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#ISBFHeroes9 - a true isbf hero brewery
“…Why pamper life's complexity
When the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
I would go out tonight but I haven't got a stitch to wear…..”
(For Mark)
FIRSTLY, HAPPY NEW YEAR YOULOVELY, LOVELY PEOPLE!*
I hope that this post finds you well!
It feels like forever since #VISBF2, let alone #ISBFHeroes8, when in reality it has merely been 2 months. We've missed you. Need to see your lovely faces again.
So here we are. #ISBFHeroes9. And the Heroes of all ISBF Heroes.
Way back early in 2014, when the stupidity of the first ISBF started to loom large, I gradually became aware of logistics. Those services without which…..receiving beer, storing beer in the right environment, transporting beer - all together - to the end destination (no, not my belly!), which at that time was St Sebastians’ Community Centre.
With the inevitable panic that set in, a brewery stepped forward. Offered to take that responsibility off my hands. Not only did that brewery do all of the above, but at SO many stages, they were there with all manner of help with the minutiae of setting up and running a beer event.
Who they? You may well ask….
Blackjack.
And - let me be clear - without Blackjack, there is no ISBF. I simply could not have done it without them.
Founded 10 years ago, Blackjack have quietly - by stealth almost - become one of the heroes of the Manchester Beer Scene. Never blowing their own trumpet (almost the essence of being Manc), they’ve been brewing superb beers (with occasional showstoppers - Dragon’s Tears anyone?) down in that Gould/Irk St - which IS it? - unit. Unassuming Mancs doing the right thing.
Their brewtaps are a thing of legend. Loose of limb, with beers and tunes to match, they set the standard and are - it’s fair to say - one of the best evenings out that Manchester has to offer.
How we celebrated when they took over the rather tired Smithfield. With no little effort and inspiration it is now one of the go to pubs in Manchester.
They expanded into running the bars at Alty Market Hall, The Mackie Mayor, The Picturedome in Macclesfield, quietly building up great reps all.
Then. Expansion plans. And Covid.
Signing up for a new brew kit just before Covid shut down the country - in March 2020 - could have been disastrous. I - for one - was seriously worried. But, like lots of breweries, they pivoted, tiptoed their way in and out of Lockdowns. The sun started to shine again. Things were looking up.
With a massive reorganisation, the new brewkit was installed in the other arch - the former brewery arch now being devoted to storage, office and Brewtap. And by the devil, that new kit is lovely.
And there is some quite Stunningly good beer coming out of that kit. My draught beer of the Year 2021 for one - Black IPA - knocked my socks off. I had a case of the first cans to come off that kit. Oh my. Simply lovely stuff.
I wanted Blackjackearlier in the Heroes Events. But I really wanted just beers from the new brewery kit. Because I just knew they were going to be special.
Blackjack. They're just bloody lovely people. Making bloody lovely beer. Darcey, Joe, Jon, Rich. And the entire team. Take a bow.
So. What have we got for you. Well….
In typical #ISBFHeroes style, 6 beers. 2 of each. Listed below.
There'll be a Zoom event with some of the guys from the brewery. On Friday February 11th. At 7:30 pm
There'll be - as per #ISBFHeroes ‘norms’ - a unique Spotify playlist for the event, created by our dear friends Mike and Jo, with a distinct Blackjack Brewtap “vibe”. Links to both will be emailed on the week of the event.
All this for the princely sum of £35 (plus courier charge if required). And remember. For each case you buy, £5 goes into the ISBF bank account and ultimately (after #ISBF7 in November) into the bank account of our charity partners, START Inspiring Minds.
Click here to buy a case.
Of the £10.5k that was donated to START last November, £4k of that was generated by the #ISBFHeroes events in 2021. They make a difference.
YOU make that difference.
Come and join us. Have a chuckle with us. And some lovely beer. You deserve it.
Be kind to one another. Back soon.
Jim x
Those beers?
Pilsner Pivo 4.4%
A Czech style pilsner, fermented slow and cold, matured for 4 weeks for a clean and concise lager beer. Lubelski Hops.
West Coast Pale 5.6%
An ode to balance, Honeyed bitterness, pine & citrus. Hopped with Centennial, Columbus and Cascade
Hazy Little Session 3.8%
Bright fruit, glistening drinkability. Unfined pale with silky malts and hoppy notes. Calypso, Azacca, Belma and El Dorado Hops
Augment Me 4.9% - Unfined Pale
A contemporary pale for modern tastes. A pale where the hops do the talking. Simple but complex. An unfiltered song of New Zealand hop punch. Blend of Motueka, Pacific Jade and Wai-iti hops.
Session IPA 4.5%
All the clamour of a big IPA made for those longer drawn out days. Amarillo, Simcoe and Chinook.
No Time for Conscious Thought 6.5%
Heavily hopped NEIPA with 30g/l of simcoe, Ekuanot and Cryo Mosaic. Biggest beer ever brewed at blackjack. Orange, grapefruit and lemon taste sensation.
#VISBF2 : Doing good by drinking good
This. This is what it's all about.
The Wood Crafts area
The Independent Salford Beer Festival has always been ‘Not For Profit’. From the days of supporting one venue intimately tied in with my birth family history (my family all attended St Sebastian's Primary School - TLO & I were even married by its former parish priest!) to supporting another cause tied in due to family grief, this event has always sought to give something.
Beautiful Mosaics
This event has given - and continues to give - me so much. Days like today lift the soul. Make you remember that there is light and hope out there, if you only have a look.
“Start is the beginning of something special. An opportunity to be creative, to learn, to grow, and to live”
I couldn't have put it better myself.
Start Inspiring Minds was founded over 20 years ago. Its focus is upon the mental wellbeing of people in the community of Salford, lifting them, demonstrating that everyone has value, these values expressed by means of creating. Arts & Crafts. From Painting, Pottery, Mosaics, Photography, Music, Woodworking. It's all here. Within the beautiful Grade II listed Brunswick House, by the side of the A6. A mere 4/500 yards from our home at Hemsley House.
Ideas that make people feel good.
James & I went today. To meet Bernadette, the founder and CEO of START. A woman of the community who has given so much back TO the community. She's a truly lovely and inspirational woman who it has been my pleasure to know for the last 4 years.
This was James’ first visit. My thought being that it would be good for him to see what he helps to support.
I think he got more than he expected.
There is so much going on here, with so many rooms, each with its own distinct purpose. From Therapy rooms, the various arts rooms, a music studio, fully kitted, to a simple, relaxing break out room.
It's an inspirational space. Like Bernadette. Like the lovely Gerry Stone (without whom NONE of this - ISBF - would ever have happened) It inspires me. To keep going with this ridiculous beery roller coaster.
A Map of Salford - Created from A Collage of Images of Salford.
The best thing about today? The surprise on Bernadette face when I showed her that I'd just transferred £10,500 into their bank account.
They survive on grants. Bequests. Donations. They can't afford to employ professional fund raisers. They get by. And they make do with what they get. MORE than make do. As you can see.
This charity matters. To me. Mine. And the entire ISBF Family.
My thirsty friends. Look what you've done. And take a well deserved bow
You did good.
Be kind to one another. Back soon.
Jx
#VISBF2 - In the rear view mirror…
“…… So I turned to Jim and this is what I said….
Jimmy gets a round and pays, raises a pint and proudly says ‘You always come to where you're meant to be…. ” “Where You're Meant To Be” - Aidan Moffat
“Come. Sit down. Let me get you a beer…… What do you fancy?”
Words I longed to hear - all too frequently - during the last 18 months. But we're a resilient bunch. Making the best of the hands we're dealt. Hence #VISBF2. Making the best we can out of a bad job.
A real world ISBF could never have worked. The financial risks were too great, but, with a kind of template from last year, we ploughed on, heedless of risk or foolishness. I hope that you enjoyed it if you came.
Firstly, the beer. From some of the UKs finest exponents of the malt and hoppy arts. I haven't had them all yet myself, but I've enjoyed every one that I've had.
Many of you were trying some of the breweries for the very first time. Of that I'm glad. There's a compulsion - always has been with this event - to give you something different. Be it casks from The Netherlands, #EvilKegFilth airfreighted especially from Australia, or even a beer brewed with fresh yeast from Brasserie Orval…. I tried and those of us involved hoped that you enjoyed them.
Thursday - Virtual East West Fest. With an average abv of almost 7% - at one point, it was going to be 8.35%! - it was a true representation of the Red Shed madness.
The beers were beautiful. And finishing off on two outstanding beers at 9 (Marble x Five Towns x NRB) & 11.5% (who else but Torrside?) just seemed SUCH a Red Shed thing.
