FESTIVAL NEWS 18 FEMALE BREWERS - JD Wetherspoon
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FESTIVAL NEWS
’
RLD S
O B
IG
W
G
THE
ES
T
REAL-ALE
FESTIVAL
WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR
18 FEMALE BREWERS
FROM THE UK AND AROUND THE WORLD
CANADA USA NEW ZEALAND
ITALY AUSTRALIA
FEATURING 25 UK BREWERS AND
5 INTERNATI NAL BREWERS
ALES AVAILABLE ON THE WETHERSPOON APP
ERFECT PINT AT THE
E THE P PERF
SERV ECT
ICH TEM
WH
PE
BS
RAT
FOR PU
URE
CA
SES
SK
MA
OU
RQ EH
UE- RE
ACCR NF
E D I T ED J D WE T H E R S P O O
CO NTENT S W ELCO M E
WOMEN WERE THE ORIGINAL BREWERS OF BEER;
INSIDE THIS ISSUE FOR MILLENNIA, THEY WERE THE PRIMARY BREWERS
WORLDWIDE – THEY STILL ARE IN PARTS OF
3 WELCOME AFRICA AND THE AMAZON
4–13 MEET THE BREWERS
14 OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAMRA
15 INTRODUCTION TO THE FESTIVAL BEERS
16–19 TASTING NOTES
JANE PEYTON
BREW MOON BREWING COMPANY 4 TERRAPIN BEER CO 5 FABBRICA DELLA BIRRA PERUGIA 6
Welcome to Wetherspoon’s spring 2020 real-ale These are five female-brewed festival beers which
festival. This year, we are celebrating female brewers. we recommend you try.
Of the 30 cask ales included nationally, we are
showcasing 18 beers brewed by women – and, of PERSEPHONE BY BREWSTER’S BREWERY
those, five are international collaborations with A 5.0% ABV pale ale with citrus fruit, zesty
female brewers from Australia, Canada, Italy, marmalade and biscuit malt flavours,
New Zealand and the USA, brewed at some of this was brewed by the multiaward-winning
Britain’s best-known breweries. Sara Barton, who, among other accolades,
has been the Society of Independent Brewers
The overall selection demonstrates the diversity of ‘brewer of the year’.
today’s beer styles. What are you in the mood
for: amber ale, American pale ale, bitter, black IPA, OFF THE HOOK BY HOOK NORTON BREWERY
blackberry porter, brown ale, chocolate porter, golden This hoppy golden ale, at 4.3% ABV, is dominated
ale, India pale ale, oatmeal stout, pale ale, red ale or by citrus flavours.
WHEATY LAND & SEA BATH HOOK NORTON ruby ale? Twelve of the beers were brewed exclusively
for this real-ale festival, so be among the first to try
BOURNE AND BOOTH BY JW LEES BREWERY
BREWING CORPS 7 BREWING COMPANY 8 ALES 9 BREWERY 10 This is a 4.5% ABV flavoursome bitter, with a
them. With our third-of-a-pint tasting glasses, you well-balanced, full-bodied flavour and emerging
could sample them all! bitterness, resulting in a clean and crisp character.
If you have never before tasted a beer brewed
by a woman, this is your chance. Women were the
HEAVEN CENT BY HARVIESTOUN BREWERY
This is an IPA at 4.6% ABV, with pine, floral and
original brewers of beer; for millennia, they were citrus hop flavours balanced by biscuit maltiness.
the primary brewers worldwide – they still are in parts
of Africa and the Amazon. In Britain, until the SILKIE STOUT BY LOCH LOMOND BREWERY
medieval era, most beer (or ale, as it was known here This is an oatmeal stout at 5.0% ABV, with robust
at the time) was brewed in the home by women as a chocolate and coffee flavours and a creamy finish.
nutritious beverage for the whole family. Beer is made If you are ordering food, no matter what you choose
from food (cereal) and so brewing beer was a from the menu, there is a festival beer to match.
household chore performed by women. Nowadays,
most brewers are men, but women worldwide are Cheers!
increasingly re-entering this profession which they Jane Peyton
HOGS BACK BREWERY 11 BREWSTER’S BREWERY 12 HARVIESTOUN BREWERY 13 had dominated for so long… and the beers in our Beer Sommelier, Broadcaster, Educator, Writer,
festival reflect that internationalism. Public Speaker and Founder of the School of Booze
2 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 3
B RE W ER B RE W ER
BELINDA JESS HURD
GOULD
BREW MOON BREWING COMPANY, TERRAPIN BEER CO,
NEW ZEALAND USA
THE BREWER: that, so far, it is yet to be named – and goes by
Hort 4337) and the Australian super hops Galaxy.
THE BREWER: THE BADGES:
“I used to be a winemaker who drank beer; “My first exposure to brewing came through “The brewery is very conscious of its
“The beer has a pretty light malt base, so that the
now, I seem to be a brewer who occasionally my dad, who homebrewed when I was growing environmental impact. This year, we were
hops really shine.
drinks wine. up – he likes to say that I was brewing as soon selected as one of the Georgia Water
“In 2014, I was lucky enough to brew at as I was heavy enough to sit on the bottle capper. Coalition’s ‘Clean 13’ honourees for our
“For most of my working life, I was a winemaker
Hook Norton; this time, I’m going to be efforts towards more sustainably minded waste
and was lucky enough to be in California “What motivated me to enter the industry was
at Shepherd Neame. management and water consumption.”
when the craft beer revolution was starting. a love of beer and a desire to have a hand in
“It is really exciting (I love the Spitfire beer ads),
“Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was my go-to, back in
but, on a more serious note, it’s really special for
making a product which people would really enjoy.
THE BREW:
those days, and it still is, if I’m lucky enough “Shortly after I moved to Athens (Georgia, USA)
a new-world brewer to visit breweries with so “I’ll be brewing an American brown ale
to be in California. and started working at Terrapin, I went
much history, to try lots of real ales and to see with an English yeast strain, featuring prominent
“When I started brewing, I was inspired by to a local bar and asked the bartender for a
how they’re made.” notes of caramel, a smooth mouthfeel and
hoppy American pale ales – and American craft recommendation and she recommended
a solid hop presence.
beer continues to be my inspiration.” our Watermelon Gose.
