Campaign, pub and brewers unite for dark ales fest
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in Lancaster has got together with a popular town-centre pub and all three local brewers to stage a festival of milds, porters, stouts and winter ales. The two-week celebration of the dark and delicious kicked off with a well-attended Meet the Local Brewer night, where brewery staff were on hand to talk about their beers with pub regulars.
Kirkby Lonsdale brewery was represented by head brewer Stuart Taylor, and Bryson’s and Lancaster breweries by head brewers George Palmer and Will Pammenter respectively. The event was jointly organised by the Sir Richard Owen pub and Lunesdale CAMRA branch.
More than 20 ales will be on offer over a 14-day period, with Lancaster Black, Kirkby Lonsdale Jubilee Stout, Thwaites’ Nutty Black and Hawkshead Organic Oatmeal Stout being served at the launch.
All three brewers expressed their delight at being involved in an event that was aimed at bringing richly dark and malty styles to a wider range of drinkers. George Palmer said, “These ales offer people big flavours and bold aromas — for many a genuinely new drinking experience.” All paid tribute to the Wetherspoon pub’s managers for their decision to showcase dark beers.
Lunesdale CAMRA social secretary, Julian Holt, said, “Dark styles are a significant part of our beer heritage but often don’t get the attention they deserve. This event brings together campaigners, local cask ale producers, a popular local outlet and the public for a seasonal feast of some of the tastiest beers around.”
The festival continues until February 7th.