That beer was so bloody lovely!
Huge gratitude to Malcolm, Josh from Blue Bee, Carl from Marble & Peter from Torrside for being sports and joining us for chats and a little fun insight into the beers
Friday. It's always a bit humbling when one of your Beer Heroines agrees to help out with a bit of casual hosting!
Melissa Cole. Predictive text says it all. Boundless of knowledge, with taste buds to die for, I still can't believe she joined us! She had her choice of sessions, fancied bitterness. And had a blast.
From the Nelson like gooseberry tartness of a beautiful Godiva from Mallinsons, through the rather special English hopped IPA from Redwillow, Melissa's own English hopped IPL collab with Andy & Elusive to the Tropical Pale from Tom's Tap and a full throttle WC IPA from North Riding & Horsforth.
As I would expect from Melissa, the scheduling of the beers was perfect, with Toby Mckenzie, Andy Parker & Sean Ayling being incredibly generous with their time again giving some insight into the brewing of their beers. As with each night, the feedback on the beers was heartwarming for the brewers and myself.
Huge thanks to all for giving time to join in and chat. And massive hugs to Melissa for pulling it all together with wit, warmth and no little expertise. A great night.
The Saturday session (Bring The Funk) was another belter. Back with yours truly and James (Manchester's under the radar Chat Show King), the beers we tasted were quite exceptional and sequenced just about right. With a light, refreshing blended Saison from Wilderness with James Godman joining us to chat about not just the beer, but his local ethos. A recent piece by Matt Curtis shows the attention the James and his beers are getting.
Jim & Laura Rangeley joined us to chat about their Glory Glory collab with Queer Brewing & Out & About in Sheffield, a tart, refreshingly lovely thing (Bloody stunning artwork too!) Delighted to have them join us, being old friends of the event from back in St Sebastian's days.
I was thrilled to introduce a new brewery to almost everyone, in Dolphin from Reading. Andy Barnes joined us from Reading to chat about both the beer (the Stunningly lovely Megastar (Raspberry & Ginger Gose), his journey and the ups and downs of being a tiny brewery.
I was just over the moon to get his beers up for this event.
Paul Gibson from Campervan joined us to talk all things Campervan, from the stunning Bourbon Sour Red they supplied, to the ideas behind the brewery, the Lost in Leith range of beers and their rather lovely Lost in Leith bar.
Again, huge thanks to all five lovely people for joining us. Another great night, with exceptional beer, showcasing - for me - one of the great exciting areas of UK beer at the moment.
Cider Sunday. Hosted by Blair Cote of Little Pomona (all the way from Canada!)
This was my kick back and relax night. Enjoying exceptional Cider & Perry, in great Virtual company, James & Susanna Forbes from the Cidery, James's sister Samantha (design guru), Blair's artist friend Ariana Sauder all discussing the entire artistic process from milling apples to the packaging, labelling and beautiful artwork. And the thinking behind each level of the process.
The event sang to my passions for presentation and everything around imagery and sales
All the Ciders were lovely, but the Pet Nat Poire? Oh my. I think I'm a Perry fan!
Huge thanks to all of the team at Little Pomona for their fabulous event. Especial thanks to the two people without whom, my love of Cider might never have happened. And without whom, Manchester might just be devoid of great natural Cider and Perry.
Cath Potter & Dick Withecombe. I'll say no more. I don't want to embarrass them.
Time for some Thank Yous.
To our lovely beer and Cider Sponsors. They make a huge difference. They enabled me to be much more relaxed about having money to pay upfront for the things we needed to. Go get each beer and Cider sponsored was mind blowing. See here for the sponsor list. I thank them all from the bottom of my tiny blood pump.
Immense gratitude to Craig & Jimmy at The Nook & Cranny for their generous Glassware Sponsorship. It's a great feeling to me to have a truly excellent local bar get involved in such a way.
The bar in Bromley Cross is quite special (and only 5 minutes walk away from the train station!) but they've also decided to open a new bar in Harwood, Bolton. I wish them every success. They do the right things bloody well. And are more than worth a visit.
Thank you also to the gorgeous - and ever so slightly talented Mr Andy Heggs. For his simply sublime design work. And his toleration of my incessant mithering.
To Mike & Jo Dewsnip. For the magnificent playlists. They've kept me in exceptional ear candy for months.
(and for not putting that criminal record on the playlist. Despite external pressure…..)
To James. Thank you. You're not bad you you know! (You know my thoughts)
Jock, Steve, Rob & John for helping pack the beers and Ciders. We'd have been lost without you.
To Black Jack. I simply haven't got enough words to thank them.
To Joe & team Marble for bailing us out with bubble wrap!
And to the following breweries. The ISBF Heroes, without whom, we wouldn't have achieved what we did…. Take a bow
Runaway, Redwillow, Marble, North Riding, Neptune, Mallinsons, Torrside & Five Towns. The difference you made was huge. Events that brought smiles in the depths of Lockdowns.
If I've missed anyone, I'm sorry. There are so, so many people to thank.
Thanks to all the above and you, the case buyers. Without whom I wouldn't be able to pop over to Salford next week. To see Bernadette Conlon of START.
To donate £10,500.
Back soon.
Love you all.
Jx
#VISBF2 - Beer (and Cider!) is on the way
Greetings!
The last few days have been “fun”. But finally, FINALLY, all beers and Ciders for #VISBF2 have been dispatched. Relief is one word that could describe the way I feel. The others don't bear repetition 🤣
There have been errors in packaging with maybe the odd advertised beer being replaced. For that, I humbly apologise. When you do what we do, in a short time window, the odd human error occurs.
The last few days have been incredibly stressful - I don't mind saying that I burst into tears when the final boxes left. Like I said “relief”.
One of the beers didn't arrive, that beer (on the Saturday session) was replaced. That was completely outside of control unfortunately.
Due to various issues at breweries, a small number of beers changed. The breweries absolutely pulled out all the stops to get delicious beers to you. I saw the efforts they went to. And it was heartwarming to see those efforts. They have all been brilliant.
Below is the final list for each beer session.
There'll be an email next week for each session, with order of tasting, zoom link and Spotify playlist links for the relevant sessions.
Look forward to seeing you all next week.
Jim x
#VISBF2 - Friday : #BitternessComeback
ISBF is not run - Beer wise - to my personal tastes (my beer prejudice if you will) - it's run (and beers / breweries are sourced for what I perceive to be “The Audience”. A bit of everything.
If this was for ME, the Prince of Darkness, if would be absolutely RAMMED with Mild, Stout, Porter. I could happily wallow - like a beery Hippo - in a pool of beery mud. Marinaded in Mild might be a beer name for #ISBF7….
But when it comes to Pales, I crave bitterness. As a child, raised on Holts (so bitter it had a nickname of “Razorblades”) & the mythical Boddingtons Bitter, the longing for that lip licking quality never left me.
I mean, soft and pillowy NE style beers are nice enough, but anyone with a semblance of beer sanity knows FUNDAMENTALLY that “West Coast is the Best Coast”.
Some of the best Pales I've had in the last few years have that “thing”. That tongue tingling quality that only a copious hop addition in the boil can add. Elusive “Oregon Trail” (so beloved, it's predicted on my phone), Redwillow “Ageless” (again, predicted) and the various North Riding WC IPAs and Tom's Tap offerings.
Wow. All stunning. They made an indelible mark on my Tastebuds. And I trust my Tastebuds.
So. It seemed obvious, to me at any rate, to devote a session to that most recent of beer phases. Bitterness!
(Betcha hadn't guessed!)
So. Want to know the best thing about that session?
Me & James aren't up front! Yay You! Yay us!
So who will guide you through this tongue tingling deliciousness?
Only Melissa Flaming Cole! (Bet you didn't know her middle name eh?)
The lovely Melissa will be tasting some of the beers and chatting with some of the artists that created them.
Lady knows her stuff. She can write too. As some of you lucky sausages may discover for yourselves!
A few Zoom hours with Melissa and these lovable brewers? Worth the Case Price alone!
That case? Well….. here you go….
If you haven't already grabbed one, there are very few of these boxes left.
Fancy one? And coming to join us on Zoom?
Click here!
Hope to see you on the 12th November!
#VISBF2 - Saturday : Funk - Free Your Mind & Your Tastebuds Will Follow……
(Sorry. I couldn't resist misquoting Funkadelic! Or En Vogue if you prefer…) 😁
The Independent Salford Beer Festival has always tried to have a diverse beer list - heavy on classic styles (and abv!) but increasingly leaning towards throat lubricants that were slightly more dry and funky.