“I’ve never brewed for Wetherspoon before
“Her recommendation, as well as others I’ve
THE BREWERY: received since, really made me feel like I was
and am really looking forward to working with
the team at Banks’s, on this visit.
“Our little brewery is based in a small rural town making a product of which I could be proud.
on New Zealand’s South Island, on the edge of “I’m also looking forward to getting out and
“Before I became a brewer, I thought that I
a wine region, so many of our regular customers exploring the UK, especially the chance to visit
wanted to become a history teacher. I still love
are winemakers who, like me, drink beer. some historic locations and a local pub or two.”
history, and that experience gave me some very
“There’s a saying in the wine industry that it valuable critical thinking and research skills, but,
takes a lot of (good) beer to make good wine during my final year of university, I realised that
– and that appears to be true. teaching wasn’t for me.”
“Ours is very much a family business, started
by my husband, Kieran, and me in 2002.
THE BREWERY:
We own the business with our two sons Toby Terrapin Beer Co began as a daydream between
and Oscar. founders John Cochran and Spike Buckowski, who
met while working for a microbrewery in Atlanta.
“Everyone has worked here from time to time,
although Toby is having a break at present, The two recognised that they had something
mining gold in West Africa, leaving his younger to contribute to the brewery industry,
brother, Oscar, and his parents to ‘man the ship’.” in the southeast, and began crafting recipes.
In April 2002, Rye Pale Ale made its first
THE BADGES: appearance in Athens, GA; in 2007,
“We get the odd medal, including a gold at the Terrapin Beer Co moved to its current location.
Australian International Beer Awards 2019, Terrapin’s production team (affectionately
but I never think that they are that important.” FESTIVAL BEER: known as the Terrapin tribe) works in two facilities FESTIVAL BEER:
Antipodean 5.5% ABV in Athens – one building used to house a jeans Hey Pal 4.2% ABV
THE BREW: manufacturer, while the other, across the street,
“I first brewed a beer called Antipodean for the HOST BREWERY (UK): was previously home to a clock manufacturer. HOST BREWERY (UK):
Wetherspoon international festival in 2014. Shepherd Neame, Faversham, Banks’s Brewery, Wolverhampton,
Kent West Midlands
“This year, we have brought back the name for
a pale ale, which we have brewed using our
favourite new hops bred in New Zealand (so new
Beer No. 28 Beer No. 9
4 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 5
B RE W ER B RE W ER
LUANA MEOLA STEPH COPE
FA B B RIC A DEL L A BIRR A PERUGIA , W H E AT Y B R E WING CO R P S ,
ITA LY AUS TR A LIA
THE BREWER: THE BADGES: THE BREWER: “In 2014, after pouring everyone else’s excellent
beers for 11 years, we figured that it was
“At the beginning of the third millennium, “The craft beers produced have enjoyed “I started home brewing in high school and time to start brewing our own – time to install
a group of friends, in love with beer and their immediate success, not only in the local area, stuck with it throughout university and the start our own stainless and start walking the walk.
own roots, started to plan the ‘rebirth’ of but also outside the region and abroad. of an economics career. I was fermenting wort “To date, we’ve brewed over 100 beers
a brewery. “The critics quickly recognised our young beneath my office desk around the same time in around 300 batches.”
“Their aim was to give the city back its beer and brewery – and we were literally overcome as I stumbled across The Wheatsheaf Hotel.
bring a prestigious part of its history up to date. by awards: from the European Beer Star “Known as ‘The Wheaty’, it was ahead of its THE BADGES:
“After years of study and research in food to the Brussels Beer Challenge, from the time, with craft beer offerings, and I promptly “Wheaty Brewing Corps was named Champion
and beer technology, after trials and sacrifices, main sector guides to the prestigious realised that I was due for a career change, Small Brewery (National) at the 2017 Craft Beer
the Fabbrica della Birra Perugia once again Birra dell’Anno competition. so moved to Perth (Western Australia) to Awards. In 2016, The Wheatsheaf Hotel was
became a working reality – with our beers “That success culminated in February 2016, study brewing science. inducted into the Adelaide Music Collective Hall
being authentic and rich in personality. when Fabbrica della Birra Perugia was named “After working at Gage Roads for a few years, of Fame (in recognition of supporting live
Italian brewery of the year.” my partner and I decided to take a year-long original music).”
“These are craft beers, obviously: unpasteurised,
unfiltered, without additives, conditioned in
the bottle. These tell us about the relationship THE BREW:
road trip around the US. We bought a 1999
Dodge Ram van which we named Jean Claude THE BREW:
between the most natural of raw materials, Damn Van, visiting over 300 breweries and “Thebby Bitter is an Australian interpretation
“Our chocolate porter is a dark-coloured
pure water from Umbrian springs (in the green working at a few. of an English bitter. We keep the ABV low
beer with an enticing fragrance, delicious
earth of Italy) and the skill and know-how of “It was such an exciting, optimistic time (3.9% ABV) and use a biscuity, gentle malt
hints of cocoa and a full-bodied taste.
the protagonists.” in the US, at that stage, that we agreed to character to balance the tropical fruit
“It is produced by the top-cropping method, character of the Australian hops.
an opportunity to stay and open a brewery
interpreting a classic British style, bound to
THE BREWERY: tradition and history.
called CraftHaus, in Las Vegas. “It can get quite warm in Adelaide, especially
“After five years, it was time for us to return in the brewery, so Thebby Bitter is my regular
“The history of beer in Perugia has ancient “We have never produced before for
to Australia. Luckily for me, head brewer choice after my shift. It’s infinitely drinkable
roots and can boast a prestigious past. Wetherspoon and believe it to be a great
Jade Flavell was also making plans to triple and exceptionally satisfying.
“One of the milestones in this noble opportunity, allowing us, in a country
The Wheaty’s production capacity and “This will be my first time brewing in the UK.
tradition was 1875, the year when the brewery with such an important brewing culture,
needed a brewer to do so. I am looking forward to sampling traditional
was founded. to both appreciate and learn.”
