#ISBF8 - Ticket Launch Night.

Tradition. Tradition can be important.

I mean, with beer, for all the DDH beers in the world, it's there anything more satisfying than a beautiful, rich, Stout? Or a robust Porter? A full bodied ESB?

I think not. But then, wouldn't the world be boring if we all liked the same things?

So variety is important too. That's what we've tried to give you - in a beer sense - at each ISBF. Certainly since Year 3, when all the beers were new to Manchester…

But back to tradition. Back in 2017, we started to have little gatherings on the night that tickets for ISBF were released. Between 50-60 of us would gather, then at The Brink (sadly, no longer with us), have a few beers, chat with friends old and new and those people would get to know all the gen about that year's event before anyone else.

They'd get first shot at buying tickets via a special link.

They'd also get the chance to grab an exclusive t-shirt, especially printed for that evening.

We'd have some fun, I would get roundly mocked. All in a good cause.

We even had 2 friends have a public transport v car race from Bristol (train won BTW)

Last year - the first since the pandemic - The Brink had, unfortunately closed. An early victim of the financial pressures that came with lockdowns and restrictions.

So we relocated. And were absolutely chuffed that we could have our little do in The Marble Arch. One of the UKs finest pubs.

It felt like home. They closed the pub for us. No small thing.

They looked after us.

Anyway.

On Sunday, 13th August, we're going again.

Starting at 7pm, we're going to have a few beers, chat with friends old and new, people who have grown to love what ISBF has become.

I've already heard from people in places as distant as Somerset and Cumbria intending to come to the launch. That's bloody humbling.

So. What do we do.

Well. You grab a ticket.

You get the chance to buy a beautiful, exclusive - and high quality - t-shirt (once you click for your ticket)

You get to hear, first - and in person - what current plans are for our humble little bash.

And - half an hour before general sale - you get the chance to guarantee that you get your tickets. To a little beer do. In Salford.

Fancy joining us, having a beer and a chat?

The link for tickets is here. There aren't many.

See you in 3 weeks?

Friends of #isbf8 - Sponsorship

When I (Jim) first set about creating The Independent Salford Beer Festival, back in 2014, I had no idea about anything. Well, almost anything.

The only thing I was certain of, was who brewed good beer in the North of England. If I had a superpower, that was it.

That was what the very first ISBF had. 36 cask conditioned beers. From the North of England.

Little did I know that - almost from the off - this event would become - (in my mind at least) synonymous with the word “Community”.

From the responses to the first tweet, that yelp for help (poetry eh?), from an (then) unknown fella hauling our bar snacks over the Pennines (take a bow Steve), to people occupying the same seats, at the same session, each year, from the fella (that's YOU Andy) offering design help, to Malcolm (aka Five Towns Brewery) offering BOGOF and the same people who volunteered in Year 1 being still with us 8 years later… I’d met very few of these people at that point.

This Community, this Family (the #ISBFFamily) have grown together as both comrades and friends.

Something that makes me feel both thankful and proud.

Something else that both myself and the #ISBFFamily are really proud of, are the Sponsors who get involved each and every year.

It was a deliberate decision to focus on individuals and small local businesses when it comes to sponsors. Something that chimes with the event itself. Small, local, friendly.

I've had opportunities, over the years, for larger sponsors to become involved, something that just didn't feel right. Didn't fit. And I wouldn't change that.

And - that said - I was hugely humbled at #ISBF7, when every beer had a sponsor. The first time that this has happened in all the years we've been doing this. That's local people, putting hands in their pockets. And doing great things. Helping us, to help out our partner charity, START Inspiring Minds.

Posters. Programme. Beers. Glassware. All sponsored. Without that, we would have been nowhere close to the £8.5k that was donated to START on Xmas eve.

So. Here we are again. Appealing for you lovely people, to join in, help us to do good things. By sponsoring stuff.

Beers & Ciders - Up to 100 opportunities.

Posters - They're gonna be gorgeous this year!

Programme - Again, a work of art from Mr “Art by Volume” himself.

Glassware - (Sponsors can suggest glass style)

So - who fancies sponsoring a beer? Or something else? Like Glassware? Programme? Anything really! I'm all ears!

Beer Sponsorship will be £85. We're keeping the rate for this the same as last year - would seem wrong to up the price.

This gets you - the lovely sponsor - 2 tickets to a session(s) of your choice. With Glassware, Programme and £10 beer tokens per ticket.

It also gets you undying gratitude, your name of choice against a beer/brewery and a huge thank you in both the programme & post event webpost.

It also gets you the warm glow of knowing that you are helping a magnificent local charity in START Inspiring Minds.

Yes. ALL PROFITS GO TO CHARITY.

Posters - £50 (Branding prominently displayed - no tickets etc)

Programme sponsorship - £100 (Inc prominent logo on front, with full page ad on rear cover)

Glassware etc, I'm open to ideas/approaches.

To sponsor (anything), use the contact page and select the option “Sponsorship”. Or click this link. And help a fabulous charity to do amazing work.

Back soon. Be kind to one another.

Jim x

East West Fest 04 - 06/05/2023 : isbf kinship

Way back in early 2014, when - in panic mode - I sent my first tweet stating that I was going to “run” a beer festival, one of the first people to get in contact was Malcolm Bastow. Of Five Towns Brewery. We didn't know each other really. I'd “reviewed” some of his beers, thoroughly enjoyed them. But we'd never met at that point.

We met at that first St Sebastian's event - on the Saturday lunch session I think - his beer “Raven King” Porter won Beer of the Festival. And we just “got on”. Thoughts being aligned on beer, music, politics, a meeting of minds with a thoroughly decent human. (Someone who has helped me & mine through some dark times)

Skip forward a few months. Malcolm messaged me about an idea he had - inspired by that first ISBF - of having a beer event (for charity), featuring beers from Lancashire & Yorkshire.

East v West. A beery War of the Roses.

I was hooked.

And I have been ever since.

Many of my fondest memories involving beer have been formed within the walls of Wakefield Labour Club.

From the off, myself and my mentor - the mighty Jaz - have been each and every year. It's just…… it's hard to describe when something is just embedded in your very soul.

From that first approach to the door on the very first day and hearing something I've never forgotten “THE MANCS ARE HERE” in Bob's lilting Tyke tones, to last year's watching St Pauli play the final Bundesliga game of the season, with the Yorkshire chapter of their fan club.

Just the best memories. With the loveliest people.

Mark coming from Glastonbury.

Drunken videos, mocking my inability to open a key safe.

People coming from over the Pennines. On my recommendation. And getting ‘it’. It gets me incredibly emotional just bringing back these memories.

Quite simply. It's my favourite beer event. It lifts my spirits like no other.

Nothing comes remotely close.

And I don't say that lightly.

The event is - without a shadow of doubt - about the people. It's entire profits go to local charities. The kinship with ISBF is strong. The bond between the two events is just…… In an event sense, East West Fest is a member of the #ISBFFamily.

This event is such, that my friends and I booked our hotels in November.

And I've not even mentioned the beer list yet! Something that is guaranteed to be….. slightly bonkers when it comes to the abv!

That List is always quite magnificent. But again, this is about the feeling, the people, not just the beer.

But…… I digress.

The event starts on Thursday. I'll be stood at the bar at 6pm.

Come and join us. Say hello.

Here's the beers. First “East”, then “West” (including a Southern interloper……)

Raison D’Etre

Following this post, these posts will be written more from the perspective of the collective, rather than that of myself (Jim), but with permission, this one is important to understand why we do what we do. And for who.

This event was created to raise funds for St Sebastian's Community Centre, run by one of the loveliest humans. Geraldine Stone.

Then, in 2017, we stopped.

But I didn't really want to. Gerry knew that. And knew, just knew, what we needed in terms of motivation. A cause dear to our hearts. Suicide Prevention. And something local.

The #ISBFFamily and regular guests know the reasons. They get it.

The Gerry introduced us to Bernadette Conlon, the CEO and founder of START Inspiring Minds. From the moment we met Bernadette, I just knew that This Must Be The Place. It felt like home. It was where we wanted to be.

Inspirational people. Doing amazing things. To bring people back from the edge of the abyss.

5 years later, we're still here.

I spoke with Bernadette before we announced that we'd be back for #ISBF8. I wanted her - and her colleagues - to know that we still wanted to support the fabulous and vital work that they do in the City of Salford.

She's an amazing woman. And I was totally made up to learn she was honoured - for her work with START - with an MBE.

Bernadette Conlon MBE. It has a ring to it.

This year marks 30 years since the foundation of START. And one of the events to mark this momentous occasion is an art exhibition at Salford Art Gallery “People & Portraits of Salford”.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party. And left nothing short of in awe at the love and respect for Bernadette, Michelle and the entire team for the work that they have continued to do, through a hard 30 years, improving the lives of so many within the City of my birth.

Needless to say, whilst ISBF exists, we've found our charity home. Less than a quarter mile from Hemsley House.

The exhibition is on until September. If you are around - or close to Salford - do go.

We're proud to support START. And the amazing and vital work that they do.

It's personal. And close to the hearts of me, mine and the entire ISBF Family.

Back soon.

Be kind to one another.

Jim x

A Little Update

Hello there! It's been a while…

To those who came, I hope you enjoyed #ISBF7. We had some truly heartwarming feedback that got me all emotional and stuff. I really don't handle that kind of thing well at all.

But the #ISBFFamily appreciated it. Makes all the effort that all those lovely humans put in all the more worthwhile. They do it, because they get “it”. The “it” being why we do this. And had done for the previous 27 events (incl #VISBF 1 & 2 and the #ISBFHeroes events).

That “it” being that ALL profits go to a good cause. In this case START Inspiring Minds.

Personally, I found #ISBF7 a bit of a struggle, it ended up being far too “on top” and stress - inevitably - became an issue. It's a bit much for me, this event. Consequently, I completely switched off and took a while away to gather myself to see if I could do this again.

And decided that I can't.

Not alone.

What this event has given ME are friends. People who I've grown to not only love, but respect hugely. And trust.

I struggle with trust.

So. Over the last few months, we talked, mostly typical beery nonsense. But in there, was a lot of empathy. A desire to move forward, but only if I wanted to. And could. And that was appreciated.