From Grisettes & Saisons, through Goses to more tart and refreshing Sours, some of my favourite beers of the last 3 years have been on that spectrum. In fact, the Cider Barrel Aged Porter by Australia's Dollar Bill is one of the best beers I've ever tasted. Just a tart & roasty delight.
Just don't ask me to import it again!
Whilst the cases for each of our November sessions are mixed, I wanted one of them to lean towards that side of the beer spectrum. And have a tasting session with some of the breweries, at least one of which most (if not all of you) will never have tried.
The beer list is detailed below (one or two still to be confirmed - the only pain about asking for new releases where possible!)
Brewery Beer Style ABV
8 Arch Brewing Two Plus Two Equals Pale Ale 5.2%
Abbeydale Funk Unbeliever Apricot Gose 4.4%
Campervan Brewery Bourbon Sour Red Sour 8.5%
Dolphin Brewery Megastar Raspberry & Ginger Gose 4.8%
The Kernel Idaho 7 Single Hop Pale 5.1%
Lakes Brew Co NZ Pilsner Pilsner 4.5%
Leviathan Brewing TBA Double BIPA TBA
Solvay Society Infinite Cerise Barrel Ferm Flanders Style Red 4.5%
Squawk Brewing Rufa Chocolate Imperial Stout 10%
Brewery of St Mars… Laska Pils Pilsner 4.4%
Vault City Brewing TBA TBA TBA
Wilderness Beers Travel by Telephone Mixed Ferm Saison 4.4%
If you buy - or have bought - a case, You’ll be receiving an email (from YT) with the tasting session details (Beer order & Brewery) along with the Zoom codes and Spotify Saturday playlist link (I’m listening to the playlist now. It’s quite magnificent!).
Remember, ALL profits from #VISBF2 go to charity. In this case, a small Mental Health Charity - based in Salford - START Inspiring Minds (click to see the AMAZING and - sadly - necessary work that they do in the Salford Community
Fancy it? Click on this link You won't regret it.
And see you on Saturday 13th November at 19:30
Back soon. Be kind to one another.
Jim x
#VISBF2 : Thursday - The Virtual East West Fest (Now ft The Beer List!)
ISBF is - for me at least - about a feeling. Be it (feeling) Good, Relaxed, Welcome, it is where it is - and people keep returning - not just for the beer, but because of that most nebulous and indescribable of things.
With that in mind, the decision to host an event themed along the lines of an event held in a Labour Club, in Wakefield (in literally, a Red Shed) seemed like the right thing to do. It “felt” right. Something that I’ll need to explain further. Obviously….:-)
The first ISBF - as the few that were there may remember - was a Cask only event, featuring beers solely from the West and East of the Pennines. This reflected my strongly held belief that best Cask Conditioned beers were made up North. The posters had an emblem linking to The Wars of The Roses, with the House of Lancaster (naturally) in the ascendancy. It was a bit of fun. We had fun. And - with no preconceived idea as to how much we’d raise - managed to put over £5k back into the coffers of St Sebastian’s Community Centre, both location - and reason for the genesis - of the event.
In early 2015, Malcolm Bastow (Five Towns Brewery) contacted me and - flatteringly - asked if he could use the “War of The Roses” theme to run another Charity Beer Event. Who was I to say “No”? I’m no John of Gaunt or Richard Neville after all.
I helped to source the beers from the West side of “the hill”. Myself, Jaz & Dec went that first year and had an absolute Whale… I mean….to approach that little Red Shed and hear the words “The Mancs are ‘ere….”, immediately, I felt at home.
I cannot conceive of a small cask event that has such a ridiculous beer line up. From Torrside Monsters to DIPAs & TIPAs. But, as utterly bonkers as the beer list is, it’s always been a place where - for me & mine - the most sublime memories have been made. Things that we still tease each other about (OK, I get teased a LOT), but it is the one event in the year where I can just switch off. I don’t need to “represent”. I just drink beer, laugh, tell tales, see friends from each side of the Hill. Hell, we’ve even persuaded Gas to come from Glastonbury. And he (like the rest of us) is now hooked.
Exhibit A
This Spring, I really wanted to go back to Wakefield, to The Red Shed, back to an East West Fest. But COVID had other ideas. But, a couple of Months ago, I reversed the compliment. And asked Malcolm “Would you mind if…..?” Bringing this full circle.
So. I want to bring a little of the Spirit of The Red Shed into the Ether. A little bit of Bonkers beer, alongside the simply special. And - I can safely say that - knowing what I currently know - that that particular mission has been accomplished.
Well, those who know ISBF - especially those who know the East West - would expect nothing different!
Now, as I said in my last post, I’ll never know the entire beer list until MUCH nearer the event. But I do know some. And - whilst there is always scope for change - the Spirit of East West is strong on this session.
So, with all of those GOODIES, what are you waiting for? There are 8 tickets left. So, shake those tail feathers and get clicking here…..
See you on 11th November!
Be kind to one another. Back soon. Jx
#VISBF2 - At Last!
In the lead up to the first VISBF, I was terrified. Full of “What Ifs”….
What if nobody is interested? (No. I don’t do false modesty. This was a genuine concern!)
What if the cases too expensive?
What if I mess this up? (There were a LOT of things that had to “click”)
In the end - in typical ISBF style - it worked. Just. Seat of the pants shit. It always is with this event.
People seemed to enjoy themselves. I still get nice comments even now.
Yes, it’s amateurish. We’re not industry professionals, it sure is the antithesis of slick. It’s “niche”. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has its own lane. We like it like that.
Away from all that stuff, the thing that has always mattered is the “feels”. Or as Jeff would say, the “vibe” (chokes). In essence, if something feels good, it generally is. And people will enjoy themselves. (Not me, obviously. I’m terrified…)
The decision to NOT have a physical event was an easy one. And that decision was taken early. I’m comfortable with that.
I was also comfortable with the format from last year. But with a slight alteration.
So - What have we got for you? Well….A pretty glass in each case for starters.
Beer - 3 “Sessions”. To each session, an event on Zoom. With guests from one or three of the participating breweries. (See below for details)*
Cider - A rather lovely event on the Sunday (See below)**
OK.
Yes. We'll have some merch. Ts, Hoodies & bags, specifically, images below.
But - what's the point of what we're doing?
It's helping. Helping a really small Mental Health Charity in START Inspiring Minds.
By the simple expedient of drinking fabulous drinks, you do good.
ALL of the profits from these events - added to the proceeds from the ISBF Heroes events we've been running - will be sent to these lovely people. Doing magnificent work in the local community.
#DrinkGoodToDoGood. It's not a bad philosophy, is it?
But - and I'm not naive - what you really, REALLY, want, is the link.
To get your Beer / Cider in. To give you something exquisitely tasty to drool about for the next few weeks.
Here you go. Click here. Fill those boots.
I'm off to have a beer or five. To decompress.
Be kind to one another.
Jim x
Available in Grey print
Available in Purple, Red & Blue (Like the shirts)
THE SESSIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS :
Thursday 11th November - 19:30 - 22:00 - Virtual East West Fest : An homage to my favourite beer event. Featuring breweries from each side of the Pennines. The case will be….eclectic (as will they all!). There will be a mix of styles, from Pales, Darks, Tart beers, bonkers beers. The key thing will be the geography. (This event will showcase beers from…. see below)
Five Towns
Marble x Five Towns x North Riding
Neptune
Rivington x North Riding
Torrside
Brass Castle
Blue Bee x Neepsend
Pomona
Runaway
Thirst Class
Track
Turning Point
Friday 12th November - 19:30 - 22:00 - #BitternessComeBack (With apologies to Mr Parker) : The return of bitterness in beer. Led by the Divine Melissa Cole. The cases will again be mixed and eclectic, but will feature a number of beers on the Pale and WC end of the beer spectrum. (This event will showcase beers from…. )
Black Jack
Elusive
Mallinsons
North Riding x Horsforth
Redwillow
Vault City
Tom's Tap
Ampersand
Cloudwater
Pastore
Double Barrelled
Yonder
Saturday 13th November - 19:30 - 22:00 - An Appreciation of The Sour : Tasting and chatting about beers from the tart end of the spectrum - Saisons to Sours. The cases will again be mixed and eclectic. (as in - not all will be tart beers)
Solvay Society
Wilderness
Squawk
Abbeydale
Attic
Campervan
Leviathan Brewing
8 Arch
Dolphin
Kernel
Lakes
Brewery of St Mars of The Desert
All cases will be mixed. Eclectic of flavour. But with a slant to reflect each event.