“My brewing journey has come full circle – and cask ales and also to learning from over
“In those early days, the company’s headquarters 150 years’ brewing tradition at Wadworth.
I’m acutely aware that I have the best brewing
were located in the centre of the historical city,
job in the industry. “Generally speaking, beer people are good
near the snow deposits in the underground
“Brewing inspiration is very easy to come people, so it will be nice to share a few pints
passages of the Rocca Paolina. At that time,
by – we’re lucky to be in an industry which, with fellow brewers.”
these were used as rudimentary fridges for
ageing and conserving beer – which was refined despite being around for centuries, is still
in special oak kegs. evolving, with lots of scope still for innovation
and improvement.”
“At the beginning of the 20th century, the
factory reached a significant level of FESTIVAL BEER: THE BREWERY: FESTIVAL BEER:
production – and the beer was distributed Chocolate Porter 5.0% ABV Thebby Bitter 3.9% ABV
throughout Italy. The production continued “The Wheatsheaf Hotel (aka The Wheaty)
until the brewery ceased its activities in 1927. HOST BREWERY (UK): has been a (purpose-built) pub since 1923,
live music venue since 1970, beer specialist
HOST BREWERY (UK):
“We like to focus on our year-round beers, but Adnams Brewery, Southwold, Wadworth, Devizes,
Suffolk bar since 2003 and brewer of its own Wiltshire
also to create seasonal beers and experiment. Wheaty Brewing Corps beers since 2014.
We are also one of the few breweries producing
cider in Italy.” Beer No. 21 Beer No. 3
6 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 7
B RE W ER B RE W ER
TESSA GEORGINA
GABINIEWICZ YOUNG
L A N D & SE A B RE WING CO M PA N Y, BATH A L E S ,
C A N A DA ENGL A N D
THE BREWER: THE BREW: THE BREWER: THE BADGES:
“Having finished college, where I studied robotics “The beer which I am honoured to brew with Hook “While I was a student studying biotechnology “Queen of Hearts is one of our new seasonal
and automation, I was hired as a brewing assistant Norton is my Estuary Session Ale. Its appearance is at King’s College London, I found myself beers for 2020. Those attending the
10 years ago. golden, with a fluffy, contrasting white head. It has enjoying the beers which I was trying in the Wetherspoon spring real-ale festival will be
“I was trained by the Nelson Brewing Company, in a subtle aroma on the nose of grapefruit, candied local west London pubs. After graduating, the first to try it.
Canada, to become a professional brewer and ginger and spruce trees. I decided to pursue my passion for beer and “In terms of our other award-winning beers,
continued my education with Siebel Institute and “Unique to this brew is the addition of real hand- went on to attend Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh, Lansdown (our West Coast IPA) was awarded
the IBD. harvested Sitka and Blue Spruce conifer tree ‘tips’. where I studied an MSc in brewing and distilling. a silver at the International Brewing Awards
“From there, I was hired twice as a consultant As an outdoor and foraging enthusiast, I pick wild “The brewing industry and the process of last year. It was great for one of our newest beer
brewer to aid in opening two separately edibles and often incorporate them in my brews. creating beer recipes are collaborative. I’m brands to recognised on the world stage.”
inspired by working together, as one team,
owned microbreweries across the province of
British Columbia.
“Living on the west coast of Canada, our iconic
spruce trees boast flavourful budding tips in the to create something in which people take THE BREW:
spring which complement the pacific northwest genuine enjoyment.” “Queen of Hearts is part of Bath Ales’ new
“I then worked full time at a production brewery,
before being asked to be the head (and only)
brewer for Land & Sea Brewing Company.
hops we’ve all come to love in North American IPAs.
“I have never travelled overseas before – and there
THE BREWERY: programme of seasonal cask beers, all of which
are inspired by Alice in Wonderland. It’s
is nothing more exciting to me than to be travelling “Bath Ales celebrates its 25th anniversary this a red ale, laced with dark hedgerow fruits,
“This is my fifth brewery in 10 years and the third year. From our West Country base in including blackberries and redcurrants.
which I have helped, as a professional brewer, to to a place with such a rich history, culture and
brewing tradition. Warmley (between Bath and Bristol), we brew It is packed with crystal malts to add toffee
start from the ground up. a distinctive range of premium, authentic, and raisin notes, along with sweetness.
“With a mechanical aptitude and generally curious by “My admiration for Wetherspoon’s pubs runs deep, inventive beers. British hops, including Challenger and Bramling
nature, I found myself drawn to the beer-making craft.” as I have heard only remarkable things about what Cross, result in pine and spicy notes – and
“Fronted by our flagship ale, Gem, our new
a staple the pubs are in every community. Many of a sprinkle of brown sugar adds some sparkle.
THE BREWERY: my peers, friends and mentors call Wetherspoon
four-vessel brew house (Hare Brewery) opened
its doors in 2018, doubling our previous “In terms of my own brewing career, I was
pubs ‘an institution’ – and I could not be more
“Land & Sea Brewing Company is located in Comox, brewing capacity. We can now produce over previously head brewer at Fuller, Smith & Turner
honoured to become a part of this celebration of ale.
British Columbia, on an island off the west coast of 50,000 brewer’s barrels of beer per year – over before moving back home to the West Country
Canada: Vancouver Island is 31,285 km² – the “Secondly, the idea of brewing in a Victorian Tower 14.5 million pints. and taking on the role of Bath Ales’ head brewer
largest island on the west coast of North America. Brewery which is 170 years old – older than my
“Our beers are available in pubs across the in May 2019.”
home country – blows my mind. I am eager to see
“Our brewery has a likeness to British public houses, country. An exciting schedule of new beers
the 25hp steam engine in operation and to talk
with a brewhouse system which is only 15 hectolitres. launched alongside the brewery’s opening,
shop with the Hook Norton brewers.
“We opened in December 2018 – and I have including Lansdown West Coast IPA,
brewed under 100 batches on the system so far. Prophecy New World Pale Ale and Sulis – our
first lager.