I'm grateful to Chris, Steve, Jock, James, Tim, Shaun and so many others for the support over the last few months.

So. Where are we going with this.

Young Mr Heggs Hits It Out Of The Park - Again

I have only the vaguest idea as to what this will look like. But with a number of the #ISBFFamily offering to step up and take a substantial part of the weight of the organisation of this event on board, it looks, feels doable.

Yes. Back at Hemsley House.

Yes. With some of the best new beers that the best breweries in this land can brew.

Yes. With the entire #ISBFFamily. The best and friendliest volunteers you'll find anywhere. They - and you - The people who come to Salford year after year, since 2014, you make this event what it is.

There’ll be further posts soon. Sponsorship (ALL the beers were sponsored last year!). Collab plans etc. All in good time.

Just - for now - note that date.

Let's get together and have some fun.

Back soon.

Be kind to one another.

Jim x

#ISBF7 - Wrapping Up

So. Time to say a few bits. Hopefully without getting too emotional.

There have been some lovely words said about this year's event, for which I (and the entire ISBF Family) are very thankful. This year was a bit of a struggle to put together - after 3 years “off the bike”, I couldn't get my head round what to do - but the comments and smiling faces made it all worthwhile. Thank you.

ISBF exists to raise money for a good cause. That good cause is a rather lovely charity called Start Inspiring Minds (or START in Salford), a charity which seeks to improve the mental health of those who are struggling. To prevent suicides. By the use of the creative arts.

It's personal. To both my family and the ISBF Family.

And - as seen in this post - it really IS a magnificent facility. A great bunch of people. Doing great things.

Those who attended #ISBF7 also did great things, as you'll see later.

ISBF is a precarious construct, held together by filigree and spider webs. A thing brought together by the love of a number of people. People who need to be thanked.

Firstly - Andy Heggs & Drumbeat Creative (Mr “Art by Volume”). For the look of the event. The design. Website and sponsorship. One of the very first people to offer help (to someone he had never met) back in early 2014. He's stuck with us throughout. And he's a lovely human.

Chris Dixon & Denis Teece for managing both bars superbly. And keeping me well away from both. They did brilliant. More lovely humans.

To the entire ISBF Family for making the event FEEL like it always does. This event is not really focused on the beer, more on the feel. And The Family make that happen. Many of whom have become good friends, both of mine and the other ISBF Family members. These aren't simply “volunteers”. They're lovely humans.

To Sean & Jacqui Ayling of Tom's Tap and Brewhouse for the fabulous Glassware Sponsorship (DAMN but those glasses were pretty!) Even more lovely humans!

Again, to Denis Teece of Old School Taphouse (in Clowne, Derbyshire) for sponsoring the lovely programme (again designed by Andy Heggs)

To John Tweedie of Playhouse 2 for the lovely Poster Sponsorship.

To Claire (Brewery Jewellery) & Daisy - we had some fun with our new Geordie friends! And she makes great jewellery. Click that link!

(Lovely humans in abundance!)

To my dear friends Jo & Mike Dewsnip - for the tunes and all the effort that went into what you do. (Other than THAT THING 😁 Jo's a lovely human, Mike however…… (Along with John O'D and the Batcave crew - “It” wasn't funny you know! But took some planning…..)

To Daisy Turnell - for allowing me to use her lovely photographs throughout this post

To Lee, Sam & Gaz from All Flow Dispense for the bars and the kit.

To MSS for the most chilled security staff - as always.

And to Stan, Andy & Jackie & team at Hemsley House. You did us proud.

To all of the following beer and Cider Sponsors, whose contributions make SUCH a difference to the end result :

Alan Gent (Petersgate Tap), Alex Koval, Alison & Mark Boast, Alun Williams, Andy Marsh, Ann and Andy Packwood, Bob Preece, Chris Airey, Chris Clough (aka Toshi & Yuki) Chris Dixon, Claire Fisher (House of Hops), Claire Moore (Brewery Jewellery), Daisy Turnell (Craft Beer Newcastle) Darren Berry, David Marchment, Denis Teece, Des Fisher, Drumbeat, Eliot Jones, Gavin McCloskey, Glenn Johnson, Grant Maconachie, Iain Peacock, Ian Sutton, James Burnham, James Mawson, James Stephens, Jay King (Craft Brewtique, Urmston), Jo & Mike Dewsnip, Jo Whalley (Wigan Central), Jock Joyce, John & Mary Durkan, John Clarke, John Jackson, John O'Donnell, John Ogdon, John Tweedie, Mark Hush, Mark Pursey, Mark Smith Magee, Martin & Laura Gunning, Matt Curtis (Pellicle Magazine) Mike Jones, Monton Tap, Neptune Brewery, Nick Clarke, Nick Moss, Nick Payne, Paul Birkett, Paul Boardman, Paul Delaney, Paul Flint, Paul Harland (Harland Electrical), Pete Ryan, Phil Greenwood, Phil Kyte, Rebecca Nicholl & Martin Clarke, Reich Insurance, Rob Shorten, Robert Baker, Robert Dunbar, Simon & Charlie Hooson - Sykes, Simon Gare, Stephen Donaldson, Steve Hewitt, Stuart Neilson, Taylor Brothers Skip Hire, Zoe Pearson (if I've omitted anyone, I apologise and will add)

ALL the beers were sponsored. A first for ISBF. Thank you all.

Beer of the Festival?

1. @ElusiveBrew @ckdsaddlers @PolymathTim - Dubious Legal Status

2. @tomstapandbrew - Barley Wine

3. @doiscorvos - While My Barrel Gently Weeps

I was lucky enough to try all 3. All were bloody lovely. Congratulations to Young Mr Parker on his SECOND BOF at ISBF to go with his win in 2016 with “Love Action”!

So. To the point of ISBF.

On Xmas eve at approximately 5:30, I chatted with Michelle Dennett of Start Inspiring Minds and transferred £8.5k into the START bank account. She was a little overwhelmed. That money that will make a huge difference to the work they can do. That's the difference that YOU, those who attend ISBF make.

Drinking great beer leads to doing great things. Who knew?

Enjoy the festive season. I'll leave you with this….. And thanks for coming. You were ace.

Be kind to one another J x

One more thing. As the Year turns to 2023, Support Your Independents.

Be they breweries, pubs, bars, food traders, whatever. They need you now more than ever.

#ISBF7 : Welcome To The Garden Of Earthly Delights….

“Welcome to the garden of earthly delights.
Welcome to a billion Arabian nights.
This is your life and you do what you want to do,
This is your life and you spend it all. This is your life
and you do what you want to do, just don't hurt nobody
And the big reward's here, in the garden of earthly delights”

“Garden of Earthly Delights” - XTC

Once upon a time, there was a blog. About beer. And - to be perfectly honest - it was a bit pants.

But the Blogger persevered. Focused on the local. Manchester and the North. Where beer was good. And gradually, through liver bruising graft, it got some followers. The Blogger met some brewers, made some friends. Drank - and highlighted - some exceptional beers.

And grew a bit more. And then it all went horribly wrong.

His dear friend asked him to “do a beer festival”. To help the Community Centre that she managed.

8 years later. Here I am. The idiot that agreed to “do a beer festival”.

Same old idiot doing the same old thing.

That blog and this beer festival have given me so much. I've made friends - that I love dearly - from around the UK. Some of my dearest friends were met because of this.

Others tell me the same stories. How THEY met friends at ISBF. This rough and ready thing that we do. Yes, the beers have been good, that's easy. Knowing who makes good beer is simple. But the thing - for me at any rate - that warms my heart, is the feeling. Like an extended family coming together every year. THAT'S what matters.

People matter.

This year, we mourn - and simultaneously celebrate - members of the ISBF Family, people who came and gave of themselves, each year, people like Bernard, Atko, Chris Spinks. Lovers of good beer, yes. But most of all, good people.

I'm in tears writing this.

People matter. Always and forever. It's people, not beer, that's at the heart of this event.

This event isn't flash. It isn't fancy. But it's “our thing“ (translate for me Mars!). And, for 6 Physical and 16 Virtual events, it - and the people who attended - have done great things. By sitting, talking (in person & on screen), making friends. Drinking beer. Easy innit?

I wish I could say that this event was simple this year. But, after 3 years “off the bike”, riding it again was hard. Things didn't always go as we would like. But, next Thursday, for the first time in over 3 years, at 6pm, we open the gates. To - what I call - The Garden of Earthly Delights. Some of the best beer and Cider that you can get. From the UKs finest breweries (and one or two from further afield….

I've blathered enough.

So, what have we got?

Keg

Brewery                                                Beer                                                       ABV           Style

8 Arch                                                               Pendulum                                                         4.8               Idaho7 Pale

Abbeydale Funk                                             Funk Dungeon - Cellar Master’s Reserve 4.8               Lapsang Souchong Gose

Abbeydale Funk x London Beer Factory   Funk Dungeon - Coolship Release             5.2               Farmhouse Ale

Aben                                                                  5th Anniversary WC                                      8             WC DIPA

Ampersand                                                       Sand & Sea                                                      5.2         ESB

Attic                                                                   Birmingham Pilsner                                                      Pilsner

Bexar County                                                   With A Little Help From Friends                 4.2               Graff

Brew York                                                        Fairytale of Brew York                                  4.9               Gingerbread Stout

Brewery of St Mars of the Desert              Schwarzbock                                                   6.3               Schwarzbock

Burning Soul                                                    Belgian IPA                                                      6               Belgian IPA

Campervan                                                      Nelson Haze                                                    4.5               Hazy Pale

Carnival?                                                          Pom Sour                                                         5               Pomegranate Sour

Chain House                                                    I’m a Stranger on my Street                        5             Pale Ale

Cloudwater                                                      TBC                                                                    TBC        TBC

Dog Falls                                                           Konventional Wisdom                                  4.8               Kolsch Style Lager

Dois Corvos                                                     While My Barrel Gently Weeps                  6.7               Farmhouse Saison

Dolphin                                                             Melody Maker                                                5.2               Blackberry, Apple &

Rhubarb Sour

Double Barrelled                                            Art or Vandalism                                            4.8         Pale Ale

Double Barrelled                                            Born to be a box salesman                          4.8               American Brown

Elusive                                                               Dubious Legal Status                                   5               Belgian White