That said, allergies will be catered for on the ticketing side. Via random swaps.
(As in ALL main ISBF Events, we won’t know the definitive beer list until MUCH closer to the event - that is a direct consequence of what I request, a new release - I will announce the beer list via a further webpost)
In addition, the week prior to the event, purchasers will receive an email with links to both the relevant Zoom Meeting code AND the link to the relevant day’s Spotify Playlist (and these playlists are SUPERB!), the playlists being lovingly compiled by our dear friends Mike & Jo.
On Sunday, we have a rare treat. A Cider Showcase from the lovely and incredibly talented people at Little Pomona. Ft 4 x 750ml 1 x Perry & 3 Ciders (I’m drooling - Ed)
But more than that…..
However, I'm boring. Here's Susanna Forbes to tell you more….
“Join James and Susanna Forbes, and Blair Côté of Little Pomona as they discuss and dissect the art of crafting cider, with special guests designer Sam Forbes, artist Ariana Sauder, and musician/cider distributor, Grant Hutchison.
Working with the apples, the barrels and the methods available, we'll explore the art of making cider before delving into the all-important topic of how we share the concepts/liquids in visual and audio form.
Sam has been Little Pomona's designer from the start, bringing the guys' ideas - however outlandish! - to life in label form, while Ariana has joined the creative team more recently, re-imagining Pomona in different settings and creating original artwork for key recent - and future - releases.
We'll join them on their journey through one perry and three ciders.
Drool on!
And, because this is a special occasion, you have the option of adding in to your event package the Tiny Changes tea towel featuring Little Pomona's Table Cider (pictured above). £2 from the sale of every tea towel goes towards Tiny Changes, the inspirational charity set up by Grant Hutchison's family to support young people facing mental health challenges. We'll hear from Grant (who many of you will remember from last year) on both his views on the art of cider and also the wonderful ways Tiny Changes is making a difference.
https://www.instagram.com/aeble_cidershop
https://littlepomona.com/collections/merch/products/tiny-changes-tea-towels
Finally, your event pack will include two labels, the new-look Table Cider, and the 2018 Art of Darkness, for you to enjoy.”
And those drinks? Drool on!
Pet Nat Poiré 2020 - sparkling perry from rare French varieties - very elegant
My Perfect Cousin 2019 - sparkling, dry late harvest bittersweets - adores food
Harvest 2019 - bottle conditioned, barrel-aged epitome of this vintage
Art of Darkness 2019 - still, extended, barrel aged -golden yellow, glorious aromatics
(And 3 of these haven’t been released yet!)
#ISBFHeroes8 - Into The Shed of Dreams
“If I did casually mention tonight, that would be crazy tonight…..”
Way back in early 2014, I was cornered. By Gerry Stone. One of my favourite humans. With a question.
“Why don't you do it?”
The “it”, was a beer festival. To raise money to keep afloat St Sebastian's Community Centre, the Centre that Gerry ran.
You don't say no to Gerry. Ask the Mayor of Salford.
I went home. And tweeted.
“Shit! I think I've just agreed to do a beer fest. I haven't got a clue. HELP!”
And one of the first tweets, of those offering all manner of assistance, was from a man I'd never met. A man who had a brewery in Wakefield.
That man was Malcolm Bastow. That Brewery is Five Towns.
That year, in what became the first ISBF, Malcolm brought Raven King, a beautiful dark beer.
It won Beer of the Festival.
In fact, in the 6 years of the Terrestrial event, Malcolm's little brewery won has Best Beer at ISBF FOUR TIMES.
If you've been, you've seen the line ups. That's one HELL of an achievement.
“…. Hotel garage. Must have been touching close to 94….”
In short, he's an ISBF legend. Quite literally, some of his ISBF beers have entered legend. I still get asked about “that Rhubarb beer” (Always Crashing in the Same Car), brewed using fresh Yeast from Brasserie Orval….. Think about that for a moment…
But more than that. He's a beautiful human. And a dear friend.
Just over five years to the day of #ISBFHeroes8, our son took his own life. He was 17.
On that most tragic of days, I made a decision I've never regretted. To continue with hosting ISBF3. Just two weeks later.
We told very few people. And certainly not many at the event. We didn't want fuss. And anyway, this event is about enjoyment. Friendliness. Kindness. Things that Malcolm espouses.
He put his arm around me. Talked to me. Helped me through. (He still does). He went to the food area, invaded it, lifting TLO in a huge bear hug.
Neither of us forget these things.
He's the best of people. As are his lovely family.
Oh. And he created what is - for me - the best of beer events.
The East West Fest. In Wakefield Labour Club.
Aka “The Red Shed”.
“He used to be my boss and now he is a puppet dancer”
But enough of this sentimentality. I want your money. £50 of it to be precise.
“And what do we get for this less than Princely sum”?
Oh my…… Is this where I disclose OUR 1st ISBF HEROES COLLAB??? Read HERE….
Well. Here's the list…..
'Indian Summer' 3.7% pale single hopped with Cascade × 2
'Bitter Summat' 4.2% Traditional Bitter x 2
'Middle Un' 4.6% Session Pale - Brewed with Mosaic & Nelson Sauvin x 2
'Peculiar Blue' 6% IPA single hopped with Nelson Sauvin x 2
'Tramlined' 7.8% Wee Beastie Stout x 2- brewed by the 2 1/2 Northerners (With thanks to Parky & The Sherpa)
'Night Finisher' 9% Milk Stout x 1
'Fetch me another Mallet' 9.5% DIPA collab with North Riding Brewery.
All 500ml bottles of Wakefield Wonderment. Especially for you.
So. The event itself is on Friday 1st October. On the week of the event, you'll receive an email with links to the Zoom tasting of 3 of these beers. And also links to a specially created Spotify playlist, inspired by Malcolm, created by the lovely Mike & Jo - and it's an absolute belter! (I may have been listening to it a bit….)
Fancy it? Click the link here.
You won't regret it!
Be Kind To One Another.
See you soon.
Jx
#ISBFHeroes8 - Into the shed of Dreams : The Birth of a BEASTIE
It’s not often you go on a brewday that’s been 3 years in the making. And there’s a reason for that, which won’t be revealed in this post, but will be when the beer is tried on the 1st October at ISBFHeroes 8… (it wouldn’t be a proper ISBF post without a tease would it?).
The idea for the beer came from a ‘slightly’ drunken conversation at Sunfest, the excellent beer festival run by Abbeydale Brewery at the The Rising Sun pub in Sheffield, in 2018. Sat with Steve (@_lowest01) and Malcolm of Five Towns brewery fame, we started discussing odd beer ideas. And thankfully I came up with the best idea I’ve ever had for a beer, even if slightly ‘different’ (Steve claims he came up with the idea but given I’m doing this post I get to write the history I want :-P).
After a few false starts, and repeated refusal from Jim to allow it to be brewed for ISBF despite a long-running campaign even more persistent than @thegreatcubbio’s for a re-brew of Damage Plan, finally the green light was given. Which meant an early start (despite what Jim might say 6am is early for me!) to head over to the Wakefield Shed of Wonder, aka Five Towns brewery.
Arriving at exactly the same time, both me and Steve headed into the garden at Malcolm’s, knocked on the back door and were led down to the ‘shed’. It’s definitely bijou – a tight little space that has no right to produce the quality of beers it does under the tutelage of Malcolm. Even being forewarned it was ‘compact’ I was still taken aback at how small it is. But, there was work to do (yes Jim, we did do some work!!).
Mmmmmmmmm…… Chocolate Porridge! - Ed……
So first was the mash-in, and a pretty full mashtun it’s fair to say – this will be a decent strength beer 😉. A mix of malts (chocolate, black, Maris Otter, Oat) with a small addition of oat meal and roast barley. While the sparging was happening, it gave us a chance to discuss the ‘additions’ we were going to add to the beer that would make it distinctive – and particularly the quantities given there was a danger of overpowering both the aroma and flavour of the final beer. As you can guess, some punchy stuff is going in but to say what would spoil the surprise… And then a break for a mid-morning snack 😊
After refreshment, some magnum hops were added for bittering and then Nelson Sauvin for aroma and flavour, which smelled incredible as ever. And then, despite Jim’s constant refrain that me and Steve are workshy fops, we had to dig out the mashtun. Actual evidence of hard work that is incontrovertible!
