchester and then the Transpennine Express to Scarborough meant a nigh on 4 hour journey. A great idea was formed. Lunch at the Marble Arch? Yup. I’m obviously up for that too. Sunday lunch, a couple of pints and then we were finally at Victoria Station. Which was rammed. Trains cancelled left right and centre made for a stand up journey for me until Leeds. The OAP took a seat.....
Finally, we got to Scarborough and, taxis not forthcoming, walked the mile or so to the North Riding Brewpub. Greetings were exchanged, and beer was drank. Quite a bit of beer in a short space of time. Stuart announced that we would need to be up and ready for 07:15 the next morning. Great, a lie-in! So we had another beer and then we retired.
Of course, it being Monday, I had my work alarm set. So Black Sabbath duly chimed out at 05:30. Oops, sorry Jim! Off to the brewery on time, ready for the first mash in of the day. That’s right.... the plan was to brew 2 beers today. The “official” ISBF/North Riding/Elusive collab, and the North Riding Brew Pub / Elusive collab. Which meant two locations. Obviously this was going to be fun.....
Mash in, and therefore beer number one was at the “Factory”, which is North Riding’s brewery just outside Scarborough on a little craft industrial estate.
An India Porter, to be around 7% ABV, so that meant a bill comprising pale, brown, black and chocolate malts. Pretty soon, the brewery was smelling delicious, Jim had stirred some porridge and we got some breakfast. Oh yes, you need a good breakfast. And this was a BIG sandwich. Bacon and sausage. With the emphasis on BIG and SAUSAGE. It was tremendous. And we didn’t take a photo. How rude of us!
Whilst the first mash was cooking, we then set off back to the Brew Pub to mash in for the second beer. Are you keeping up? This is the one that’s the collab between North Riding Brew Pub and Elusive. This would be an American Red, designed mostly by Andy, so that meant lots of hops would be used. Pale and caramalts were used here, so that we got a good red hue on the beer. We were introduced to John, who would be looking after the brew at the Brew Pub. In went all the malt, another stir by Jim, then back over to the Factory to see how brew number one was getting on.
We won’t bore you with how the brewing process. Suffice it to say, that there were the usual fabulous smells, for this one it was chocolate, coffee and toast. Pretty much a good breakfast right there, I’d say. The wort was run off into the copper, it was a good deep black, exactly as planned. Then it was time to stand around while that came to the boil.
Except for Andy and I.
We had to get back to the Brew Pub to repeat for the collab there. Lots of fun and games, with a very different smell attached. This being a red, hoppy beer, it was like chalk and cheese to the India Porter. Run off done, Andy happy with the colour, and off we went back to the Factory, while John looked after this brew.
At the Factory, Jim was well into the digging out the mash tun phase, which he’s particularly good at, so I left him to it :) Emptied, cleaned and tidied, the copper up to temperature, in went some hops. One whole kilogram of magnum. I know, it’s not a lot, but this is a dark beer, not a hop bomb! Time for another batch of waiting. Good time to catch up with gossip, news, and good friends.
Time for the end of boil hop addition. This time it was 5kg of centennial. This honour was Jim’s, quite rightly. In they went, another quick stir, and time to run off into the fermenting vessel, adding the yeast of course. Andy had to leave at this point, it’s a fair drive back to Berkshire, so we said our goodbyes and off he went. Jim and I having booked a stupidly late train out from Scarborough, after cleaning up the copper, off we went back to the Brew Pub for a couple of well earned points. (Or “pints” - Ed)
A big thanks to all involved today. Stuart & Karen from North Riding / North Riding Brew Pub. John for looking after Brew 2. Graham for clambering into the copper to clean it out. Malcolm from Five Towns for fetching the breakfast sandwiches. Andy for coming a long way to make this collab happen. We are really looking forward to these beers at ISBF. You should be too......
Chris (AKA #ISBF5 #EvilKegFilth Overlord)”
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 5 - Five Towns x Rivington
At last! The final collab of the 4 day #ISBF5 #CollabFrenzy. And one I’ve been looking forward to for almost 7 months.