Elusive                                                               Lebkuchen                                                     5.2               Stout

Epochal                                                             Cube Duplicator                                            4.3               Smoked Table Porter

Fonta Flora                                                      Bread Tree                                                      6.8               Brown Ale

Jawbone                                                           Rhombus                                                        5.2         IPA

Kernel                                                                London Brick                                                 7             Red Rye Ale

Kernel                                                                Imp Brown Stout                                         9.5         Imp Brown Stout

Lakes                                                                 Soer                                                               10.5         Maple & Pecan Danish Imp

Stout

Little Earth                                                       Organic Harvest Saison 2021                   6.3         3 Barrel Blended Saison

Lost & Grounded                                            Spectres                                                        6.8               Baltic Porter

Low Key Barrel Project x Black Iris Unravel 10 BA Choc/Rasp Imp Stout

Marble                                                             Lebkuchen                                                   9.7               Imperial Stout

McColls                                                             Flock                                                             3.2               Table Beer

Neptune                                                           Pluvio                                                            4.6               Amber Rye

North Brewing x VarVar                               Smoked Stout                                              8.2               Smoked Stout

Northern Alchemy                                         No Reason                                                    2.6               Light Passion Fruit Pale

Otherworld Brewing                                     Avalon                                                            5.5               Pasilla de Oaxaca Porter

(Smoked Applewood)

Pastore x Wiper & True                                Foresta Nera                                                   8               Dark Wild Ale

Pentrich                                                            We Need to Talk About Bacon                   6               Smoked Porter

Pig & Porter                                                     Showroom Dummies                                   5.2             Marzen

Pomona                                                            I Did A Pigmy                                                  8               DIPA

Rigg & Furrow                                                 Paddock Pils                                                  4.4            Czech Inspired Pils

Rivington                                                         Haze on The Horizon                                    5.4         Soft Pale

Rock Leopard                                                  TBC                                                                 TBC        TBC

Runaway                                                          Calder Valley Honey Stingo                       7.5              Wine Barrel Honey Saison

Runaway                                                          The Blackley Mosher                                  6.3              Wine Barrel Saison (Black

Lime)

Runaway                                                          Rum BA Tropical Stout                                  8               Export Oatmeal Stout

( Rum Barrel BA)

Simple Things Fermentations                      Helles Bock                                                   TBC             Bock

Siren x Fierce                                                   Destination Unknown                                   9               Wee Heavy

Solvay Society                                                 Furry Logic                                                       5.7           Saison w / Kiwi

Squawk                                                             Skua                                                                   4.5           Session Porter

Stardust                                                            Lighthouse                                                       4.8         Pale Ale

Sureshot                                                           TBC                                                                    TBC        TBC

Temper Brewing                                             The Noise Thereafter                                    5.6         NE Pale

Three Blind Mice                                            Citra Sabro                                                       4.5         Pale

Toms Tap & Brewhouse                                Barley Wine                                                      10.5            Barley Wine

Torrside                                                           Stanlius Caesar                                               10               Bretted Imp Stout

Torrside x Otters Tears                                Blimey The Elders                                          9               Elderberry Imperial Stout

Track                                                               Dreaming Of...HBC 586                                7               DDH IPA

Turning Point                                                 Night Lapse                                                      4.8          Coffee Porter

Two Towns Down                                          Back To 505                                                     4             Pale Ale

Two x Two                                                       Albion Pale                                                      5             NZ Hazy Pale

Villages                                                            Rodeo                                                               4.6         Pale Ale

Wander Beyond                                             Coconut Crater 2022                                     12          Coconut Imperial Stout

Weird Beard                                                    Russian Warship Go                                      9.8         WC DIPA

Werewolf                                                         Creepster                                                        5.1         US Brown

Wilderness                                                      Brave Faces                                                   6.5        Bordeaux BA Farmhouse

Yonder Attack of the Lemonoids 4 Mixed Citrus Sour

Cask

Brewery Beer ABV Style

Blackjack TBC 4.5 Session Pale (W/Honey)

Blue Bee TBC 3.9 Cask hopped Pale Ale

Brass Castle Duality 5 DDH Pale (Citra/Amarillo)

Brewsmith Oatmeal Pale 3 Mosaic / Azacca Oat Pale

Chin Chin Not Shy of a Spark 4.6 Mosaic & Citra Pale

Five Towns Fantastic Voyage 8.5 Chocolate Stout

Grizzly Grains Midnight Farmhouse 4.8 UK Hopped Farmhouse Pale

The Kernel Table Beer 2.9 Table Beer

Libatory By The Gas Works Wall 4.5 Porter

Mallinsons Arcade 7 4.6 Cask Hopped) Pale Ale

Marble Patience 4.2 Dry Hop (in cask) pilsner

Neepsend Taranaki 4.7 Pacific Red

Neptune Hear The Sirens 10 BA Imperial Stout

North Riding Sun Machine 6.2 IPA (Centennial, Simcoe)

North Riding Brewpub Black IPA 4.3 Cascadian Dark Ale

Pictish Golden Years 4.3 Golden Ale

Redwillow Heritage Porter (Wood) 5.3 Porter

Revolutions Switch version 28 4.5 Pale Ale

Roosters Echo Chamber 4.5 DDH Pale

Steelfish (Xmas Beer) 8 Old Ale/ Barleywine Hybrid

Thirst Class Venn Diagram 5.4 Sorachi/Sabro Pale

Thornbridge Roisin 4 Irish Red Ale

Torrside Walk Without Rhythm 8.2 Turmeric Imperial Stout

Wishbone Wet Wired 5 Pale (Hallertau/Nelson)

Cider

All from the magnificent Ross Cider

FOXWHELP – 2019 – 5.7%

 Foxwhelp. It seems the world just cannot get enough of this sour, tangy, zippy, crushing, punchy, powerful acidic number. The big red button for intense, flavoursome cider. This is a pure 2019 vintage cider – but even after three years, the intensity of the Foxwhelp is still there, and so is all of the strawberry and rhubarb fruit flavours cruising through the drink.

MAJOR S.V. – 2021 – 6.8%

A bold and characterful bittersweet apple, Major is always a cider that packs plenty of flavour. Rich, and fruity, Major tends to have a combination of bold spiced apple in the mid palate with medicinal, phenolic tannins on the finish. A real favourite of Ross Cider drinkers and a statement cider.

SOMERSET REDSTREAK S.V. 2021 – 6.6%

Pét Nat

A favourite bittersweet, Somerset Redstreak is a softer, lighter apple with gentle tannins that make for a very drinkable and enjoyable cider. An apple with medium body, juicy red apple flavours, with some apricot and pineapple high notes giving a fruity character.

Reinette d'Obry SV - 6.0%

A widespread but undervalued apple - it produces a soft sharp flavour with gentle lemony acidity, with notes of yellow fruits - pineapple, banana, a touch of melon. A really juicy and delightful, easy to drink cider.

Bartestree Squash & Gin Pear Blend Perry 5.6% -

A really refreshing and fruity perry.

Bartestree Squash provides some gentle and pleasant green kiwi-like acidity which melds seamlessly into our Gin Pear - a floral perry with lip-smacking, bitter tannins that give structure and elegance to this delightful drink. Our Gin Pear trees have all been killed by fireblight since we made this perry, but 50p from every pint drank will be spent on repopulating our perry orchards and helping to propagate the new varieties of the future!

I think we said there might be a 6th line? And to put Birdbarker on it? That's kinda what my notes say but they are distressingly vague in hindsight. If so:

‘Birdbarker’ – 5.7%

Medium Dry Sparkling Cider, a blend of bittersharps and bittersweets with carbonation – resulting in a cider with a full mouthfeel, and a more tannic backbone than mainstream commercial ciders. Easy to drink, entry level cider, with a fun modern label featuring our loyal collie Summer. Without sheep on the farm to herd, she took to chasing the birds.

We’ll have some beautiful gins (courtesy of the lovely Charlie) maybe the odd Gin/Cider Cocktail!

And softies from Steep Soda too!

Will that do?

Unfortunately, due to post Brexit paperwork issues - and time constraints - the Catalan Event had to be cancelled. For those with tickets to that, those will be refunded prior to the event. We tried. We really did. And huge thanks to Mark and especially Joan for their efforts. We’re all gutted.

Remember, ALL beers are served from the off on Thursday evening! Or #ThirstChanceThursday!

Ordinarily, every beer would be a “First Pour” in the Manchester area. However, times are damned hard in the game at the moment, so that “ISBF Rule”, whilst 90 odd % intact, has been bent slightly. There were simply breweries I wanted IN. No matter what. Breweries with us from Year 1.

Friends.

So come along, drink some fabulous beer, raise a glass, whilst raising much needed funds for a noble cause.

And if you haven’t yet got tickets, here’s the link to the remaining sessions…..

And be kind to one another. See you next week?

Jim x

Counterfeit Oregon Plates (Or….There & Back Again….)

Greetings fellow beer lovers! With less than two weeks to go to #ISBF7 - and having been a bit quiet - I thought it was time to break AN EXCLUSIVE BEER!

Yup indeedy!

For this one, I’ll hand over to one of my early beer heroes and blog inspiration Tim Rowe (@polymathtim on that Twitter) and Chris Dixon one of the pillars of ISBF, both Birmingham Beer Pioneers via their efforts with one of the great early Craft events - Birmingham Beer Bash (If you went, you know)

HUGE thanks to The Nicest Man In Beer (The Divine Mr Andy Parker) and Team Elusive for letting them loose on the Grainfather!

Did I say that this beer was EXCLUSIVE TO ISBF????

Take it away Tim!

It has been quite some time since I last wrote (blogged?) anything meaningful about beer, so here we are…

This year will mark my first time at Independent Salford Beer Festival, after many aborted attempts to get there in previous years.  So it is very much an honour to not only be asked to participate in the creation of a beer for the festival, but also to be working with Andy Parker of Elusive Brewing to create something a little different.  That is how me and Chris (@ckdsaddlers) found ourselves aboard a rammed, boiling hot train carriage trundling our way down in the general direction of Finchampstead (by way of Reading) last Friday afternoon.