After that, the mystery additions went in. After some googling around quantities there was a collective decision not to overdo it (with the wrath of Jim on our minds as we deliberated…) and with that we were pretty much done. There was only one final task at hand – which was a trip to the chippy next door :-P. If you’re ever in the area Tony’s is a must (the spam fritters are immense)!
The beer we’ve brewed will be part of #ISBFHeroes8 so even more reason to buy a box, as all will be revealed on the night 😊
Lastly, many thanks to Malcolm for being such a great host and to Steve for the help and being great company as ever.
See you on the 1st October.
Cheers all.
James.
#VISBF2 - Let's Do This
With my focus being on the #ISBFHeroes Series of events, #VISBF2 kind of took a back seat. I slept on it. Took some “me time”. Then entered PANIC MODE!!! OH. MY. GOD. It's too late! There's no time! Then the Angel on my shoulder chipped in….. “Deep Breaths Fool!” (Even the Angel on my shoulder gives me abuse…)
But I took a day off work. Sent some emails. Some DMs.
Made a few actual phone calls. Remember them? Gave a few reminders.
And got some responses. Some detail. Some flesh on these shabby bones. So…. First up….
There WILL be a #VISBF2. With some significant changes…..
Firstly. The event will be over 4 Days. From 11-14 November.
Why 4 days? Well….
This year, there will be 3 sessions / tastings dedicated to beer. From Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th and there will be a smaller, dedicated Cider Session on Sunday 14th.
When you buy a beer session, the case will, again, comprise of a mixed case of 12 beers, many - if not most - being new releases, some being exclusives to this event.
The cases will be a mix of styles. Pales, Darks, Saison to Sours. From some of the best breweries in the UK. Many will have been with the event for years, some will be new to us this year. But all will be exceptional. The breweries have been chosen for quality.
The tasting sessions are themed. And distinct. Those details will come at launch. More on that, later.
We are incredibly lucky to have a lovely bunch of sponsors for both beers and Ciders. Sponsorship is incredibly important and we are SO grateful to those lovely people who have come forward and sent their money in. It makes a huge difference.
I am also chuffed to hell to announce that we have a Glassware Sponsor…..!
With 2 exceptions, the Glassware for this event has been sponsored by small independent bars and Pubs (Heaton Hops - Year 2; The Brink - Year 3; The Northern Type - Year 5; House of Hops - Year 6 and last year, The Petersgate Tap. That's one hell of a local list. The Nook more than holds its own in that company.
It is an exceptional small bar, just 5 minutes walk from Bromley Cross train Station, that has been a total success from the off. Banging out exceptional beers from the UKs best breweries. Friendly, welcoming and…… expanding.
Having already expanded into the next door unit, Craig & Jimmy are soon to open another bar in Harwood. They are good beer people. They know what they are doing. And I was hugely flattered when they offered to sponsor.
I'm also pleased that the list of breweries is complete. With a little fine tinkering, that will be ready by launch night.
Each tasting event has a theme.
One will be featuring beers from each side of the Pennines - a mini Virtual East West Fest - in homage to my favourite beer event.
Another will be a tasting of beers on the Funkier side. From Saisons to things a bit more tart.
The final beer tasting will focus on Bitterness, well, in Salford, we're not that far from the Best Coast…
(The cases for the latter two sessions will be a mix of styles, just the tasting beers will fit the theme.)
The Cider event will feature 5 x 750ml bottles from one of the best Cideries in the UK with other elements tying in to the drinking. More details on launch night.
The tastings will be hosted on Zoom - and anybody who took part last year, will be delighted to know that I've invested in a WiFi system that should mean that “Superfast Bolton Broadband” is consigned to the past. (Thank you Stuart!)
There will be merch. I'm open to ideas, but - in all likelihood - just Ts & Hoodies. Maybe in all 3 logo colours (Blue, Orange & Purple) But, like I said, I'm open to ideas.
There will be access to a Spotify playlist unique to each evening - links to both the Zoom & Spotify will be sent to purchasers the week of the event.
So. In short. The event is taking place from Thursday 11th November to Sunday 14th November.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday 24th September. At 19:30.
Don't. Miss. Out.
P. S.
I know some of the beers already. 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤
#ISBFHeroes7 - It all started on Peter Street
Whatever has been said about Brew Dog, to those who know anything about Modern Beer and Manchester that bar is a very significant part of the Manchester Craft Beer (a phrase I've never liked) Family Tree, casting its seeds all over the city.
Sometimes, those roots are rather indirect too. Like our guests for Heroes7.
The story begins at a home brew competition which must have been 8 years ago at least. Held at Brewdog on Peter Street and organised (I think) by Steve Dunkley (he of Beer Nouveau). I was a judge, as were Jim Rangeley (Now Abbeydale Funk), Duncan Barton (of the much lamented - by me - Tickety Brew) and others.
I’d never judged before. And by the Gods it was intimidating! The word competitive does not do this justice……. It was fierce. And the standard was exceptional.
Among the brewers competing were Richard Conway (Now Thirst Class), Matt Dutton (now Brewer at Track) and three young men who were - individually - members of the New Mills Home Brewing Group.
Fellas I'd frequently see at the legendary MTB events at Port Street Beer House……
Chris Clough
Nick Rothko-Wright
Peter Sidwell
Who - soon after that competition - came together, in a little unit by a marina in New Mills.
Torrside Brewing.
Those 3 talented individuals have combined to create something really special. Carving themselves not one but several niches.
Who knew there was such a market for Smoked Beers eh?
Who knew there was such a market for 750ml bottles of 10%+ beers?
Who knew that you could pack out a brewery tap on the edge of the Derbyshire peaks? Causing such malty havoc that friends of mine would have to call a partner out late at night because they've missed the last train?
They've been stars at ISBF from the get go. Introducing me to the art of partigyling. Always up for a bonkers collaboration, a brilliantly mad beer supply.
They've been there. Every single time. And - ever so slowly - accruing a reputation for twisted excellence.
But don't be misled. They also make some bloody fabulous “normal” beers too.
Balls. They just make great beer. Which leads me to….
Well. For the less than princely sum of £52 (Inc delivery and charity donation…… you get the following….
2 each of :
Small Victories (3.8% Nelson Sauvin pale)
Shrub-A-Dub-Dub (4.4% Szechuan & orange pale - unique in bottle to this event!)
If You Build It (4.0% smoked pale)
Zero Ducks (6.0% raspberry IPA) All 500ml.
Monsters: Perseverance (Imperial Brown) 10% (2 x 330ml)
And 1 each of (330ml)
Monsters: American Barleywine 2017 & 2020 (9% & 11% barley wine)
How does that “little” lot sound?
Of course, you also get access to myself and “The Castlefield Parkinson” (aka James aka @BeerFinderGen) make fools of ourselves - me, because I'm incoherent. Him because he's a gibbering Fanboy - on Zoom on Friday 30th July.
Beers for tasting on the evening will be :
Shrub-A-Dub-Dub
Zero Ducks
Perseverance
You also get access to a bespoke Spotify playlist (created by our dear friends Mike & Jo). And it's bloody brilliant (I may have early access)
And the chance to bid for a specially knitted wooly hat (in Torrside colours) by the rather lovely Tina.
Fancy a bit of Monstrosity?
Come and join us. Have a chuckle. Learn something about our New Mills Heroes….
Link here. Look forward to seeing you.
Back soon. Be kind to one another.
Jx
#ISBFHeroes - Episode 6
Time to get personal.
As I've said before in these posts, these mini events are about celebrating stuff. Breweries that have been with us from the start. That maybe don't get the “column inches”. But make exceptional beer.
And also, celebrating people who have just been there. For me and mine.
And on all points, this brewery more than qualifies.
Not only that, they are thoroughly bad influences. Leading a cocktail infused trail across Manchester after the Saturday session of each physical ISBF.
Not for nothing did I give them the nickname “The Cocktail Twins”
For those in the know (and those who aren't) I speak of Mallinsons.
Brewing since 2008, they have - without knowing it - been ahead of curves for years. SMASH beers. Mallinsons have been doing Single Malt Single Hop beers for over a decade!
Their session Pales are - quite simply - things of hoppy beauty. Their rare forays into darkness are simply delightful.
They brew beers that are - almost - designed for me. I'm an unashamed fan.
But this is about more for me. And mine. This is truly personal.
Amongst many friends, Tara Mallinson & Elaine Yendall were there, for both Christine & I, when we needed it most. Evenings out, drunken, in both Huddersfield & Manchester, beers and cocktails drunk. Singing out loud in The Brink. Beers over kitchen tables. Staying up until 3am playing singles on the portable turntable.