As some of you may know, I (Jim) have a favourite beer festival. It’s East West Fest. Originally modelled on the first ISBF, it had stayed true to its original premise. Generally, that is beer from the North West & Beer from Yorkshire. In cask. And it’s like no other cask event.
I source the beers / breweries from the North West. And in April arranged a collab brew with Malcolm (Five Towns & East West Founder) and Ben at Rivington. A beer that became Citra Ra Ra. A Citra DIPA. And an utter juice bomb on cask.
We then decided upon a return match. For #ISBF5.
Then, about a month ago, Ben had an idea of something he wanted to try.....
So. For the 3rd time in 4 days, I was on the road. Early morning. To that magical shed in Wakefield. From feeling shattered, I was energised. Because I was excited by the plan. But I soon realised I didn’t know ALL the details!
Mash tun. Crammed. Unlike Sunday, this wasn’t a double mash.
With that full and steeping, out came the hops. Early hops (bittering)? Nah. Late hops, Lemon Drop & Amarillo. Followed by flame out aroma hops of Citra & Mosaic. Lots
Fruity too. Creamy. NOT for the lactose intolerant (sorry Jock!) VERY fruity. Mango. Peach. Passion Fruit.
Unlike Sunday, this was a smooth brewday, with everything going like clockwork. Ben tried to guilt trip me (joking) by helping to clean up. But I was cleaned out. Elated, but knackered. What a way to finish four straight collab brewdays though. With two of my favourite brewers. Playing with ingredients like big kids.
And it hasn’t been dry-hopped yet! With unfeasible amounts of Lemon Drop, Amarillo, Mosaic & Citra…
Being an individual who starts Trilogies at no 2, this was bound to be out of sequence. This is Beer 3 of a trilogy. The 3rd song of a sequence. Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise). The name of the collab sequence came from a conversation from #ISBF4. From Jock. His favourite Bowie song(s). Mike’s (Mr DJ) too. Both HUGE Bowie fans. As is Malcolm.
Sweet Thing (Reprise) : Imperial Fruited Milkshake IPA. Who wants some? Tickets here. There aren’t many left.
One day later………Vivid enough for you?
Ignore the abvs!
#ISBF Collab Brew No 4 - Thirst Class
When Richard Conway suggested a collab beer for #ISBF5 (actually, he’s doing two!), I jumped at the offer. Because – ever so quietly – he’s established himself (as Thirst Class) as one of the “go to” breweries in Greater Manchester. With minimal fuss, he makes some of the best beer in the region, consistent, tasty with a playful eye for flavour. He’s good.
He’s also the “victim” of one of my proudest flavour achievements. He had to clean out the FV that had 18kg of blitzed raspberries chucked into a big Stout “War of the Raspberries” that we made for #ISBF3 with Stuart Neilson of North Riding. And that was one beautiful beer.
And his thoughts for this one sounded delicious too...
Coming off the back of consecutive 4:45 starts, an 8:30 mash in sounded delightful.....
Mash in was straightforward. Blissfully so. Which meant time for a little breakfast, chat a visual overview of the brewery. Things have changed here since my last visit, with 4 fermenters bearing testament to gradual expansion built on demand for tasty beers. He’s certainly come a long way since brewing Elephant Hawk IPA on the Quantum kit!
Whilst the mostly pale malt bill steeping, hops were weighed out for early (bittering) addition and late flavour more to enhance the addition of the “adjuncts”. Which are the purpose of this beer. Dandelion and Burdock roots. 3kg of each. With a little enhancing ginger seasoning.
Yesterday was a day to watch. And learn. And dig. And I learned loads. Richard is a very talented and knowledgeable fella and talked me through lots of process stuff, in amongst the general shooting of breeze.
The whole brewday was smooth as silk with everything going precisely as it should (a bloody rare thing!) and it was an absolute pleasure to help clean and dig out 305kg (dry) of wet grains. Something my shoulder now regrets!