“We distribute to local communities, pubs “Our new seasonal programme is about
and restaurants.” offering customers something different from
THE BADGES: their firm favourites and encouraging
“In our 10th month of operation, our brewery FESTIVAL BEER: pub-goers to explore the wonderful world of
beer styles. It also allows our brewing team
FESTIVAL BEER:
was voted by the people of British Columbia & Estuary Session Ale 4.5% ABV Queen of Hearts 4.3% ABV
to experiment with different ingredients and
the BC Ale Trail as ‘Best Brewery Experience’.
“We were invited to collaborate and brew a beer
HOST BREWERY (UK): flavour profiles. Keep an eye out for the
rest of our 2020 seasonals in pubs across the
BREWERY:
Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury, Bath Ales,
with Vancouver Island Brewing to raise funds and southwest, including Mad Hatter Golden
Oxfordshire Somerset
awareness for the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Beer (3.9% ABV) and King of Hearts Extra
The beer was a hazy session IPA, called Deadhead,
winning silver in an international competition.
Beer No. 16 Special Bitter (5.0% ABV).”
Beer No. 10
8 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 9
B RE W ER B RE W ER
JANET TAILBY MO ZEIHER
H OO K N O RTO N B RE W ERY, H OGS BACK B R E W ERY,
ENG L A N D ENGL A N D
THE BREWER: Red Rye
International Beer Challenge – gold medal
THE BREWER: THE BREW:
“I have always been interested in food and drinks, “I’ve been brewing with Hogs Back Brewery for “I am brewing Citrus Pale Ale – crisp, refreshing,
World Beer Awards 2019 –
how they are made/manufactured and the the last 27 years, since it first opened in Tongham, full of hops and with a characteristic bitter finish.
United Kingdom’s Best Rye Beer
effect on the human body – taste, aroma and starting from the bottom and working my way By adding the aroma hops Cascade and Mosaic
consumption. I have been very fortunate, having World Beer Awards 2018 – up. Many people don’t know that, in the old days, late in the brew, then dry-hopping, the citrusy,
worked for three family breweries and, over the United Kingdom’s Best Rye Beer because the water, itself, wasn’t fit to drink, grapefruit aroma and flavour really come through.
decades, seen many changes, in both production World Beer Awards 2017 – women used to brew beer. I am proud to be the The Cascade hops have been grown by our
and attitudes towards eating, drinking and World’s Best Speciality Beer only brewster at Hogs Back Brewery. brew team here at the brewery.”
socialising – with both positive and negative effects World Beer Awards 2017 – “When I first joined the brewery, the boss
on the industry. Now is a very exciting time to be World’s Best Rye Beer said: ‘I’ll teach you to brew.’ Although I was
producing beer, with customers having an appetite World Beer Awards 2017 – thrown in at the deep end, I really enjoyed
for a wide range of flavours. So, at Hook Norton United Kingdom’s Best Rye Beer it and became more and more interested in the
Brewery, we are making very good use of our pilot
plant, with some experimental beers moving THE BREW: traditional brewing process and the different
ingredients – and how these affect the end beer.
up into the main brewery and winning awards.” This new, golden-coloured beer has been brewed I have been brewing TEA, our Traditional
THE BREWERY: exclusively for this Wetherspoon real-ale festival,
with an impressive range of hop varieties delivering
English Ale, to almost the same recipe for all
these years, yet just love the chance to try
“We have a brewery, a visitors’ centre, a strong combination of orange and citrus notes, something new.”
a museum, a café and brewery tours available.” along with a full-flavoured, refreshing character.
“We were awarded the southeast’s ‘Hidden Gem THE BREWERY:
Award’ in Visit England’s Attraction Accolades; “Here at the brewery, we grow our own hops.
it recognises the quality of visitors’ experiences We have eight acres, growing three varieties:
across England.” Fuggles, a traditional bittering hop used
“We were also named in the Lonely Planet’s 500 in TEA; English Cascade, with its wonderful
United Kingdom unmissable experiences travel list.” citrus characteristics; Farnham White Bine,
the heritage hop which was traditionally grown
Hook Norton Brewery’s managing director, around the Farnham area – which no one
James Clarke, said: “We have been brewing here else in the world grows!
continuously for 170 years, something of which
“Hogs Back has always been a bit quirky:
we are very proud. From the humble beginnings,
to celebrate the birth of my daughter, Charley,
when my great-great-grandfather set up as a
we brewed a beer called Brewster’s Bundle.
maltster in Hook Norton, to now, we are the
largest independent brewer in Oxfordshire and “Oh… and… our brew house has a ghost!”
the finest Victorian brewery still in daily use.
From brewing just two beers to a range well
THE BADGES:
into double figures, from original recipes to “Our Hogstar Lager won the SIBA regional gold
cutting-edge brews, we are proud to fly the flag FESTIVAL BEER: medal, in 2017, as well as a World Beer UK gold,
but winning runner-up in 2000 at the Great
FESTIVAL BEER:
for independent family brewing in the UK.” Off The Hook 4.3% ABV Citrus Pale Ale 4.5% ABV
British Beer Festival Champion Beer of Britain,
THE BADGES: BREWERY: with TEA, was amazing.” BREWERY:
Our beers have picked up the following awards: Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury, Hogs Back Brewery,
Old Hooky Oxfordshire Surrey
World Beer Awards 2019 United Kingdom
– gold medal Beer No. 11 Beer No. 14
10 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 11
B RE W ER B RE W ER
SARA LISA
BARTON MATTHEWS
B R E W STER ’S B RE W ERY, H A RV IE STO U N B R E W ERY,
ENG L A N D S COTL A N D
THE BREWER: THE BADGES: THE BREWER: THE BADGES:
“I studied biochemistry at university and “The brewery has won many awards for its “I grew up on the Isle of Islay, also known as “We’ve won some great accolades in our 36
became interested in the practical applications of beers and for the brewery. Hophead (of which the Whisky Isle, so brewing and distilling have years of brewing. We’ve won big at the World
my degree. I saw a brewing masters course at Persephone is a stronger version) won always been a big part of my life. My papa Beer Awards through the years, including:
Heriot-Watt, in Edinburgh, and decided to continue International Brewing Awards gold, in 2015, owned the land which supplied the peat for World’s Best Ale 2007 for Bitter & Twisted
my studies. This was the only place doing a and has been shortlisted three times for Laphroaig Distillery. My dad worked at World’s Best Pilsner 2008 with Schiehallion
brewing degree at the time, so the big brewers Champion Beer of Britain.” Bruichladdich Distillery in the bottling hall, while
Best Stout & Porter World Beer Awards
came recruiting from there and I ended up I worked there too, conducting tours during
working for Courage, making Directors, Foster’s, THE BREW: the summers of 2011–13. My younger brother still
Europe 2010 with Old Engine Oil
Kronenbourg and a strong beer called Bulldog works there as a brand academy and training Best Speciality Dark Ale World Beer
“Persephone is a 5.0% ABV, stronger version of
(which used a lot of the dry-hopping techniques ambassador, so it is an integral part of my family. Awards Europe 2010 with Ola Dubh.