We could just have travelled on Saturday and headed off again, but where would be the sense of fun in that?  Any opportunity to explore the beer scene of a particular city should be grasped with both hands, so we did just that.  Reading has definitely changed certainly since I was last there (early 2000s for a music festival or something), and most definitely for the better.  First stop a quick Friday evening livener in The Greyfriar adjacent to the station before onwards to the hotel and ultimately the Double Barrelled taproom.  Wow what a space, buzzing with custom and a packed tap-list full of beery delights (and what immaculate toilets too!). It would have been rude not to indulge in one or two, so we did!

Double Barrelled. Phwoar! What a line-up!

Double Barrelled ticked off, there was one other Reading destination on the evening’s plan of action, and that place is none other than The Nags Head!!!  Talk about a revelation, yeah this place delivers on that and then some.  Twelve hand pulls dominate the bar space with a range of beer that has to be seen to be believed.  Siren, Mallinsons, Elusive, Five Towns Brewing all sit within elbow distance of each other, but then you realise they are not alone because another 14 keg lines are equally packed with goodies just to the side of the bar.  There was perhaps only one way to end such an action filled day and that honour most definitely went to Absolute Carnage from Five Towns because why not?!?

Absolute Carnage!

Saturday morning calling and powered by a hearty breakfast of dosa (from the aptly named Crispy Dosa opposite the hotel) we were off at a pace towards the Elusive taproom and brewery.

Elusive Brewing, of course, need no introduction, having become an ISBF institution since their arrival in year 3, as well as winning the coveted “Beer of the Festival” crown on one occasion. Andy as ever living up to his moniker of the nicest man in brewing™ was all ready to go, with the pilot brew set up sitting front and centre of the brewery to ensure absolute exclusivity for the beer yet to be created.  Having figured out exactly how to operate the pilot brew-kit; grain was weighed out and mash-in began…

So. What were we brewing?

Ideas had been thrown around, beginning with a beer built using white chocolate magnums as an inspiration point, through to the oft silly throwaway Mercer’s Meat Stout and beyond (Silly? Ed….).  Using cold brew coffee however was the point at which a recipe began to form.  Of course we couldn’t go to the home of the campaign to reinvigorate Black IPA (#BIPACOMEBACK) and not brew one could we?  Of course we could, so we went with the polar opposite of the BIPA and decided on brewing a White IPA (inspired in no small part by Chainbreaker from Deschutes Brewing, OR).  A wheat forward spiced hybrid of IPA and Wit Bier was the perfect beer upon which to build something quite interesting! Additions of coriander, orange peel and a generous amount of Citra & Centennial in the hop schedule looked after the basics…

Hops and shiz...

Staying with the coffee theme, a decision was made to look at potentially using coffee beans in cold side to amp up the flavour. It’s from these additions that the finished product also happened to take its name; because as it turns out, not only is cascara (coffee cherries) a pain in the arse to source, it also has a dubious legal status in respect of its use in commercial food and beverage production. 

*Edit: Turns out the addition of coffee in the cold side turned the look of the beer into something the Tories would let run abated into the seas around our coast, so we ultimately decided against it.

All put to bed and ready to chomp

All “on the day” additions and the boil complete, the beer was then tucked away in its own cosy little SS fermentation tank. A Belgian Abbey yeast was pitched to start getting to grips with the very orangey wort produced.  Time then to take in a couple of drinks in the taproom next door for a post brew day “debrief”.  (By “debrief”, he means playing on the mini-Sega!)

Statler & Waldorf (aka Chris & Tim) Looking happy with their efforts…

A quick hop by bus to Reading later and we found ourselves outside The Alehouse. With its eccentric clientele, rabbit warren like lay out and veritable pump-clip mausoleum (notably a very old Moor Brewing Co and Kitchen Brewery stood out but no doubt there were many others to take in too), it was definitely just the place to round off the day. Well-kept beers from Wantsum and Grain breweries amongst others, ending on a Boon Mariage Parfait.  The night becomes a slight blur after this, but what blur it was… Including a just pre-midnight visit to the Palmyra Lebanese restaurant, with amazing falafel, and an exceptional pickled beetroot side. We had seconds of the beetroot!

Fortunately, after all that excess, we had a little lie-in on Sunday morning. Nothing to do with the hotel bar “large doubles” pre-bed…  As it was an afternoon getaway, a wander around Reading town centre to clear the head was very much in order. This included a “not at all intended” cross-river detour to the Fox & Hounds in Caversham, for a pre-train livener. Cask Five Points and Neptune served in a proper handled mug was a perfect precursor to the thankfully cooler train journey back to the Midlands.

So, all that’s left to say is a massive thanks to Chris for getting me involved, to Andy and Jane for being fantastic hosts, and to Jim for being trusting enough that this wouldn’t turn into a Potato & Lactose IPA.  You’ll be able to grab Dubious Legal Status from the Keg Bar come ISBF and we guarantee you’ll quite like it!

 Tim (@PolymathTim)

Cheers Tim!

Still a few tickets left. Click here to make yourself a sound beery decision!

#ISBFHeroes14 : A Fantastic Voyage - Farewell to Five Towns

The story has been told previously. How a man I'd never met, was the first brewery to offer to supply the first Independent Salford Beer Festival. With the simple message “BOGOF”

How that small brewery, in a garden shed (HE calls it a “Garage”) in Outwood, West Yorkshire, brewed beers voted (by the drinkers) as “Beer of the Festival” at ISBF, often in contest with the Craftiest of Craft.

How that unassuming man took the bones of the idea for ISBF and created something that has been my favourite event in the beer calendar.

East West Fest.

He became beloved of ISBF attendees with the “Rhubarb & Custard Sweets” (courtesy @_lowest01) beer - aka “Always Crashing In The Same Car”. But to many in the #ISBFFamily, he was loved for who he is, as much as the beers he brewed.

I'll never forget how he sought to comfort TLO (aka The Boss) in the darkest days.

Quite simply, he's the loveliest of humans. As a brewery, he'll be missed (although he knows I'll be at him for as long as ISBF exists, for a collab beer!) but as a human, he's one of us. He's a friend. And a member of the #ISBFFamily.

Having advance notice of his “retirement”, we brewed a beer for Hemsley House back in June. And - as you would expect - it's not a Session Beer.

But, one Friday evening, on our regular Zoom chat, Chris said "We can't just let him go without a proper send off, can we?”

So. I gave him a call…….”This ‘Retirement’ thing…….. How about a little…… delay……. Some collabs……. With friends…….. Let this be the FINAL #ISBFHeroes event………. Whaddya say?”

I dangled the fish. Like a greedy penguin……. He bit. He couldn't help himself.

So, with 2 beers of his own - and five collaborations with friends - we have a tempting little case for you.

The last ever cases of beer from The Shed of Wonder.

So. What have we got?

The usual Zoom MTB style chat - this time a little more loose. (Friday 30th September - 7:30pm) We might even have some of his collab friends on….

A dedicated Spotify Playlist inspired by tunes and beers from Malcolm himself, created by my dear friends Mike & Jo.

And some beer. Lovely beer. Created with love and friendship.

Those beers are…. (2 each of)

Slip Away - 4.6% - A Belgian Pale brewed with Tigertops Brewery

Cruel Summer - 4.6% - A Bread & Butter Pudding Pale brewed with Revolutions

Sparklers My Arse - 5% - A Kveik Red Ale brewed with North Riding Brewery

Dead Man Walking - 6.2% Stout brewed with Chin Chin Brewing

TVC15 - 7.3% IPA brewed with Fernandes Brewery

And…. From the Five Towns stash…… 1 each of….

Night Finisher - 9% Imperial Milk Stout

It's No Game - 9% DIPA

All this - including shipping (courtesy the mighty North Riding Brewery) and £5 to our partner charity (START Inspiring Minds) for the Kingly sum of £50.

Come and join us. Let's say ‘Farewell’ to “Yorkshire's Oldest Brewer” in true ISBF style.

To grab one of these limited cases, click here

You won't regret it.

Keeping Things Simple

I (Jim) am a simple soul. All my beer friends would agree - but they would lend weight to some of those words!

The event was founded upon certain simple principles around beer events. Comfort. Choice. Relaxation. All of the things that I love about a beer event.

Yes. I founded a beer event based on what I like. Bite me.

Simplicity, I have found throughout the years, leads to reduced stress. As someone who has had his MH struggles over the years, this matters. It's one of the reasons why we support a local Mental Health charity. This also matters. Hugely so.

Over 8 years, this event has - by accident or otherwise - become somewhere where people meet like minded people. Sometimes for the first time. And kept those relationships going. Sometimes, they meet up annually. At a little self-effacing beer event.

And that brings a warm glow.

Yes. The beer list can be a little “out there”. And I'm proud of that beer list. Proud that breweries pull out stops. Just for this little event. But that is not the point.

The lovely thing about this “thing” of ours (“Cosa Nostra” if you will) is the feel. The atmosphere. That's the main thing for me. Yes, the beers are great and everything, but it's the feeling that keeps people coming back.

Takes me back to Year 5. The first at Hemsley House. When Stan Jackson (who manages the building) popped in during the Saturday lunch session. The busiest. And looked into the main room. The look on his face was a picture. A smile like a Cheshire Cat. In that moment, he “got” ISBF. What it is. That feeling.

I was chatting on SM with a lovely person who asked me if the event had a Code of Conduct. My head went into a spin. Something else to do. Another lego brick to place. And then something hit me. The event already has one.

“Don't Be A Dick”

Simplicity again.

It's about treating people with respect. Simple innit?

In its essence, it reflects my fundamental intolerance of intolerance.

So. Keeping things simple. If you come to Hemsley House, play nice. We welcome all. By all means, have fun. We're not Joy Sponges. But again…

“Don't Be A Dick”

Because if you are, you're not welcome.

Jim x

If - after all that - you still fancy a ticket, click here.

ISBF - Let's Do This.

The first thing that I need to say is - The Independent Salford Beer Festival exists (and always has) to support a good cause. This event is decidedly “Not For Profit”.

It was founded in early 2014 to provide much needed funds to support St Sebastian's Community Centre on Douglas Green in Salford. The Centre run by Gerry Stone, an inspirational lady without whom my life would be radically different.

Over four years - and through some tough times - we kept the Community Centre solvent. That place - and Gerry in particular - did fabulous work both with and within the local community.