We needed that. So much. They helped us through. And can't thank these two lovelies enough.
Sorry. But this means a ton to me.
Not to forget the rather lovely wheel #3 on the Mallinsons Trike, the irrepressible - and rather talented - Nick (Professional Yorkshireman) Briggs. A star in his own right. Both as one of the Mallinsons trio and also in his own right. As Briggs Signature Ales.
As you'll see shortly.
For me, to see a Mallinsons clip on a bar top is to order that beer. Consistency of excellence should be celebrated.
And I do.
So. Enough of the fluff. If you buy this, what are you getting?
For £40 (which includes charity donation and postage/packing), you get 2 each of the following 6 500ml bottles of beery joy (Charity donations to be donated to our Partner Charity START Inspiring Minds)
2 x Motueka – Single Hop Pale – 4%
2 x Citranaut – Ekuanot (with Citra dry hop) Pale – 4.1%
2 x Tilt The System – Centennial & Motueka Pale – 4.2% (New for this event!)
2 x Tropical Blonde – 4.4% abv
2 x Pilsner – 5.1%
2 x Dirty Electro – (Briggs Signature Ales) West Coast IPA – 5.6%
There will be a chat & tasting with Tara & Elaine of the Pilsner & Tilt beers and the Dirty Electro with Nick. Hosted on Zoom. On Friday 9th July at 19:30
There will be a dedicated exclusive Spotify Playlist (I’m already listening to it!) inspired by tunes loved by the dynamic trio (Access codes to both the Zoom & the Playlist to be with you the Wednesday before the event)
There will be also be the opportunity to bid for another unique knitted hat created by the lovely Tina of @knitswithbeer fame! (Colours inspired by Mallinsons)
You might even get a Zoom “invasion” by my Pesky Pomeranian Puppy, Peanut!
So. Come. Grab a case. Come join us. Link here.
Drinking great beer and doing good at the same time. It’s just the way to be innit?
Be kind to one another. See you on the 9th.
Jim x
#VISBF2 - Post 1 : Sponsorship
This bears repetition…..
“Hello Jim and Chris,
It was lovely to talk to you the other day and get such wonderful news regarding your donation to Start.
I can now confirm that £7,000 was deposited into our donations account on Monday under the reference Mr & Mrs J Cullen.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work in raising the £7,000 which you have donated to us against all the odds this year but I am sure this is down to your sheer determination, charm and arm wrangling! (Don't know about the “charm” bit - Ed)
We are all so very grateful for the work you have all done to raise these funds through your virtual event which given the present COVID world is absolutely amazing !!! This donation will make a very big difference to our services and those we help, especially given the challenges COVID has placed on us all this year.
I am attaching the thank you photo if this will help with your social media. I will also put it on our social media as well. Once again many thanks Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
All the best.
Bernie
Bernadette Conlon
Chief Executive Officer”
This. Precisely this….
This is why we do what we do. There is no personal profit generated by this event. Well, that is not strictly speaking true…..
I get to drink great beers. So that's personal profit after a fashion.
But - the point being - all profits after the payment of bills go to a good cause. And this year, like the last 3, that cause is Start Inspiring Minds, led by the lovely Bernadette. An organisation - and person - making a difference in Salford. And very close to our hearts.
This is where your money goes. This…. and to fund my luxury villa in The Algarve. (Yes. I know. Jim doesn't do “funnies”….)
Basically. You. Do. Good.
The point of this post? Sponsorship.
Sponsorship of beers. Sponsorship of Ciders. Hell, sponsorship of Glassware would be lovely too!
This is a small scale event. There's no ambition to grow. This isn't corporate. I've been approached by reps of larger companies and always turned them down. This is an Independent event. Which will always focus on the small, the personal. The feel.
It's got to feel right.
So. What have we got to sponsor.
Beers. 36 of them. From some of the best breweries in the UK. Not picked on “buzz”, but chosen because they simply make great beer. In small pack.
Ciders. Not figured out that number yet - we've got 6 months to work that out - but, if you joined us last year, you'll know that these will be from some of the finest squashers of the apple and pear that you can find.
Glassware - We've had some of the best bars and breweries in the North put their names on our glassware. From Heaton Hops in year 2, through to Petersgate Tap last year.
Beer and Cider/Perry sponsorship will cost £85. So, what do you get for that?
A guaranteed case for the session of your choice. (The cases will be strictly limited in number - and last year, every beer was sponsored)
Your name in the “programme” against one of the little bottles/cans of joy. Also, the gratitude of both ourselves and our lovely local charity.
Glassware sponsorship £tbc. But what you - as a bar/pub/tap (ideally one of the 3) - will get is a large chunk of beautiful Glassware with your logo on (along with ours). I'm open to ideas on this.
If you are interested in any of the above, please get in touch via the “contact” page.
Come and join us. You won't regret it.
Doing good, whilst drinking some of the finest of beverages.
It might just catch on!
Back soon.
Be kind to one another.
Jim x
#ISBFHeroes - Episode 5
Following the heartwarming feedback from #VISBF, when I first thought of hosting these mini events, one of the things that I had in mind was to feature breweries and people who had been part of the ISBF journey since day one.
Or, in this case, day 2.
Julie and Les O'Grady came to the first ISBF on the Saturday. I think that we followed each other on Twitter prior to the event. We chatted. I clearly remember that they sat at a table opposite the kitchen and - if memory serves - were sat with Carl Marshall (now of Salopian). At that point, neither were in the Brewing game.
The next year - 2015 - that changed. Neptune Brewery was born. And they've been a feature on the ISBF “bar” ever since - with one exception.
For all of their talents (Les as a brewer and Julie as….. Well, Julie is just unpigeonholeable (Social Magnet - see Ladies That Beer, Assistant Brewer. She's just a star), just one of the things I love about them is that they are - as a brewery - undemonstrative. Resolutely locally rooted in Maghull, yet Brewing beers that appeal all around the country.
Because they are good. Damned good. I don't need to see (much deserved) Ratebeer awards to appreciate the consistent excellence of the beer that they make.
Neptune are one of the first names on my wish list.
They've given me some of my favourite beer memories, guiding my friends and I around some of Liverpool's finest drinking spots. Making me laugh until I cried and my sides hurt. Just ask Julie about the “Gobshite” episode……. 😁
They've been there supporting me in my darkest moments. I still remember the call to Les saying that I couldn't make it to Maghull for a Collab for ISBF3. And why…
They are 2 of the finest people in beer. And I know a lot of those people.
That one exception - mentioned above - was last November. For #VISBF. When Les phoned to let me know, he was gutted. As was I.
And THAT beer (Pale Blue Oceans) is on this list. Les snuck it in…😍
Neptune, Julie & Les, are an integral part of the ISBF journey.
And I couldn't be more thrilled to have them back. Where they're meant to be. (Cue Aidan Moffat song)
Those who have “attended” these events before know how this works.
So. What have we got?
6 beers. With 2 of each of the following…..
Mosaic (Pale) 4.5% abv
Amongst The Waves (Pilsner) 4.2% abv
Abyss (Oatmeal Stout) 5% abv
Elea (US Pale w/Rhubarb) 5.0% abv
Pale Blue Oceans (DDH IPA) 6.5% abv
Beachcomber (NZ Pale) 5.1% abv
12 delicious beers. From one of the best breweries around. Delivered to your door.
And how much will this little box of joy cost? £50. And that includes both delivery AND £5 into the charity pot for each case bought.
And - whilst on that subject - I spoke with Bernadette Conlon (CEO of Start Inspiring Minds) last Friday and finally got around to telling her what we'd been up to for the last 5 months.
She wanted to pass her gratitude (and that of her team) to each and every one of you who have bought one of these little boxes of joy. That money makes a huge difference to the work that START can do. At a time when their help has never been more necessary.
So. 28th May. 19:30. Come join us. Drink some delicious Neptune beers in the company of the lovely Les. Maybe even Julie. Oh. And Me and James (with every Silver Lining there must be a cloud!)
The last event (with North Riding) sold out in 45 minutes. To grab one of these Neptune beauties, click here.
Please don't miss out.
See you on 28th. Be kind to one another.
Jim x
#ISBFHeroes - Episode 4
This is one where things get a little more “Fanboy”. And a little more personal.
As I have said - I think - on each of these “Heroes” posts, this event has certain objectives. Fun. Having something to smile about - a distraction if you will - during Lockdown. Great beer. And supporting great breweries.
This one is no different. Yet…
I first met Stuart Neilson 8 years ago. In a little beer shop in Snaith, East Yorkshire called Yorkshire Ales. I was looking for great Yorkshire beers to potentially feature on the crappy blog I was writing and was introduced by the owners of the shop.