our best-selling Hophead. Hophead is a pale
used by micros today). I started Brewster’s in golden session ale, at 3.6% ABV, with bags of hop Recent awards include:
“I always wanted to do something scientific,
1998, so we are now running for 22 years. character from a mix of English and American so I moved from Islay to Dundee, in 2014, to do Our barrel-aged ale Ola Dubh won Brewing
“I was awarded Brewer of the Year in 2012 by aromatic varieties. We first brewed Hophead in my HNC in applied science and got a job in a Product of the Year at Scotland Food and Drink
the Beer Writers’ Guild and the All Parliamentary 1998 because we saw demand arise for a low-ABV brewery just outside St Andrews. This is when Awards, in 2018.
Beer Group in 2018.” golden session beer. It has become increasingly I had my ‘craft beer awakening’ and realised Old Engine Oil (6.0% Black Ale) won Champion
popular since then – and we brew it every week. that I loved the process and the beers! Beer of Scotland, Porter Category, in 2018.
THE BREWERY: It has been shortlisted three times for Champion
“In 2016, I enrolled on the BSc brewing & distilling Old Engine Oil Engineers Reserve (9.0% black ale)
“Before the 13th century, women carried out Beer of Britain and, in 1995, won a gold medal won gold at the World Beer awards UK, in 2019.”
course at Heriot-Watt, in Edinburgh, to turn
at the International Brewing Awards.
all household brewing. The word ‘brewster’ is
the medieval term for female brewers. “Persephone is the Greek goddess of the spring
my passion into a career… and the rest is history!”
THE BREW:
“When hops were introduced, the beer was then which we considered an appropriate name THE BREWERY: “The Centennial hop owes its existence to a mix
brewed in breweries on a larger scale, the men for an ale for this spring beer festival. A stronger “Harviestoun is a pioneering producer of of Brewer’s Gold, Fuggles, East Kent Goldings and
took over and formed guilds… which then banned 5.0% ABV light gold beer, with 100% extra pale high-quality craft beer. We have been brewing in Bavarian hops. Developed in 1974 and released
women from joining them! ale malt, this has a fresh, zesty hop character, with the shadow of the Ochil Hills (Clackmannanshire) in 1990, Centennial was pioneered by Charles
highlights of orange, lemon and blackcurrant since 1983. Our beers are made with the local Zimmerman and ST Kenny, at Washington State
“We are located in Grantham, the ancestral home hop notes. It is a deceptively drinkable University. At times, it is referred to as Super
of Isaac Newton, Margaret Thatcher and Nicholas soft water, with half of our barley grown within
flavoursome brew which we hope will go down eight miles of the brewery. Cascade because of its similar citric characteristic.
Parsons! I started Project Venus in 2011 to act as well with Wetherspoon’s customers.” We considered it the perfect hop to showcase
a networking group for female brewers in the UK, “Now Scotland’s most-awarded brewery, we
our new cask IPA Heaven Cent.”
where we meet up to brew collaborative beers. consider ourselves a modern classic.”
“International Women’s Collaborative Brew Day
grew out of this (https://unitebrew.org/).
At breweries all around the world, we brew a
celebratory beer on International Women’s Day.
It is the seventh year this year – and the
theme is ‘tribute’; so, to quote from the website: FESTIVAL BEER: FESTIVAL BEER:
Persephone 5.0% ABV Heaven Cent 4.6% ABV
“This year, we would like to ‘Tribute’ your beers.
As always, you can interpret the theme in any
which way; maybe you would like to tribute a BREWERY: BREWERY:
brew to an individual who has inspired you, a Brewster’s Brewery, Harviestoun Brewery,
region or country you are in or tribute to a beer Lincolnshire. Clackmannanshire.
that made you fall in love with what we do.”
Beer No. 22 Beer No. 18
12 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 13
WETHERSPOON INTRODUCTION TO THE FESTIVAL BEERS
In our 12-day spring 2020 world’s biggest real-ale festival, we are
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAMRA celebrating female brewers from the UK and around the world.
Five female festival brewers from overseas have produced their ale recipes
right here in the UK, to line up alongside 25 beers, some from Britain’s best
female brewers, with both award-winning and several exclusive festival ales.
As well as the fabulous five overseas brews, we have sourced a
All CAMRA members receive £30 worth further 25 festival beers from breweries across the UK to complete
of 50p vouchers towards the price of one our real-ale line-up.
pint of real ale or real cider; visit the camra Among them, making an exclusive début at the festival, is Otter 30 Years
website for further details: camra.org.uk (4.0% ABV), brewer Mary Ann McCaig’s new golden beer, celebrating this
Check out our international craft brewers’ popular Devon brewery’s 30th anniversary.
showcase ales, featuring some of the best A trio of brewers from Marston’s Brewery, Aneta Izdbeska, Naomi Pallister
brewers from around the world, available and Victoria Hearnden, has also brewed the new ruby-coloured Russet
in pubs throughout the year. (4.2% ABV) exclusively for us.
