We were musing on Beer Festivals, and what seemed to be missing from the ones we were used to attending. A nice, different setting – one that speaks of the place where you are. Also, and this was a big one – in the middle of Leeds. You know, so that everyone can come – not just those prepared to jump on the train.
What struck me the most was the sheer effort (and money) put into the bars and ‘pop-ups’. They looked brilliant; The Kernel’s rough-hewn wood an extension of the branding, Friends of Ham’s teepee, resplendent with bar, fire, folk band and Jamon, Bundobust’s Bollywood blast of colour and aroma. Rooster’s, Ilkley, Magic Rock and Northern Monk cosied up with Timothy Taylor’s and Ossett, Kirkstall, Hardknott & Thornbridge. Italian Beer. American Beer. London Beer. Maggie Cubbler was offering truffles to compliment Northern Monk’s Strannik Imperial Stout, and Beer-Ritz had gone on the road again to remind the people of Leeds that we do have a world-class bottle shop in the city.
So what was good? Rooster’s 20th Anniversary IPA was a masterclass in balance between Malt and Hops, and Weird Beard’s Amarillo Belgian IPA pulled off the same trick at the same time as injecting it with a streak of Banana, Cinnamon and Rose. Hardknott’s Lux Borealis and Kernel’s Sour both cleansed, refreshed and revitalised jaded palates. However, our personal favorite was Kernel's Citra with their IPA Galaxy a close second!
We strolled, sampled, laughed, ate, sampled, ate some more and laughed some more. We caught up with the brewers and generally treated the whole affair like the best pub in Leeds, for three nights only. It was a triumph not only for beer, but for the Yorkshire businesses that put so much effort into bringing their best out on show. We eagerly look forward to next year!
We've got our tickets for for the Leeds International Beer Festival...do you? Stay tuned tomorrow for a complete rundown, including all the highlights and of course, our favorites! Hope to see you there!
A big thank you to Ian and Phil at Brass Castle Brewery for taking the time out of your busy day to give us the guided tour. Look forward to tasting the new brew with those 'Great British' green hops!
We strolled, sampled, laughed, ate, sampled, ate some more and laughed some more. We caught up with the brewers and generally treated the whole affair like the best pub in Leeds, for three nights only. It was a triumph not only for beer, but for the Yorkshire businesses that put so much effort into bringing their best out on show. We eagerly look forward to next year!