We chatted briefly and I carried on shopping. At that point, he was Brewing below a pub in Scarborough. That pub features later.*
The beers were good. Damned good.
Demand outgrew the pub. So he set up a larger (additional) brewery on the outskirts of Scarborough.
I talk - of course - about North Riding Brewery.
And I'm a fan. Unashamedly so too.
On the previous (Marble) event, Joe Ince (having Collabed with Stuart on the IPA “Silly Point “) remarked that North Riding were my (Jim) favourite Cask Brewery. And he's completely right. I wish I could drink it more often. The Single hopped Pales are quite sublime. Mosaic is my favourite cask beer.
Closely followed by his Citra.
And as for beers like “Fudge Brownie”, don't get me started. I’d need to mop up the drool….
I've known worse views from the office door……..
North Riding is predominantly a cask ale brewery. And breweries who specialise in cask conditioned beer have suffered particularly hard over the last 12 months. And when the initial ISBF Heroes idea was conceived, they were in the fore of my thinking.
But - again, another of the key reasons for featuring each brewery - these events are about people. People with connections to the event. People who have gone over and above in support of the event. And me and mine.
And Stuart & Karen Neilson have done that. And more.
This one - like I said earlier - is personal.
As well as the brewery, Karen & Stuart also own that* pub. Not just any pub. It's one of the pubs that form my “Holy Trinity”. The North Riding Hotel.
A combination of both Local & Destination pub, the pub manages the trick of being simultaneously gorgeous, welcoming, friendly (both staff and customers) and serving magnificent beers. Showcasing beers brewed both in the cellar brewery (Yes, there's a 2bbl kit downstairs!) and from the main brewery, but also some of the best beer from all over the country and beyond. There's a permanent Kernel line for Pete’s sake!
For. The. Win.
But, like I said, this isn't just about the beer. This one is personal. It's about the people.
And Karen & Stuart are good people.
Just 2 weeks before #ISBF3, 4 1/2 years ago, my family's world was shattered. We struggled for a few months. That's putting it mildly. Then, late the following summer, Karen & Stuart reached out and invited both of us to come to the pub for NYE. We didn't want to spend another with just Jools for company, so - with some trepidation - accepted.
It was our first night away in over a year. And - from the moment we walked in - felt like we had been wrapped in a big warm hug.
That night - and the gesture that led to it - is something that neither of us will ever forget. It helped us in so many ways that are difficult to say. So I won't try.
But, suffice to say, Karen & Stuart. We thank you. And - if you like it or not - you're now part of this “story”.
So there……
We've been back on a few occasions. And each time felt the same. Just being wrapped in friendliness. In a wonderful pub. With rooms above. It's a little slice of beer heaven.
That view (seconds from the pub) is a none too shabby hangover cure….
And - occasionally - Stuart breaks out the “Wheels of Steel” and does a little DJ set (loves a bit of Detroit House & Techno does Stu……) Prepare for the Spotify playlist….
So. Back to business….. 😉
All of the above being true, I don't invite breweries out of pure sentiment. They've got to make damn good beer. So North Riding being asked for one of these was an easy call.
Beautiful sharp Pales, luxurious Darks. Drinkability is an underrated virtue in beer. And North Riding nail that.
Now then, the format for this one is a little different with regards to the beers. It isn't a 6x2 like the others were. Still 12 beers, this time in bottle, but 4 beers will have 2 of each, 4 will have one.
Stuart will do a guided tasting of 3 of these beauties.
All delicious. And some beasts in this one too.
Here's the list. Drool on.
2 x Motueka Pale - 4.0%
2 x Mosaic Pale - 4.3%
2 x Citra Pale - 4.5%
2 x West Coast IPA (5 Towns Collab) 5.8%
1x Ice Cream Porter - 4.5%
1 x Chocolate Porter (Marble Collab) 6.0%
1 x Barley Wine (5 Towns Collab) Launch Exclusive - 8.7%
1 x Imperial Stout (North Riding Brewpub) Launch Exclusive - 10%
All in 500ml bottle.
And the price for this Box of Beery Joy? £40 plus Delivery of £6.90. Now then, here's a thing…..
North Riding do Free Delivery at £50 and over. So, if you either ordered more beer, or a Bobble or Beanie hat (which are - rather nicely priced at £10 & £12….) voila! Free Delivery!!!
Beanie £10. Bobble £12. I'm buying one of each. And extra beer. Because I'm a fanboy. 😂
And remember. Each case bought means that £5 goes into our Charity pot for Start Inspiring Minds.
Come on. Join us. But be quick. There's only 60 of these lovely cases available. Click here for the case.
See you on 30th?
Back soon. Be kind to one another.
Jim x
Thinking Ahead - ISBF in 2021
That light at the end of the tunnel? For once, it's not an oncoming train…
Like everyone else, I miss people. Miss the physicality of seeing flesh, not pixels. Like many, if I could jump in my own, personal, DeLorean and shoot forward in time to mid - April, oh but I would.
I've already booked my first brewtap tables. My first pub tables. Thinking ahead never felt more joyous.
The last few months have been “fun” - with the #ISBFHeroes events being quite well received - and kind of took my mind off what I would ordinarily have done by this time of the year.
Which is planning for - what is now - the main event. The physical ISBF.
By now, I would ordinarily have sent initial invites to breweries, indeed, I would normally have a fairly fixed idea of the line up, of Collabs, of the more “blue sky” stuff.
But not this year. And - to be honest - it only came to the fore of my thinking on Friday evening. When I started with the first thought. Can we? At Hemsley House?
Courtesy @markthegasman and Redwillow Brewery
My mind started whirring with all of the things that would need to be achieved before such an event could take place.
Don't get me wrong, ISBF isn't slick. It flies by the seat of the pants. A mirage of competence that is equal parts luck and goodwill. But still, there are fundamentals that would need to be in place.
It didn't take long to conclude that - in the current (and likely future) climate, that an indoor event would be problematic.
ISBF is (in the words of the lovely Jan Rogers) “Niche”. It's also run on a shoestring “budget”. It exists to raise money for a good cause. It isn't a business running beer events with budgets to match.
It's run by me. With the help of friends. And lovely volunteers.
And if I planned the event in November, made commitments, spent money, to only have to cancel the event and refund, those debts fall on me. And I can't do that. I can't afford it.
So. That said, where does it leave us?
All hail Peanut. The Zoombombing Pomeranian!
Well. The immediate future? That's next Friday. And #ISBFHeroes3 with the mighty Marble Brewery
Then #ISBFHeroes4 in April. And - for certain - #ISBFHeroes5 in May.
But - for “The Main Event” - it means Virtual ISBF 2. #VISBF2.
If the interest is there for such a thing.
If it is, we have a formula to build on, to play with, twist and turn with.
There'll be changes. Might even do a 4th session on the Sunday (if my liver can take it).
But, the fundamentals will be the same. A case of 12 mixed beers. From some of the best small breweries in the UK. A beery zoom event each evening. And an additional Cider & Perry event on one of the evenings with some of the best artisan apple and pear juices you can get.
There'll be pretty Merch. Quite what, is something I'm open to.
There will be some ace playlists to listen to, designed exclusively for each evening.
All “profits” will be for our partner Charity (START). Again, this isn't a business. This is a labour of love for many of us.
We'll need sponsors. For pretty Glassware, Beers, Ciders. Even a Programme. (Feel free to get in touch)
It isn't flash. It isn't fancy. But we kind of love it.
We'd love to have you involved.
Drinking great Beer. Doing good. It's what we do.
11/11/2021 - 14/11/2021. (With “launch party” on Friday 27/08/2021)
Come join us.
Until then, stay safe. And be kind to one another.
Jim x
#ISBFHeroes - Episode 3
When you organise something like these events, you don't know what to expect. What I didn't expect, was that both events would sell out. And that both Zoom events would be SO well attended.
Thank you to everyone that turned out. Some of whom…...
Stolen (shamelessly) from The Video Terrorist (aka Mark The Gasman)
That both were so well attended is testament to the Brewing skills of the first two breweries, Runaway & Redwillow.
That both events received such heartwarming feedback is testament to the knowledge, warmth and humour of Mark (Runaway) and Toby & Caroline (Redwillow). They made our “work” so easy. (James did good too. But don't tell him.)
So. What next?
