There were plenty of stars at the recent Sun Beer & Cider Festival, with a generous menu of 34 beers and ciders to choose from. The fest also featured presentations from Graeme Hill of Robinson’s and Matt Jackson of Lancaster Brewery. “A definite success” was the verdict of Jenny Greenhalgh, Tom and Martin Sherlock, Mike Brandwood and Anne Stewardson — the CAMRA team in attendance on the Thursday evening.
Samples of the iconic Old Tom came round while Graeme gave a brief talk on the company. Reported one of the team, “I’ve never drunk this beer in June through a hand pump while sitting outside. Rich, round and deceptively strong! Graeme informed us that the cat motif is from a brewer’s sketch in the brewery records — and the cat is always winking.”
Drawing special praise were Otter Bright (4.3%), pale as a lager, with a good hoppy nose and citrus flavours, refreshing on the palate, with a strong bitter finish, and St Austell Tribute: “Wonderful fragrant hop aroma. Looking as flat as a pancake, this beer was delightfully feminine in aroma and flavour. Described in the GBG as medium bodied, I found it quite full, estery, sweetish, with a good malt flavour and bittersweet finish.”
Hopback Summer Lightning, Schiehallion, Otter Delight, Leeds Midnight Bell and Lees Moonraker also drew praise.
Our thanks to all at the Sun for their expertise and efficiency in putting on yet another popular and delights-full festival.
Pictures: Manning the pumps at The Sun (photo by Tom Sherlock) and Personalities at the Fest (photo by Anne Stewardson)