Wetherspoon also supports local brewers, Other exclusive brews to watch out for are Georgina Young’s Queen of
over 450 of which are set up to deliver to Hearts (4.3% ABV), a new, warming amber-red ale from Somerset-based
their local pubs. Bath Ales, together with Janet Tailby’s Off The Hook (4.3% ABV), a new,
We run regular guest ale lists and have golden-coloured beer from Hook Norton Brewery, in Oxfordshire.
over 200 beers available for pubs to order
throughout the year; ask at the bar for Among the festival selection are two beers which are both gluten free and
your favourite. vegan friendly.
Purity APA (3.9% ABV), from Purity Brewery in Warwickshire, is a hazy, pale
golden new ale, with zesty aromas of berries, peach and passion fruit,
leading to a fruity, balanced flavour – and brewed exclusively for our festival.
CAMRA ALSO FEATURES A dark ruby-coloured speciality beer, Cambridgeshire’s Elgood’s
248
Blackberry Porter (4.5% ABV) has a predominantly blackberry aroma,
with hints of malt and clean berry fruit flavours in the finish.
Also from Cambridgeshire, courtesy of Oakham Ales, is a new amber-
coloured IPA, also brewed exclusively for this event. Our strongest festival
ale, Oakham Rogue Hop (5.6% ABV) delivers an aroma and flavour which
are bursting with tropical fruit character, culminating in a smooth, dry finish.
The festival features new, seasonal and speciality beers, many of them
available in our pubs for the very first time and all available to order via
the Wetherspoon app.
WETHERSPOON PUBS Our special third-of-a-pint glasses will be available once again too,
helping you to sample many of the festival ales – with three for the price
of a festival pint.
IN ITS GOOD BEER GUIDE
14 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 15
FESTIVAL BREW: SPECIAL BREW: SPECIALITY BEER:
NEW BEER INTERNATIONAL SEASONAL GLUTEN
TASTING NOTES 20
FOR 2020
FB Brewed for the first time, IB
BREWER
SB Rare beer brewed again SP Unusual ingredients S
BREW
V VEGAN GF
FREE
exclusively for this festival especially for this festival or style (ie cask lager)
1/ GREENE KING SUNRISER 3.8% ABV
Greene King Brewery, Suffolk. Est. 1799 5/ OTTER 30 YEARS 4.0% ABV
Otter Brewery, Devon. Est. 1990 9/ TERRAPIN HEY PAL 4.2% ABV
Terrapin Beer Co, Georgia, USA. Est. 2002 13/ ELGOOD’S BLACKBERRY PORTER
4.5% ABV
This new golden seasonal ale has This new golden beer, celebrating this This russet-coloured American brown Elgood’s Brewery,
an inviting, fruity, hoppy aroma, leading popular brewery’s 30th anniversary, ale delivers a smooth, easy-drinking Cambridgeshire. Est. 1795
to bold fruity flavours, balanced by makes its exclusive début at mouthfeel, with distinctive toasty, This dark ruby-coloured speciality beer
subtle malt notes and culminating in a this Wetherspoon real-ale festival. roasted and chocolate notes, is both gluten free and suitable for
refreshing character and hoppy finish. Aromas of tangerine and peach balanced and enhanced by a vegans. The predominant blackberry V
Brewed by Georgia Grouchman. lead to a crisp and fruity flavour, with prominent hop bite in the flavour. aroma, with hints of malt, leads to a
a smooth, rounded finish. Brewed by Jess Hurd at rich, roasted malt palate, complemented
Hops: Mosaic
S Brewed by Mary Ann McCaig. Banks’s Brewery, West Midlands. by a pleasing hop bitterness and GF
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN) clean berry fruit flavours in the finish.
Hops: Huell Melon, Magnum Hops: Fuggles, Magnum, Progress
Hops: Fuggles
NOTE....................................................................................................... Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), FB Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), IB SP
wheat (GLUTEN) oats (GLUTEN) Allergens: none
NOTE.......................................................................................................
2/ PURITY APA 3.9% ABV NOTE....................................................................................................... NOTE.......................................................................................................
Purity Brewery, Warwickshire.
10/ BATH QUEEN OF HEARTS
4.3% ABV
Est. 2005
This new gluten-free and vegan- 6/ BLACK SHEEP MONTY PYTHON’S
DEAD PARROT 4.1% ABV
Bath Ales, Somerset. Est. 1995
This new, warming amber-red ale
14/ HOGS BACK CITRUS PALE ALE 4.5% ABV
Hogs Back Brewery, Surrey. Est. 1992
friendly beer has been brewed Black Sheep Brewery, North Yorkshire. This new golden-coloured seasonal
exclusively for this Wetherspoon has been brewed exclusively for this
Est. 1992 ale delivers a blend of floral and citrus
real-ale festival. It is a hazy pale V This new amber-coloured beer
Wetherspoon real-ale festival. The
notes in both the aroma and flavour,
golden in colour, with zesty aromas toffee and raisin notes, imparted by
makes its exclusive début at this generous quantities of crystal with subtle malt notes giving a fine
of berries, peach and passion fruit, balance to the light, hoppy character
Wetherspoon real-ale festival.
leading to a fruity, balanced flavour. GF The fresh hop aromas of citrus fruit
malt, combine with pine and spicy
– culminating in a long, dry finish.
hop notes, while the addition of
Hops: Columbus, Galaxy, and pine squawk against sweet dark fruits gives a distinctive twist Brewed by Mo Zeiher.
Nelson Sauvin malt and rye notes, while the malt
FB and hop flavours blend to create
to this ale’s character. Hops: Fuggles, Mosaic,
Allergens: none Brewed by Georgina Young. UK Cascade
a perfect balance with a fruity kick SP
NOTE.......................................................................................................
and a refreshing finish. Hops: Bramling Cross, Challenger Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), S
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), wheat (GLUTEN)
Hops: Chinook, Galena
oats (GLUTEN), rye (GLUTEN), FB
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), S wheat (GLUTEN) NOTE.......................................................................................................
3/ WHEATY BREWING CORPS
THEBBY BITTER 3.9% ABV
rye (GLUTEN), wheat (GLUTEN)
NOTE.......................................................................................................
Wheaty Brewing Corps,
South Australia. Est. 2014
NOTE.......................................................................................................