Then, with Gerry no longer there, we looked for another cause.

That cause is START Inspiring Minds. A small Mental Health Charity dedicated to steering people away from the darkest of places. By access to Creative Arts. The work they do is amazing, Gerry, Christine, James & I have witnessed this first hand.

They are a small, local charity. They can't afford to employ fund raisers. They rely on grants and donations. And times - as we all know - are hard.

Over the last four years (2 in person, 2 Virtual events), this event has raised over £40k for START. This is entirely down to people, either at Hemsley House, or at home in front of their laptops, joining in. Buying in to what we do.

And I salute all of you. You've done more good than you could ever know.

Yes, the beers have been fabulous and all that. But there is now a sense of community. A coming together of lovely people. That has built over 8 years. And that makes me - Jim - feel ever so slightly warm inside.

Who'd ever have thought that a small - at that time cask focused - beer event, tucked away on the back streets of Salford, would bring people together - repeatedly - from as far apart as Aberdeen and Brighton.

Not me. That's for certain.

The last two years have been hard.

Since November 2020, to keep going, raising cash, we have held 20 online events. It humbles me when people tell me how much those events meant to them. How much they helped when everyone was isolated. Just seeing other faces, talking, even over a screen connection. How much that made a difference.

It certainly kept me and my wonderful friends going. Talking of which….. Some props

Andy Heggs & Drumbeat - Website & Design

James (aka @beerfindergeneral)- Chatty Man : For keeping the virtual events “interesting” and flowing….

The Mighty Dewsnips - The magnificent playlists for each & every of the 20 virtual events.

Dick Withecombe & Cath Potter - For everything they have done for Cider & Perry. For all of the help and advice. For all of the encouragement. x

ALL of them have put up with me for the last 3 years. ALL of them have been magnificent. Well, apart from recently, when Mike has frequently deployed the “Musical Expletive”

Thank you to our many sponsors! In particular, Sean & Jacqui Ayling of Tom’s Tap & Brewhouse (Glassware), Drumbeat (Web hosting & the lovely design!) Denis Teece of Old School Taphouse in Clowne, Derbyshire (Programme) & John Tweedie & Playhouse 2 in Shaw, Oldham (Posters),

Take a bow. All of you.

There are far more than I've got space to mention. You know who you are.

This year, eventually, (and it really took months) the decision was taken. To get back to the beautiful Hemsley House. To be in person.

Such a decision brings challenges, to put it mildly.

ISBF is the antithesis of slick, professional. It is Niche. It is - in the words of Katie Mather - (very much) DIY. It comes with rough edges. That, to some, may be part of the “charm”.

Not everything will be perfect. Not everything is in place. What I say below will almost certainly be subject to some change. That is in the DNA of this event. Always has been. You can't please all. But we'll try to have some fun. With magnificent beer. From some of the UKs finest breweries.

So. What. Do. We. Have. For. You.

Up to 70 keg lines. 25 cask lines. Of beers that will never have been previously served on draught in the Manchester area.

Currently due to supply are : On Keg

8 Arch; Abbeydale Funk; Ampersand, Attic; Bexar County; Brew York; Brewery of St Mars of the Desert; Burning Soul; Campervan; Carnival; Chain House; Cloudwater; Dog Falls; Dolphin; Double Barrelled; Elusive; Epochal; Jawbone; Kernel; Lakes; Little Earth; Lost & Grounded; Low Key Barrel Project; Marble; McColls; North Brewing; Northern Alchemy; Otherworld Brewing; Pastore; Pentrich; Pig & Porter; Pomona; Radio City Beer Works; Rigg & Furrow; Rivington; Runaway; Simple Things Fermentations; Siren; Solvay Society; Squawk; Stardust; Sureshot; Temper Brewing; Three Blind Mice; Toms Tap; Torrside x Otters Tears; Track; Turning Point; Two Towns Down; Two x Two; Villages; Wander Beyond; Weird Beard; Werewolf; Wilderness; Yonder (+ 6 - as yet tbc - breweries from Catalonia) and others yet “tbc”

On Cask

Alter Ego; Blackjack; Blue Bee; Brass Castle; Brewsmith; Chin Chin; Five Towns; Grizzly Grains; Libatory; Mallinsons; Marble; Neepsend; Neptune; North Riding; North Riding Brewpub; Pictish; Redwillow; Revolutions; Roosters; Steelfish; Thirst Class; Thornbridge; Torrside; Wishbone

There’ll also be a variety of excellent Ciders & Perries courtesy of the magnificent Ross Cider.

Well. To the individual sessions…..

From Thursday 17th November - Saturday 19th November ..

Thursday. The Opening Session : (Thirst Chance Thursday). The first crack at the beers. With multiple breweries that will never have been in the area. Ever.

Plus fabulous tunes from Mike & Jo's Rebellious Jukebox - every tune from half an hour after the start of #ISBF6 was a request!)

Friday Lunch Session : I am humbled to say that we wiil be host to the lovely Joan Villar-i-Marti (aka @Birraire), former organiser of the mighty Barcelona Beer Festival.

Joan has been lovely and gracious enough to not only source exceptional and unique beers from his beloved Catalonia to fill 6 keg lines, but will also host a guided tasting & talk featuring small batch breweries from across the flavour spectrum of Catalonia. These tasting beers will be completely different from those on keg and will - in all likelihood - feature breweries that may never have been tasted on these shores.

Unmissable - and very limited availability. (There will be a small additional charge for this event)

Friday Evening Session - we will have live music with the simply mesmerising guitar of George Fell. George has agreed to play both nights and I couldn't be more thrilled. And all the lovely beer you can shake a stick at.

Saturday Lunch Session : We are thrilled to welcome one of the loveliest folk in the drinks industry, Albert Johnson of Ross Cider, who will host a guided tasting of Single Variatal Ciders, many of which will feature Ciders from heritage varieties that may have been lost, if not for the love and care shown by Albert and his Dad Mike. (Again, there will be a small additional charge for this event)

Saturday Evening Session : Again, we will have live music with the simply mesmerising guitar of George Fell. And all the lovely beer you can shake a stick at. Tickets are priced cheaper for this session as some of the beers will start to empty. There will still be plenty of magnificent beers to go at. Trust me. I've been here before!

What comes with your ticket? Well, Entry, Your lovely glass, programme & £10 of tokens to buy delicious liquids.

Throughout the event, we will have soft drinks available.

And a rather magnificent Gin bar, courtesy of the Lovely Charlie Hooson-Sykes (aka @_pickledginger)

Things will change. They always do. But, let's have some fun eh? It's about time.

If you're interested in joining us, tickets here. We’d love to see you!

#ISBF7 - Traditions worth maintaining

Over the years, The Independent Salford Beer Festival (or ISBF from here) has developed. Significantly. In size, scope and - to a more limited extent - ambition. But what started in year 1, back over 8 years ago, is that it had a “feeling” (those who know me, know my loathing of the V word 😂).

Friendliness, yes. But more than that, for me at least. Ever since year one, back in that single room at St Sebastian's, there was a feeling of family.

Each year, we've had - pretty much - the same group of volunteers. Not doing it because they materially gained anything. But doing it for the friendships. The camaraderie. Because it mattered. And they cared.

(I get a little lump in my throat writing that)

They GOT that it was all for a good cause. And came back. Year after year.

To me, that's the essence of this event. It's not a beery arms race. That's never been the point. The point has been for somewhere to relax. Drink bloody good beer. Renew acquaintances. Make new ones. Smile. Chuckle.

It's not fancy. It's not flash. But it's ours. And we love it.

In year 4, back in 2017, we decided to have a little launch do. In a little bar. The Brink.

Small, intimate. It was - for the evening - our space. And we filled it. The lure? First Stab at grabbing tickets. (The year before, we sold out). Again, meeting people we only knew on Twitter or Facebook. Chuckling. Getting (wittily) ripped apart - in my case.

It was fun…..

We repeated the next year (our first at Hemsley House) and in 2019. And had a blast both times. On one occasion, we even had 2 friends from the South West, competing to get to The Brink first. One by train, the other by car. Like I said, it was fun.

Then. Covid. And the first attempt at #ISBF7 was scrapped. We went Virtual.

2021 the same.

The Brink became a statistic of Covid. It closed. We (literally) wept. It was our place. Our safe space. We miss it still.

The world opened up a little. Eventually.

I wondered if we could do another in person event. So started reaching out. Venue, bars, breweries, mini events. All seemed to line up. But I hesitated. Not having done this for three years made this feel quite intimidating. Scary.

But I kept getting asked…. “Are you doing ISBF again?” And the more people asked, wanted to get involved etc, it ate away at me.

So. OK. We'll do ISBF again shall we?

Next question was, shall we have a little launch bash again? Easy answer for me, but where?

Step forward Manchester's most iconic pub.

The Marble Arch.

Not in my wildest dreams did I think we could. But we are. One of my all time favourite pubs. I'm chuffed to bits.

So. What's the idea?

Well. From 7pm. On Sunday 14th August, “The Arch” will be closed. For a little ISBF evening. Friends old and new, will have the chance to gather, chat, see each other - in many cases - for the first time since 2019.

You'll get to hear me. Wibble. About the event. Be the first people to hear/see the full brewery list (up to that point, only I know that detail!)

You get the chance to grab an exclusive “Art ByVolume” designed T-shirt. (T-Shirt link not showing sizes at mo, if you buy one, contact me via SM Direct to confirm size etc)

AND. Get the chance to buy your #ISBF7 tickets in advance. To guarantee you get your ticket to join us in our little slice of Heaven.

So. Fancy it. Coming to join us for a little chuckle?

Tickets are FREE. (The T-Shirt isn't, obvs!)

Want to join us? Click here.

Numbers are seriously limited.

Hope to see you on three weeks time.

Be kind to one another.

Jim x

#ISBFHeroes13 - Evolution of A Sheffield Standard

To those who know me (Jim), it will be no surprise that I’m a lover of Session Strength beers - that said, I’ve always said that EVERY beer is a Session Beer. It’s the length of the session that changes! But give me a beer between 3% & 4.5% and I’m in my liquid element

My first “Beer Crush” was Allgates Brewery (now Wigan Brewhouse). Their “lane” was session strength. That was what sold in Wigan, so it was what they made to be served in their pubs. Beers such as “California”, “Pretoria” & “All Black” were like catnip to me.