Feeling – ever so slightly – exhausted after 3 consecutive brewdays and distinctly flagging, it was soon time to depart. It’s always a pleasure to work with talented people (something that the self – depreciating Richard would never claim for himself) and Mr Conway is certainly one of those. And with equally talented people like Pete & Duncan working with him, I can only see more bright things on the horizon for Thirst Class.
And I’m REALLY looking forward to this Dandelion & Burdock Pale!
Fancy one? You know where it will be first..... Few remaining tickets here (and Saturday evening nearly sold out now)
#ISBF5 Collab Brew No 2 - Torrside x Runaway
(AKA : “Beer is a fine thing”)
This first guest post was written by James (AKA “Beerfinder General”) - who, being a bit enamoured of the brewery in question, selflessly offered to “assist” the brewers along with his own arch-nemesis Lee (aka “Leggywolf”)
Over to you J…..
Beer is a fine thing. Not just because it’s beer, or even because it occasionally allows the wash of alcohol to soak your bones and unlock parts of your brain that are normally untapped (NOT untappd), but because it should be part of social interaction and spending time with people.
Ever since ISBF2*, which for me was a watershed in terms of getting to know people who are now close friends (oh, and @leggywolf), beer and the people linked to it have been part of an ever growing sense of community and friendship. This isn’t hyperbole, or at least I don’t think it is, but just how I’ve seen my own sense of place and connection develop alongside the wider Manchester beer scene.
And an epicentre of that change has been Torrside brewery. Partly because they are local to me, partly because they have helped me discover beer styles that I’d never heard of previously, partly because they brew consistently great beer, and partly because they are, to a person (and this includes the wider team), lovely people (and Kami is ok I guess but she’s no Stanley…).**
So taking this starting point, and adding in one of the breweries who originally got me excited about beer in Manchester, Runaway Brewery, meant an ISBF5 collaboration brew between them could not be missed. And so I didn’t.
Arriving at 9:30am, a full 45 minutes before Lee (@Leggywolf) even though he set off 2 hours before me (a worthy punishment for living in Blackburn 😊), I bumped into Mark and Jack from Runaway at New Mills Newtown station. We arrived to the impenetrable expression of Kami and the mashing in began, cups of coffee were rustled up, and stirring paddles were held aloft. Inevitably, the stars of the show, ‘the famous giant spoons of Torrside’, were presented for everyone’s appreciation although unfathomably they weren’t to be used for this brew.
It wouldn’t be a Torrside collaboration brew day without appropriate snackware. Pork pies, Percy Pigs, pork balls (even if they have egg in the middle they are still pork balls Kate!), and the essential hummus were all present, which was just as well given that the first beer of the day (All Day Breakfast appropriately) was generously presented at 11am…. Lee even created the ultimate craft snack – a Bugle crisp filled with hummus finished with a chipstick 99!
The rest of the brew day was as you’d expect. Bursts of activity in between waiting and chatting, and chatting and waiting. This could be boring, or at least drag in places, but really the day was about the company and that company meant the day flew by. I’m fairly sure my face now has at least 15 extra wrinkles from laughing so much, although that could just be old age - the bastard.
You might be surprised that there isn’t really talk here about the hops used (a massive 10KG each of Citra and Mosaic BTW), the process undertaken, the sparging, the re-circulation, the yeast used etc.
But it really was about the people and spending the day just having a great time (myself and Lee did actually do some work, although it mainly involved walking up to refill our glasses with the kindly provided beers on tap 😊). And I suppose that brings us full circle back to the Independent Salford Beer Festival - people first (but good beer helps!).
Finally, a massive thanks to both Torrside and Runaway for a great day.
See you at Hemsley House!
*I missed the first one due to poor planning to my eternal regret – I’ll now never have a full set of ISBF glasses which, I’m sure everyone would agree, is nothing less than a tragedy
**this praise is a fairly blatant attempt to usurp Lee as Torrside’s No 1 Fanboy. If it doesn’t work I know this will always remain a distant dream