11/ HOOK NORTON OFF THE HOOK 4.3% ABV
Hook Norton Brewery, Oxfordshire.
15/ JW LEES BOURNE AND BOOTH 4.5% ABV
JW Lees Brewery, Manchester. Est. 1828
This new beer has been brewed
7/
This light amber-coloured beer, MARSTON’S RUSSET 4.2% ABV Est. 1849 exclusively for this Wetherspoon real-ale
packed full of hops, is a little beer Marston’s Brewery, Staffordshire. Est. 1834 This new, golden-coloured beer has festival. It is light mahogany in colour,
with a big flavour. Its hops provide been brewed exclusively for this with a well-balanced, full-bodied flavour
plenty of tropical fruit notes and This new ruby-coloured beer, brewed
exclusively for this Wetherspoon Wetherspoon real-ale festival, with and emerging bitterness, resulting in
hoppy flavours, with a biscuit-malt an impressive range of hop varieties a clean and crisp character.
backbone providing balance to real-ale festival, has a balance of malt
and hop notes in the flavour, with delivering a strong combination of Brewed by Abby Bourne and
its refreshing character. orange and citrus notes, along with Amy Booth.
Brewed by Steph Cope at undertones of caramel and toffee
complemented by a subtle dry a full-flavoured, refreshing character.
Wadworth Brewery, Wiltshire. Hops: Celeia, Pilgrim
hop finish. Brewed by Janet Tailby. FB
Hops: Cascade, Ella, Brewed by Aneta Izdbeska, Allergens: barley (GLUTEN)
Hops: Admiral, Challenger,
Enigma, Warrior Naomi Pallister and Victoria Hearnden. Mandarina Bavaria,
NOTE.......................................................................................................
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), IB Hops: Goldings UK Amarillo, UK Chinook
wheat (GLUTEN) FB FB
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN) Allergens: barley (GLUTEN)
NOTE.......................................................................................................
NOTE....................................................................................................... NOTE....................................................................................................... 16/ LAND & SEA
ESTUARY SESSION ALE 4.5% ABV
4/
Land & Sea Brewing,
12/
CONWY EL CAMINO 4.0% ABV ADNAMS FISHERMAN 4.5% ABV
Conwy Brewery, Conwy. Est. 2003 Adnams Brewery, Suffolk. Est. 1872 British Columbia, Canada
This golden beer has distinctive
aromas of fresh green pepper and
8/ ST PETER’S HOP IT 4.2% ABV
St Peter’s Brewery, Suffolk. Est. 1996 This rare beer has been brewed again,
after a few years’ break, especially for this
This golden beer has aromas of
grapefruit, candied ginger and pine,
tropical fruit, leading to a hoppy, This copper-coloured ale has an Wetherspoon real-ale festival. It is deep red with floral undertones, leading to
refreshing flavour with a well-balanced inviting, hoppy aroma, leading to a in colour, with a flavour which, although a toffee malt sweetness, complemented
bitterness and lasting finish. well-rounded malty flavour and clean and refreshing, conjures up roasted by grapefruit and a hop resin bitterness,
moderate bitterness, with malty, sweet nuts and dark chocolate, along with a resulting in a clean, crisp finish.
Hops: Cascade, Citra, and hoppy notes combining to deliver Brewed by Tessa Gabiniewicz at
Columbus, Ekuanot lingering taste of liquorice and dark fruits.
a balanced character throughout. Brewed by Dawn Baldry. Hook Norton Brewery, Oxfordshire.
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), S Brewed by Hayley Oakes.
Hops: Goldings Hops: Cascade, Citra, Pilgrim,
wheat (GLUTEN) Hops: Admiral, Motueka, Pilgrim Spruce Centennial
S Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), SB IB
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN) oats (GLUTEN) Allergens: barley (GLUTEN)
NOTE.......................................................................................................
NOTE....................................................................................................... NOTE....................................................................................................... NOTE.......................................................................................................
16 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 17
FESTIVAL BREW: SPECIAL BREW: SPECIALITY BEER:
NEW BEER INTERNATIONAL SEASONAL GLUTEN
TASTING NOTES 20
FOR 2020
FB Brewed for the first time, IB
BREWER
SB Rare beer brewed again SP Unusual ingredients S
BREW
V VEGAN GF
FREE
exclusively for this festival especially for this festival or style (ie cask lager)
17/ SAMBROOK’S CANDLEMAKER
4.5% ABV 21/ BIRRA PERUGIA
CHOCOLATE PORTER 24/ TITANIC NEW SCHOOL
5.0% ABV 27/ VALE JEKYLL AND HYDE 5.2% ABV
Vale Brewery, Buckinghamshire.
Sambrook’s Brewery, 5.0% ABV Titanic Brewery, Est. 1995
Battersea. Est. 2008 Fabbrica della Birra Perugia, Staffordshire. Est. 1985 This deep red beer, last seen in
This rare black IPA, brewed Torgiano, Italy. Est. 1875 Andrea Reed from Charnwood May 2013, has been brewed again
again especially for this Wetherspoon This black beer is based on a classic Brewery, a new-school brewery exclusively for this Wetherspoon
real-ale festival, has aromas of porter recipe, with the addition established in 2014, has brewed real-ale festival. The subtle aromas of
pine, citrus and treacle, leading to of roasted cocoa beans delivering this new, exclusive beer for us passion fruit and grapefruit lead
flavours of liquorice, spiced malt chocolate flavours, complemented at Titanic Brewery, considered to rich roast malt flavours, balanced
loaf and citrus hops, with notes of by roasted, malty and coffee an old-school brewery. This by fresh berry fruit hop notes and
cocoa, figs and coffee in the finish. notes, resulting in a smooth and red-brown beer uses traditional a dry, lasting finish.
Hops: Chinook, Citra, Mosaic complex character. quantities of darker malts to Hops: Styrian
Brewed by Luana Meola combine with modern hopping
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), SB at Adnams Brewery, Suffolk. SP rates, resulting in a hoppy aroma, Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), SB
wheat (GLUTEN) a full and balanced flavour and wheat (GLUTEN)
Hops: Goldings a smooth, dry finish.