I soon became aware of what I regarded as a Sheffield Analogue of Allgates. Abbeydale Brewery, strangely enough, via Allgates pubs. “Moonshine”, “Deception” & “Dr Morton’s” were right up my street. If I saw an Abbeydale beer, I’d drink it. Hoppy, thirst quenching, they did the job. And did it well.

Moving this story forward….To June 2015. As a beer blogger who had just started a Beer Event (ISBF), I was invited to be a judge for a North West Homebrew competition. The judges included Duncan Barton (The much lamented Tickety Brew), a Greek brewer from Ellon named Andreas and I met two people from Blue Monkey Brewery that afternoon. Names of Jim & Laura Rangeley.

The competition was fierce, the judges all knew WAY more than me. And I destroyed my sense of smell by sampling ALL 91 beers (after beer 60, I gave everything top marks for Aroma!). We chatted. We got on. Seemed to have a lot in common - and not just beer.

2 years later, Jim & Laura were at Abbeydale. And playing with fermentation. Taking Abbeydale in a whole new funkier direction. And looking to display their wares.

All Photos : Mark Newton Photography

“Come to St Sebastian’s” says I! It was ISBF 4 - the final one at the Community Centre as it happens - and what Jim & Laura brought was - to many, including me - revelatory. That was the moment when I first really started to enjoy the funkier side of beer. Prior to that, my experience of UK Sours was enamel stripping sourness at IMBC. Acidity with no upside.

Here, in these unreleased and unlabelled bottles was complexity, subtlety of flavour, yeasts up front.

I still get approached, even now, by people who were at that little fringe event in the tiny back room at St Sebs. About how that was their first experience of funk and sours. How MUCH they enjoyed that experience. I know that I did.

So yes. #ISBFHeroes13 features Abbeydale - with Jim & Laura. Two of the nicest of beer people. Knowledgeable, forthright but with twinkle of eye and a love of good beer.

All Photos : Mark Newton Photography

Yes, Abbeydale brew good beer. Damn good beer. But, in the last 5 years or so, that beer range has been evolving as more playful beer emerges from the Funk Dungeon. Saisons, Sours, Clintonesque levels of Funk, focusing on yeasts rather than hops. Producing some absolutely banging beers.

To my immense shame, I’ve still never been to their Funk Fest event. An aberration that I will address next time it’s announced!

All Photos : Mark Newton Photography

It’s safe to say that, from that little event in a tiny room in a Salford Community Centre, things have certainly changed in the S8 postal district!

So. It’s #ISBFHeroes13. What have we got for you?

Well. As usual, 12. Tasty. Beers. A mixture of styles from Session Pales, through IPA, through (Beautiful) Darkness, something funkier leading to something big and hoppy! In order…..

2 x Moonshine (Session Pale) 4.3%

2 x Heathen (American Pale) 4.1%

2 x Salvation (Oatmeal Stout) 4.5%

2 x Obsession (Ekuanot IPA) 5.7%

2 x Gothic Country (Barrel Aged Heritage Saison) 5.6%

1 x Deliverance (Rye DIPA) 8.5%

1 x Deliverance (Intercontinental Hopped DIPA) 8.5%

All THAT - Inc Delivery - AND £5 goes to our pot for our charity partner START Inspiring Minds! BARGAIN!

So. On Friday, 12th August, at 19:30, we’re gonna have a little Zoom chat, with Jim, Laura and some of the guys from around the brewery, chat all things Abbeydale, Beer and all sorts of other stuff. Maybe even the Rangeley love of loud music! There is also - as usual - a specially curated Spotify Playlist based around selections from Jim & Laura and with general linkage to Abbeydale beers. (The playlist is absolutely banging! Apart from the abomination of a final track that the otherwise lovely Mike put in to Boil My Piss - you can guess the song title…..) (Links for the Zoom & Playlist to be sent to you the week of the event)

We’ll have a chat around tasting 3 or 4 of the beers…….Which will be…

Moonshine

Obsession

Gothic Country

We have fun. It’s what we do.

Fancy joining us? Click this link, grab a case and jump in! And remember, While you are drinking good beer, you’re doing good at the same time. It’s the way to be.

The Imperial Salford Beer Festival Strikes Again!!! #ISBF7 at Torrside

Some breweries get nowhere NEAR the laurels that they deserve.

They don't hype. They don't show flash. They have a lane. They like that lane. They do their thing. Quietly. With an emphasis on flavour. Consistency. Passion.

That's enough about Robbies……

I ******* adore Torrside. They make simply exceptional beer. Across a range of styles. With a stamp of consistent excellence that those who know beer, locally, completely recognise.

Their tap openings are a joy. With a solid core of locals and fans from much further afield thronging for the beautiful, sharp Pales. Luscious Stouts & potent, tasty Barley Wines. And the niche. The Rauch & all things smoked. (Their Smokefest - the Nichest of Niche events - Sold out)

A Torrside brewday is a joy. You learn stuff. Like how the only member of the Torrside family to demand attention has four legs.

So. Last Tuesday. I found myself in the company of the mighty Yuki, FanBoyGeneral and Chris & Sarah. To make beer.

The only clue I had, was that it would be Monstrous. Typically Torrside. Typically ISBF (the first few beers we take ALWAYS seem to be around 9% - hence the title…)

I did have another clue. The brewday would be for Candlewick, their beautiful Stout. And that the ISBF beer would be a partigyle. The first runnings of said Candlewick being diverted to a smaller copper. To be played with. A bit.

Oh. Just a bit……

In a beer sense, my heart is given to darkness. To the richness of flavour and mouthfeel that only Stouts and their Imperial offspring can provide.

This had a significant quantity of dark and roasty malts in the grist case. (loved using the shovels to distribute the Barley!) The smell was quite divine. Like chocolate porridge. Bloody gorgeous.

Once the Mash was done, transfer of the sugar rich wort commenced. With the first, concentrated, couple of hundred litres diverted to the Cradle of the Monsters. The 200 litre mini copper used to create the big beasts. The Monsters series of beers that have become a hallmark.

Each Monster has its “quirk”. Its own little secret sauce, or, in this case, spice. We'll get to that soon enough…

Digging out the spent mash was fun, with FanBoyGeneral doing his fair share (hard to believe, I know….). The spent grain giving you an idea of the joys to come. Our hosts were generous, using a truck to cart the grain outside, sparing my poor “old man” back….

What can I say? It's been a year or 3 since the last proper dig and I'm seriously out of shape. 😁

Now then. The idea was Sarah's. And the idea, arguably turns the Dark Juice of Joy into a Health Drink.

“What alchemy is this?” I hear you cry?

Turmeric. That most golden of spices.

Now then. I was curious. I get the alleged health be benefits, but flavour?

Initial tasting - pre transfer to FV - gave me an earthiness, a subtle perfume and an enhanced dryness. It tasted lovely.

What was even better - to enhance the experience for me - was that, on draught, THIS BEER WILL BE UNIQUE TO ISBF7!!!

YES! YOU HEARD. UNIQUE!!!

It's going to be casked. Into a firkin. And put to one side.

Just for us!

Yup!

Huge thank yous to Chris, Sarah and the entire Torrside team for this. It smells and tastes delicious and it's likely to come out around an impressively sessionable 8.5%.

And - other than that cask of joy - it's all going into bottle.

So. How can you guarantee having a shot of tasting this on draught?

Firstly, Sponsorship of a beer! Still about 30 left out of 85. Want to help a great charity whilst sampling incredible beers? Click here. Your tickets will be guaranteed!!!

Another way is to read the next post. When I announce our LAUNCH PARTY!!! The other way to get a jump on everyone else. Tickets will go on sale first to those in attendance…..

Post next week.

For now, patience is a virtue.

Drool on.

Back soon. Jim x

Be kind to one another.

A Fantastic Voyage - The final ISBF Brewday at Five Towns Brewery

“In the event that this fantastic voyage
Should turn to erosion and we never get old
Remember it's true, dignity is valuable
But our lives are valuable too….”

David Bowie - Fantastic Voyage

Malcolm Bastow and The Independent Salford Beer Festival go together like Rhubarb & Custard. Cognac & Raisins. Oranges & Lemons. (No prizes for the references….)

For me, Five Towns is as much a fixture of this event as myself. FOUR TIME winner of Best Beer at the event. Those who've been to the event would know that that is no easy thing (Raven King. Art Decade. Always Crashing In The Same Car. Candidate. 4 exceptional beers - All brewed in “The Shed of Wonder”.)

I suppose that the easiest way to describe his impact on the event, is the number of people who want to be involved in each ISBF Brewday at said Shed…

And it's nothing to do with the legendary Sunday Lunch (Stu) . Or the magnificent (Tony's) chippy next door (the rest of us).

It's himself. His self-effacing nature. Modesty. And his bonkers attitude to beer making.

He has become a dear friend. Helping me & and The Boss through the lowest of lows. Being a full part of the highest of highs. Not just one of the nicest people in beer, but just a lovely human.

Picking The Boss up and giving her a hug. When she most needed. Inviting my friends and I to a number of parties. (Surprisingly, Jock still gets invited….. 😉).

And if you've not got half hammered in the pub in his cellar……..

Some of us have known of his intentions for some time. To spend more time with family. Being a Grandad is a lovely thing. Family first.

We just didn't know when.

Then the bat signal was beamed into the night sky. The Final Brewday.

For his sins, Malcolm has always loved ISBF. And wanted his final brewday to be of a beer for Hemsley House.

Christ that's a gesture.

He's a good man. (For a Fake Tyke)

He was also signing off with a TTO. At Harry's Bar. All 8 cask lines.

We booked our hotels for the night.

Stu drove down from Scarbados. Chris, Jock & I came over from the right side of “The Hill”. To stir a bit. Dig a bit. Talk a lot. Eat Fish & Chips. Share memories.

Got to admit. I shed a tear or two. Both in laughter and because of the moment.

When it came to the beer, because of the tiny size of Malcolm's kit (2.5bbl or 400L), this was a “double Mash” day. The Mash Tun will only output 10 casks from a single Mash if the beer is up to about 5% abv. Therefore - for this beer to get close to 10 - a double Mash was called for.

