Happy Man, Englefield Green - the Grim Northern Beer Festival 2013

Happy Man, Englefield Green - The Grim Northern Beer Festival 2013

Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May, 2013

Cat Nap, Barngates Brewery, Ambleside, Cumbria (est. 1997)3.6%

A zesty bitter offering a biscuit mal, cereal and fresh straw seduction balanced by hints of grapefruit.Gold SIBA Northern region award.

Auld Hemp, High House Farm, Maften, Tyne & Wear (2003)3.8%

This tantalizing fresh amber brew combines a malty caramel blend with notes of grass. Great British Beer Festival finalist.

Wylam Bitter, Wylam Brewery, Heddon-on-the Wall, Northumberland (2000) 3.8%

For those favouring a full-bodied, earthy and classic Fuggles-finish bitter, too much of this deceptively drinkable toasty bitter may lead you to be toasted.

Ginger Beer, Hadrian & Border Brewery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1994) 4%

Do you want something to tantalize the tongue, a ginger to threaten you? Try this hoppy, yet woody and smooth brew made with real root ginger.

Golden Plover, Allendale Brewery, Hexham, Northumberland (2006) 4%

Maris Otter pale malts result in a light and refreshing clean bitter. Don’t be deceived by the description, this is a SIBA Gold award winner.

Rivet Catcher, Jarrow Brewery, Jarrow, Tyne & Wear (2002)4%

Champion North East Beer of the Year & CAMRA Great British Beer Festival Silver winner. Light, smooth and satisfying gold bitter.Tickles the tongue and nose.

Red, Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, Cumbria (2002)4.2%

A red, bitter-sweet ale using Dark Crystal malt to contrast the initial sugariness against the long-dry finish. CAMRA Silver best bitter of Cumbria.

GrasmoorDark, Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Ambleside, Cumbria (2003) 4.3%

Crystal, chocolate and Maris Otter malts with a selection of all-English hops leads to a dark Christmas-pudding-in-a-glass beer.

Loweswater Gold, Cumbrian Ales4.3%

Brewed with lager malt and German hops, this Champion Beer of Britain has a fruity aroma and flavour with a citrusy yet smooth bitter finish.

Tag Lag, Barngates Brewery4.4%

The fresh spicy aroma and initial sweetness of this amber beer is belied by the dry finish.Doncaster CAMRA and Keswick Beer Festival winner.

Lakeland Gold, Hawkshead4.4%

American Cascade and English First hops result in a subtly fruity yet hoppy golden beer. A Champion Beer of Britain finalist.

Workie Ticket, Mordue Brewery, North Shields, Tyne & Wear4.5%

A dark copper and mild malty creamy brew with a touch of berry, this former Champion Beer of Britain has a long and satisfying bitter finish.

Grainger Ale, Hadrian & Border4.6%

For those of you who adore very pale golden beers, try this single malt and three hop drink. CAMRA Northumberland & Tyneside Battle of the Bitter winner.

Matfen Magic, High House Farm4.8%

Think of blackberries and autumn fruits, overtones of malt and chocolate … Don’t miss this bronze brew of Fuggles and Brambling Grass hops. SIBA Silver winner.

IPA, Mordue5.1%

Great British Beer Festival silver medallist winner. The use of Horizon hops from the US lends to the classic American blonde style.

Maximus, Maxim Brewery, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne & Wear (1999) 6%

What is the secret of this strong and warming burgundy bitter? Herbs, Demerara sugar, write to them as ask …