NOTE....................................................................................................... Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), IB Brewed by Andrea Reed and Will Bott. NOTE.......................................................................................................
oats (GLUTEN)
18/ HARVIESTOUN HEAVEN CENT 4.6% ABV Hops: First Gold, Fuggles, Target
Harviestoun Brewery,
Clackmannanshire. Est. 1983
NOTE....................................................................................................... Allergens: barley (GLUTEN),
FB
28/ BREW MOON ANTIPODEAN 5.5% ABV
Brew Moon Brewery, New Zealand.
Est. 2002
This new blond IPA has pleasing hoppy, NOTE.......................................................................................................
This golden-coloured pale ale has
floral notes and a perfect balance generous quantities of tropical fruit,
of malt and bitterness. It has generous
quantities of citrus, pine and resinous
flavours, delivering a crisp and
22/ BREWSTER’S
PERSEPHONE 5.0% ABV
citrus and fruity notes in both
the aroma and flavour, balanced by
Brewster’s Brewery,
25/ LANCASTER IPA 5.1% ABV a crisp, light, malty base. This
refreshing character. Lincolnshire. Est. 1998 delivers a full, refreshing character
Brewed by Lisa Matthews. Lancaster Brewery, and a lasting finish.
This light golden beer, brewed Lancashire. Est. 2005
Hops: Centennial, Eureka, exclusively for this Wetherspoon Brewed by Belinda Gould at
Magnum, Waimea This new, light golden beer has Shepherd Neame Brewery, Kent.
real-ale festival, is a stronger
been brewed exclusively for this
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), FB version of this brewery’s
Wetherspoon real-ale festival.
Hops: Galaxy, Kohatu
IB
oats (GLUTEN), wheat (GLUTEN) multiaward-winning Hophead.
The blend of three British hop Allergens: barley (GLUTEN)
The intense hop aromas of citrus
varieties delivers citrus and orange
NOTE....................................................................................................... fruits lead to refreshing flavours
of zesty marmalade and a lasting,
notes, with a fruity, balanced and NOTE.......................................................................................................
full-bodied flavour developing into
19/ SALOPIAN THE MURMURINGS
OF A LOST LEVIATHAN 4.8% ABV
hoppy finish.
Brewed by Sara Barton.
a full, lasting finish.
Hops: Admiral, Godiva, Pilot 29/ WADWORTH SWEET MOLLY 5.5% ABV
Wadworth Brewery, Wiltshire. Est. 1875
Salopian Brewery, Shropshire. Est. 1995 Hops: Bramling Cross,
This golden IPA sparkles with Cascade, First Gold
FB
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), FB This new ruby-coloured beer
mesmerising tangerine and papaya wheat (GLUTEN) has been brewed exclusively for this
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN) Wetherspoon real-ale festival. The
sorbet notes, delivering a hoppy
and full (yet not overpowering) flavour NOTE....................................................................................................... subtle smoky aroma leads to a soft
NOTE....................................................................................................... toffee and caramel sweetness,
which melds beautifully across
a brazen sea of passion fruit and balanced by a light roasted dryness
lemon zest. and a moderate hoppiness,
with spicy and dark fruit notes.
Hops: Centennial, Challenger,
Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin
SB
23/ LOCH LOMOND
SILKIE STOUT 5.0% ABV 26/ MAXIM AMERICAN PRIDE IPA
5.2% ABV
Hops: Chinook, Target
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN)
FB
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN) Loch Lomond Brewery, Maxim Brewery,
West Dunbartonshire. County Durham.
NOTE....................................................................................................... Est. 2011 Est. 2007 NOTE.......................................................................................................
20/
This award-winning black This pale golden beer, last seen
30/
SHEPHERD NEAME OAKHAM ROGUE HOP 5.6% ABV
oatmeal stout has an inviting in July 2017, has been brewed again
IN THE NIC OF TIME 4.8% ABV roast coffee aroma, leading exclusively for this Wetherspoon Oakham Ales, Cambridgeshire.
Shepherd Neame Brewery, to a robust and rich chocolate real-ale festival. Created in the style Est. 1993
Kent. Est. 1698 flavour, balanced by subtle of an American IPA, the tropical fruit This new amber-coloured IPA
This new deep golden beer has hop notes and rounded off aromas lead to an abundance of dry has been brewed exclusively for this
been brewed exclusively for this with a smooth, creamy finish. blackcurrant notes in the complex, Wetherspoon real-ale festival.
Wetherspoon real-ale festival, Brewed by Fiona MacEachern. well-balanced flavour. Its generous blend of hops delivers
with a fresh, floral aroma leading Hops: First Gold, Pacifica Hops: Cascade, Citra, Willamette an aroma and flavour which are
to a balance of citrus notes, bursting with tropical fruit character,
a refreshing bitterness and a Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), SB culminating in a smooth, dry finish.
background of malt flavours. oats (GLUTEN), wheat (GLUTEN) wheat (GLUTEN)
Hops: Cascade, Centennial,
Brewed by Nic Allen. Columbus, Summit
Hops: Cascade, Fuggles, Target
NOTE....................................................................................................... NOTE.......................................................................................................
S Allergens: barley (GLUTEN), FB
Allergens: barley (GLUTEN) wheat (GLUTEN)
NOTE....................................................................................................... NOTE.......................................................................................................
18 FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR FESTIVAL NEWS WED 25 MAR – SUN 5 APR 1918 FEMALE BREWERS
FROM THE UK AND AROUND THE WORLD
ENJOY 3 1/3 - PINT TASTERS FOR THE PRICE** OF A FESTIVAL PINT
FESTIVAL ALES ARE PART OF THE ‘INCLUDES A DRINK’ MEAL-DEAL RANGE
ALES AVAILABLE ON THE WETHERSPOON APP
SPR20FESTNEWS
Subject to local licensing restrictions and availability at participating free houses. Photography/illustration
is for guidance only. J D Wetherspoon plc reserves the right to withdraw/change offers (without notice),
at any time. See main menus for allergen information, symbol explanations and additional details of our
terms and conditions. **Ale festival price may vary by pub and applies to the festival ales only, the full list
of which can be seen in these tasting notes.You can also read