There are a number of further events scheduled. But - in an ideal world - many of the events may not take place. When pubs open so that you can actually sit IN them, demand might slip for things like this. Hell, I myself would rather be in The Marble Arch, The Smithfield or The Brink than in front of a laptop with a Pomeranian puppy trying to jump onto the keyboard!
But - in the short term - I've got three belters for you (and - who knows - maybe more. )
But “Who's NEXT???” I hear you cry…..
Marble - What can I say without coming across like a fanboy?
That they make great beer? That's a given.
They they brew iconic beers? Decadence. Dobber. Lagonda. My beloved Pint. Enough already.
Suffice to say that they have been immensely supportive of ISBF from Year One, with beer and support, materially and logistically. ISBF Heroes indeed.
One of only 3 breweries to win “Beer of the Festival” at ISBF. Something that is not easy to win.
And one evening - in “The Pub” - Jan (Rogers - aka The Boss) said something about ISBF which stuck with me. She called the event “Niche”. I like that…
On the first day that the first Lockdown ended, the Team were in Marble Tap. Time and Place. Memories.
They've helped other breweries and local businesses through the Covid nightmare with guidance and advice.
Good people.
OK. Yes. I'm a fanboy…….. Moving on….. “What's in the box Jim?
Well……
Well. On 26th March, at 19:30, you'll get Access to a Virtual MTB with Marble Head Brewer, Joe Ince. For one! (Hosted by YT and Castlefield's own Michael Parkinson clone, James “The BeerFinderGeneral”.)
Exclusive access to a specially created Spotify playlist, themed around songs beloved of Team Marble (lovingly compiled by Jo & Mike Dewsnip - our lovely ISBF tune merchants)
There will even be a specially knitted beanie hat by St Tina (@Knitswithbeer)
And……the small matter of some beer. Delicious beer.
Here you go. (There's a couple of - as yet - unreleased things in here….)
Arm-Bar (new beer) - 3.8% Session Pale
American Pilsner - 4.2% Pilsner
Manchester Bitter - 4.3% Bitter
Cross Collar – 5.2% West Coast Pale
Silly Point (North Riding collab) - 6.3% Cross County IPA (Oh those “Roses” japes!)
Uppe Hela Natten - 5.1% Macchiato Porter
2 cans of each. And the price of “entry” to this Zoom Fun Palace?
£41.50. (Inc Charity £5 per case. And shipping)
Yes. You read that right. £41.50.
What are you waiting for? Click here!
See you on the 26th!
Back soon. Be kind to one another.
Jim x
#ISBFHeroes - Episode 2
Well. That was fun! Last Friday with Runaway Brewery seems to have been enjoyed, prompting the rhetorical question….. Shall we go again?
Want me to answer that?
Those online last week already know who's next, but let me spin this out a little…
This event is about those who have become part of the history of the event, certainly to those of us who are more intimately involved, me, volunteers, close friends. And this month's guest takes me back to a Sunday “after party” at St Sebastian's (May have been ISBF 4).
And a certain Bretted Vietnamese Coffee Porter. At 8.5%abv.
On cask. Being drunk by the pint.
A legendary effort by my Sensei, Jaz. (Discretion forbids me to go to the aftermath)
I write, of course, about Redwillow
Redwillow seem to have been an ever present in my modern beer journey - certainly since I started blogging back in 2011. Back then, there seemed to be one place where “Craft” drinkers congregated. Port Street Beer House. And Redwillow were regularly on that bar.
One of my very favourite beers back then was a Redwillow beer. One of the Faithless range (was it 18?), a Beetroot Stout that I had on cask in The Molly House. Stunningly good.
It's fair to say that Toby McKenzie and his team are beacons of consistent excellence - certainly to me. And those words are earned, I don't use words that I don't mean. I don't do flattery.
Possessed of both an exceptional core range of beers and a playful way with styles and flavours, for me, they are possibly the most underrated brewery in the UK. For me they are right up there in that “best” conversation.
When I think of ISBF, they are one of the first on my list.
Just look at their webshop. They've been putting out simply exceptional beers, from sumptuous Saisons through refreshing Lagers to fabulous IPAs (Ageless - oh my….)
I'm a fan. An unashamed fan.
But enough of that. What am I buying?
Like the template we set with the Runaway box, 6 beers. 2 of each. So a case of 12. Within the price of each case is included £5 to our nominated charity, START.
The beers?
Directionless - Golden Ale (Amarillo/Nelson 🤤) - 4.2% abv
All About the Mosaic - IPA - 5.5%abv
ESB (provisional) ? -
Foeder Lager V2 - Lager - 4.6% abv
Ageless - IPA - 7.2% abv
Restless - Vietnamese Coffee Milk Porter - 8.5% abv
The ESB may be subject to replacement, but is the likely beer.
Also included is access to the MTB style event with Toby & Caroline. Chatting with me & James. And the chance to put some questions around what's happening with Macclesfield's finest.
In addition, there will be access to a specially created Spotify playlist themed around tunes loved by our guests. (The links will be sent the week of the event.
You'll even get 10% off your next online order!!!
Excited? I am!
The event? Friday 26th February 19:30. Come and join us.
The “all-in” price (inc postage) is £49 (and that includes the Charity donation)
Come & join us. The link is here.
See you soon. Stay safe.
Jim
#ISBFHeroes - Let's have some fun.
Boy Genius works his magic. Again
A long time ago. On a planet (that seems) far, far away, the Alter Ego tweeted about agreeing to “do” a beer festival.
And my world changed.
With the veritable flood of offers of help, I realised that #BeerPeopleAreGoodPeople.
Bit by bit, beer by beer, we've built something that (to me and others) is precious. A little community of like minded friends. Friendships made, grown. Faces put to social media accounts.
Doing good. By having fun.
With great beer…..
However, last year was - for obvious reasons - a bit different. And we had to adapt. So we went online. And the support was heartwarming. And we got away with it, with an awful lot of goodwill and some exceptional last minute help
That and some lovely people giving up their time to lead presentations online (Andy, Melissa, Charlie and Grant should have back problems with the bows they should take)
And we raised a phenomenal £7k for our partner charity. Remember, every penny of profit from ISBF goes to good causes.
So. That was that.
Or……
A seed was sown. And that seed was fertilised by further Lockdown measures.
What if……
I mean, we paid for a Zoom account. Why not put it to good use? So the idea……
Virtual MTBs. With - initially - breweries that have been with ISBF from year dot. Breweries that - unbeknown to most - have gone above and beyond in their support for this event.
Breweries that brew exceptional beer.
The idea……
A case of 12 beers, 2 each of 6 different beers. Bought from the brewery direct. With a small additional charge. For charity like……
We - ISBF - host a little Zoom bash. Q&As with the brewer. Guided tastings of some of the beers. (Those who did #VISBF will get the idea)
We've got a few lined up. With some exceptional local breweries. 1 a month…….. That's the aim…
First up?
Runaway. One of Manchester’s unsung. Quietly doing all the right things. Making exceptional beer. Brewing a great core range of beers (remember those?), with Pale & American Brown being 2 of my (Jim) very favourite beers.
Runaway. Always pulling out stops for ISBF. I'll never forget the worries that Mark had, putting his first beer into cask. For ISBF.
The legend that was Lemon Drizzle IPA. The single biggest selling beer at any ISBF (he still gets asked to rebrew that. And he always says no… 😂)
Those who know me, know that I don't blow smoke. But it's difficult to imagine an ISBF without Mark Welsby and his small happy band. And their lovely, lovely beers.
Speaking of which…. What are you getting…….?
12 beers. 2 each of 6. (Listed below)
A Tasting of some of the beers with Mark. Some chatter via Zoom with a Q&A led by YT & the BeerFinderGeneral.
A bonus Spotify playlist woven around Mark's tastes by Mike (does all the tunes at ISBF).
A positive ASSEMBLY of ISBF Heroes!
And the knowledge that you're doing something REAL good! (An amount from each purchase goes into the ISBF charity pot!)
The beers?
2 x Pale Ale 4.7%
2 x Kaffir Lime & Thai Chilli Wit 5.0%
2 x Shandy Panache : Mango & Lime 2.8%
2 x Summer Saison 4.2%
2 x BA Smoked Porter 6.0%
2 x Enter the Dragon: Oatmeal Export Stout (a new collaboration with Cloudwater) 7.2%
When? Friday 29th January. 7:30.
All this. And the “damage”? £37.50. (+ £6 carriage - free if collected at brewery). Remember. A chunk of that goes to our Charity pot for Start Inspiring Minds.
Fancy joining us? Fancy drinking great beer? Fancy that warm glow from doing something lovely for charity?
Click on this link! Come smile along with us.