Malcolm had already done the first by the time we'd got there.

We were there for the second.

The malt bill was big and dark. The Mash Tun almost overflowed.

And it was dark. Chocolate Malts, bit of roast, there's nothing like the smell of chocolate porridge in the morning. Beats napalm anyday.

Transfer to the copper, this thing is DARK! Tarmac black. But smelling absolutely gorgeous. Roasty. Chocolate. Plenty of dark sugary stuff for that yeast to munch on.

Some hops chucked in (Perle, I think, for bittering) the boil was on and the Shed (Malcolm says “Garage”, but really?!? 🤣) was smelling quite fabulous. Next in was the cacao, my moment in the….. er…… sun. It WAS Wakefield after all…..

I did so some digging. But made a mess and was swiftly pushed aside…..

Anyone who has taken part in a brewday, knows. It's lots of standing about. Punctuated by periods of actual work. Digging. Stirring. Avoiding getting scalded (Malcolm survived. Despite my worst efforts).

This was about chatting. Reminiscing. Mostly about “The Old Man”. And the fun we've had over the years.

Transfer done, we said “Bye” to Stu. Then decamped. Checking in to the hotel. And the short walk to Harry's.

A whole afternoon and evening chatting with friends. With some really pleasant surprises. Zoe & Ian had heard Malcolm was retiring and came over the hill to pay regards. John & Caroline (just before their hundredth Millie Manders gig of the year). James and his responsible adult @BeerHounderGen. Andrew & Rick. It was a joy.

Malcolm received a “Lifetime Achievement” type award from his local CAMRA branch. Deserved. And slightly emotional. We all were at some point.

Being Malcolm, 2 of the 8 beers clocked in at 9%. Both were delicious. There was a Belgian IPA at 7 2. He even pulled out a personal favourite. Guero. His “Table” Beer.

The pub was rammed. As was the large outside area. The beers sold out. I left Harry's at 1am. Breakfast was “fun”.

Other than this beer we just brewed, I've had my last Five Towns beer in Cask.

And that simple statement brings a lump to my throat.

We've got the memories. Magnificent memories.

We'll make some more. Five Towns will be the final #ISBFHeroes event in September (he's brewing with friends)

We've got a 9 gallon cask of Fantastic Voyage. At #ISBF7.

And - on Thursday 17th November - I'm going to enjoy every last drop.

Hemsley House will be the only place - West of the Pennines - you'll get this beer on draught.

See you soon my dear Fake Tyke. The Ultimate ISBF Hero.

Finally! Moving forward with #ISBF7

When I say this next sentence, I truly mean it…..

I have had the most profound doubts about hosting another ISBF.

I know, with absolute certainty, that my friends will wink. And nod knowingly at that statement. But having not having ridden that particular bike in nearly 3 years, I can only imaging that it feels like an amateur, on a crappy second hand bike, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, looking up into the clouds.

It's ******* terrifying.

I'm trying to think of the actual “tipping point” moment when I thought the 7 was doable. HAD to go ahead. That moment came - I think - about 2 months ago. When I got a phone call from a friend. Saying he was going to brew his last. And should the official “final” Beer be for #ISBF7.

That is some kind of nudge.

So I pitched up. With ISBF Brothers Chris & Judith (pet name), Stuart (the mighty North Riding Brewery) at The Shed of Wonder. Five Towns Brewery. And brewed a BIG Chocolate Stout. (Rather Experimentally) Fermented with Kveik (pronounced like Cake - thank you Caroline!) yeast.

Black as the tar pits of hell. Smelling like the booziest block of Green & Black's. Coming out at about 9.5% abv, the only place you'll get this - West of the Pennines - will be at Hemsley House. In November. (fuller post to come)

We're also brewing something big and dark in 2 days time. With one of the biggest supporters of ISBF. Meaning that - by next week - we will have 3 beers brewed for November.

None of which will be below 9%.

Yes. My dear fiends (spellchecked).

Welcome To The Imperial Salford Beer Festival!

So yes. We are going ahead. And need to get a shake on.

So - who fancies sponsoring a beer? Or something else? Like Glassware? Programme? Anything really! I'm all ears!

Beer Sponsorship will be £85.

This gets you - the lovely sponsor - 2 tickets to a session(s) of your choice. With Glassware, Programme and £10 beer tokens per ticket.

It also gets you undying gratitude, your name of choice against a beer/brewery and a huge thank you in both the programme & post event webpost.

It also gets you the warm glow of knowing that you are helping a magnificent local charity in START Inspiring Minds.

Yes. ALL PROFITS GO TO CHARITY.

Glassware etc, I'm open to ideas/approaches.

To sponsor (anything), use the contact page and select the option “Sponsorship”.

As we're moving on at speed…… Tickets for #ISBF7 will be released on Sunday 14th August. At 19:30.

Unless……

You're at our little launch party. An ISBF tradition that I really wanted to maintain.

That event will be on 14th August (obviously). And further details in due course.

Like an exclusive T-shirt….

What we also have (and the thing I adore most about this bloody event) is The ISBF Family. The band of lovely people who gather together - year on year - and make this thing work.

You know who you are! Come back! We need you!!! (Contacts page again please!)

So. There you go.

ISBF rides again. 17th to 19th November. At the BEAUTIFUL Hemsley House.

We'd love you to help via Sponsorship.

We'd love The ISBF Family to gather again.

We're going to have another launch party.

We're making BEER!

Back very soon.

Jx

#ISBFHeroes12 - Hitting The Trail…..

The ISBFHeroes events are - to me (Jim) - special. Not just “Any Brewer” gets asked. These are breweries that make not just exceptional beer, but have made a significant impact on either the event, or on me personally. #ISBFHeroes12 hits both marks. But is also intensely personal.

My alter ego coined the #BeerPeopleAreGoodPeople. And whilst not a universal truth, there are few people that embody that feeling more than this months “Hero”

The Independent Salford Beer Festival was initially conceived as a cask beer event. Featuring beers exclusively from the North of England. The area that I STILL fervently believe makes the best cask conditioned beer in the UK.

Generally speaking, that locale still applied. For cask.

In year 3, we expanded to another room at - the then venue/cause - St Sebastian's Community Centre. That meant we could expand the beer offer. And enabled the introduction of the #EvilKegFilth room. Featuring beers from outside of the North.

And one of the first brewers approached was Andy Parker. The trademarked “Nicest Man In Brewing”.

Generous of time, advice and - indeed - beer. Andy has never been told QUITE how much he impacted me, mine and this event.

He's about to learn.

Back in October 2017, myself and the legend that is Chris Dixon (@ckdsaddlers on Twitter) found ourselves down in Finchampstead. Andy had - typically generous - agreed to us coming down and making a beer. Something dark. And delicious.

That beer was - with a distinct musical nod - called Love Action. A beautiful fruited stout.

Andy - knowing the nature of the event - guaranteed exclusivity, by bringing his 70 litre home brew kit into the brewery. I was utterly blown away at the thought. In a small way, on a tiny kit, I helped to make a beautiful beer with two of the loveliest humans.

Pic - Chris D

Pic - Chris D

Now ISBF 3 - to me and mine - is a blur. A series - for me - of cancellations, horrible brief conversations with several brewers and brewday volunteers (I remember those all too vividly). Those memories that remain, stay locked.

But ISBF 4, in 2017 - the final event at St Sebastian's - was cathartic. At the “after party” on the Sunday, we drank, we had fun. Danced like crazed fools. To “Love Action”. I cried like a bastard. I danced like an idiot. (There's video out there somewhere!) That was the moment that I cracked. Let the grief out. And realised that I could move on. With lovely people and dear friends.

And that's all down to the Divine Mr P. And Chris.

I can never, ever, thank them enough. Andy Parker is a personal hero of mine. I'll leave that there.

Gradually, what was known to a few of us, has become correctly received wisdom. Not only is Andy such a fine human, he's also one of the very best brewers in the UK.

Now with Rickey also brewing and Ruth helping to run the ship, Elusive are set for 8bit beer domination. Expansion is in the planning, there isn't the capacity to brew all that he needs to. With good friends like Double Barrelled, he's hitting his targets prior to expansion. Elusive will grow. And rightly so.

I can't wait to follow this journey.

So yes. Belated Cats from bags. #ISBFHeroes12 features Elusive Brewing.

And a magnificent beer list. Matched by an equally magnificent playlist! (You'll get THAT on the week of the event)

Andy is - as stated - an absolutely lovely human. He has put together a simply EXCEPTIONAL case of beer, for a bargain price - DELIVERED - of £50. (And that price includes £5 per case for our partner charity START Inspiring Minds.

So. For this Princely sum, what are you getting?

Access to a Virtual MTB with “The Nicest Man In Brewing ™️". On 17th June. Starting at 19:30.

Access to a simply IMMENSE playlist, themed around music beloved of the brewery team and additionally themed around all things Elusive.

And this bunch of beauties listed below.

This case of beer has seriously limited availability. To grab one, click here.

Come and join us. Have a giggle. Drink great beer. And do good while you're at it. #DrinkGoodToDoGood is just the way we roll.

Back soon.

Be kind to one another.

Jim x

Beers!

2 x Overdrive APA 5.5%

2 x Happy Land Cherry Wheat 4.8%

2 x Mister X 1916 Heritage Mild (Partizan Collab) 5%

2 x Turn Out The Light NEPA 5%

2 x Spend Your Wishes Red IPA (Burning Sky Collab) 6.5%

1 x Oregon Trail West Coast IPA 5.8%,

1 x Duel of Iron Double Black IPA 8%

#ISBFHeroes11 - Thirsting For More

When I started out blogging, back in 2011, the beer space was a completely different place. Enthusiasts, with a love of something different from the - then - normal brown dreck. Brewing their own, tasting, sharing, comparing with other enthusiasts. It's difficult to overstate QUITE how fertile the amateur brewing scene in Manchester was.

The one place where everyone gathered, where ideas were exchanged, new heroes greeted (from breweries that have long moved on) and breeze just generally shot, was Port Street Beer House

Port Street was the place - back then - where lovers of modern beer congregated. Several of the brewers that feature at ISBF (even a few from these Heroes Events) I met there. Including our guest on #ISBFHeroes11.

There was also a single pivotal event in the development of the Independent Manchester Beer scene. It took place at Brew Dog bar on Peter Street. It was a “competition”, hosted - I think - by Steve Dunkley (of Beer Nouveau). Present - and competing - at that event were amateur brewers who would go on to form Torrside, become Lead Brewer at Track and, tonight's guest.

The competition was FIERCE. The individual competitors would creep up trying to check scores. As a judge, I can tell you, it was bloody intimidating. The standard was - quite simply - exceptional.

Tonight's guest's first brew, released commercially, was a collaboration with (and he'll correct me if I'm wrong) Jay Krause, back in his Quantum days.

And I'm delighted to say that Tonight's guest still brews that beer commercially.

Elephant Hawk IPA. An exceptional beer.

Yes. I'm talking about the lovely fella that is Richard Conway of Thirst Class.

And I'm chuffed that Elephant Hawk is in Tonight's case. By no design of mine.

Richard has been a staunch supporter of ISBF from the start. And has always been one of the first breweries on the Spreadsheet of Earthly Delights.

For my part, Richard co-brewed one of my absolute favourite ISBF beers. With Stuart Neilson of North Riding.

War of The Raspberries. Take Richard's Stocky Oatmeal Stout, ramp up the abv

And bang in kilo after kilo of fresh Yorkshire raspberries. Simply Sublime. And was tasting magnificent, from bottle, over two years later.

Stocky Oatmeal Stout, American Brown, Mosaic Pale, Farmhouse In Your Soul….. All absolutely banging beers. Hell, they've even brewed a beer with Sorachi Ace in that I've enjoyed (Kiss My Ace)!

Simply put, beautiful beers. From a brewery that should be far more “in the conversation”. Because they're THAT good.

Anyway. If you've done a Heroes event before, you know the drill. For those who haven't….

What you can expect

12. Delicious. Beers.

An MTB style event on Zoom with the Brewer - wouldn't be an MTB otherwise eh?

And exclusive access to a specially compiled Spotify playlist compiled by our dear friends Mike & Jo (always a highlight)

And £5 from each case sold goes into the ISBF pot to be ultimately passed to our partner charity START Inspiring Minds. So….

When - Zoom Friday 13th May at 19:30

Why - Charity

What - The beer list is below.

Cost - A mere £50 (INCLUDING delivery and charity donation!)

How - Click here!

Come and join us on the 13th May. Doing good, whilst drinking FABULOUS beer. Not a bad way to be eh?

Those beers?

I Don't Want To Change The World **NEW** - NEIPA - - 5.3%

I'm Not Looking For A New England **NEW** - West Coast IPA - 5.3%

Green Bullet - Pale Ale - 4.8%

Born Slippy - Lager - 4.6%

Dwayne Dubbely (Torrside Collab) - Dubbel - 6.3%

All 2 x 440ml cans.

Elephant Hawk - IPA - 6.5%

Imperial American Brown - American Brown - 9.0%

1 x 440ml can of each

Decisions

Since it’s inception in 2014, this event had always seemed to do things ……. a little differently. It had been described with many different phrases over the years from “DIY” to “Niche”. I (Jim) am happy that it lived in that space. It had never aspired to anything other than to be a friendly space to drink some of the finest beers that (initially) the North and then (from 2016) the UK, had to offer.

The event always gravitated toward those breweries that inhabited a beer space below the canopy. Those that didn’t maybe get as many of the rays that others did. Yes, we had some of the most prominent names in the “Craft” space, but we took particular pride in highlighting the small, the “niche”, those breweries making great tasty beer, but never seeming to get over to Manchester. Think Five Towns, Offbeat, Otherton, Bexar County, Cheshire Brewhouse.

4 of which are gone. 2 in the last year. They made exceptional beer all (Five Towns & Bexar County both brewed ISBF “Beer of The Festival”!) They made this event what it was.

We loved existing in the undergrowth of beer events. And we didn’t do too bad. Raising circa £70k for seriously good causes. All that through good people drinking good beer.

All those who came to St Sebastian’s &/or Hemsley House, all those who took part in the various VISBFs & Heroes events, I bow down to you. You are good people. You bloody well did good. You had an impact on the lives of so many others you may never meet.

We are so SO grateful.

This event gave me so much over the years. From meeting new people and developing friendships that once were Virtual and now are some of the most valued, to keeping my heart beating amidst almost unimaginable pain and tragedy. I owe it more than I've ever given. Or could ever give.

The World’s Worst Kraftwerk Tribute Band were in fine fettle at the #ISBF6 Launch!

Away from the beer (the easy part), what I've always loved about this event is the people. The people who bought tickets, the individual sponsors and small businesses who made SUCH a difference and - most of all - those people I have grown to call the ISBF Family. Those beautiful people who - since October 2014 - have, year after year, given their time, freely, their goodwill, copiously and their hearts to this. Buying in, giving it their all. From managing bars, serving beers, cleaning, setting up, taking down. Without reward.

I can never, ever, thank them enough.

Other than to say, genuinely, I love each and every one of them. The best of people. Coming together. To make an enormous difference. I truly hope that they come to understand just how much.

Eventually.

Ah. Balls to it. Who am I trying to kid?

Who fancies coming back to Hemsley House?

Who fancies drinking more exceptional beer?

Who fancies helping us to raise thousands more in cash?

Whaddya say?

Let's Go Round Again?

Image @ArtByVolume

Sorry for the teasing. But you know me!

Back soon. (With more details)

Be kind to one another.

Jim x

#ISBFHeroes10 - A Walk On The Wild Side

Hello again! Yes, after a break of nearly 2 months, WE’RE BAAAAACK! Here to try to entice you into another bit of beery fun, with something deliciously different. And maybe introduce you to someone/something new. And I - for one - am particularly looking forward to this one! One of my favourite new breweries of the last 5 years.

Every year, when in the early stages of preparation for “the event”, I ask a close circle of “The ISBF Family” to do some blue sky thinking. Who would they like to see with a beer at the event. Then I try to go get.

In 2018, in the lead up to #ISBF5 (and our debut at Hemsley House), James (if I remember aright) came up with a brewery that had only recently launched and was only on the periphery of my narrow focus. I did some research. And, hugely intrigued, contacted said brewery.

The beer supplied was utterly delicious. I was smitten. And - I have since confirmed - ISBF was the first beer festival to feature their beers!

Then, in Spring 2019, the lovely Mr Welsby, he of Runaway Brewery fame, asked if I would like to host an ISBF Bar at the Runaway 5th Brewery. “Flattered” would be an understatement, to put it mildly. I could invite whoever I wanted to supply. That’s trust. Right there!

And this brewery were the first on my list. People came to the bar. People who really knew their stuff. And kept coming back. And then, the brewer himself showed up, young family and hound too! I was a little blown away, that he should bring his family all that way.

He hung around, chatting with people. He made a huge impression. And, from that point, the brewery have just moved on to bigger things, gaining accolades and reputation. Justly so. And wormed their way into my cold and cynical beery heart.

The Brewery? Wilderness Beers, from Newtown in Powys….

There are a lot of genuinely nice people in the Independent UK Brewing sector. James Godman - of Wilderness - is, in my none too humble opinion - one of the finest humans in the game.

Genuine, thoughtful, completely self - effacing, with no airs or graces, he just makes beer that he likes to drink.

In his own words “a failed biochemist turned brewer”, he started his brewing career at Hop Back Brewery churning out vast quantities of “Summer Lightning” (if you're under 35, ask your parents!), before heading East, to Craftier pastures. And Brew By Numbers. And then….. something completely different….

“Retiring”. To The Marches (I LOVE a historical reference!). Newtown in Powys. Fresh air. Fresh inspiration.

Fermenting in wooden barrels. Getting funky. Blending.

Those who know me, know that I refuse to lie. I can't

But I fell in love with Wilderness beers from the first taste at #ISBF5.

There is a lightness of touch. Flavour forward, but delicate with it. This is gentle persuasion with yeasts as opposed to bludgeoning with high hop rates.

And it sings to my soul. Biere Ordinaire is one of my favourite beers of recent times. His Saisons are exceptional. His blends precise and delicious. For me, he's one of the best in the UK. And I don't throw words like that lightly.

Everytime I see someone praise one of James’ beers, it gives me a warm feeling. Watching one of the good guys sell beer. Receive praise. Grow.

When I saw that he was going to employ someone, I was envious. To put it mildly. When I saw it was Helen Anne Smith, I was real pleased. Someone who cares, passionately about whatever they do. Founder of The Burum Collective. Real good writer. Believer in what is good and right.

They've found that in Newtown. They'll do good for Wilderness.

8th April can't come soon enough.

Those who have attended the ISBF Heroes Events previously know what to expect.

Those who haven't, may ask “What am I getting in to? “

Well. By clicking the link below, you will be getting 2 each of 6 beers (one of which may indeed be unique to this case!).

You'll be invited to Zoom event with James, Helen, myself and Castlefield's most famous Canine Custodian, Stan’s Dad (James, the Beer Finder General).

You'll also be the recipient of a link to a rather special Spotify playlist, created by the lovely Mike & Jo, themed around the brewery and some excellent selections by Team Wilderness themselves.

I've listened to that list for the last few weeks. It's bloody excellent. As usual.

And remember. £5 from the sale of each case goes into the ISBF vaults. To be handed over (along with every other penny of profits) later this year, to Start Inspiring Minds. Our partner Mental Health charity.

#DrinkGoodToDoGood. It's our motto. We think it's not a bad one either.

What are the beers? You may well ask……

Well….

2 each of the following beauties….

Tear It All Down - 6.3% Bière de Garde - 375ml

Paint the Sky - 5% Soured Pilsner - 330ml

Hiraeth - 3.8% Petite Saison - 440ml

So Emotional - 5% Blend of aged and fresh farmhouse beers - 440ml

Bière Ordinaire - 3.9% (Ordinary) Bitter 440ml

Heavy Weather - 6% Bretted Pale Ale, with Citra, Sabro & Palisade - 440ml

That lovely lot. All for the absolute bargain price of £50 of your earthly. Including delivery. AND charity donation.

Click the link. Buy the beer. And come join us on April 8th. At 7:30 pm. And have fun. It's what we do.

Back soon with some “news”

Be kind to one another.

Jx