Craft Beer Rising 2016

It was our first outing on this stage at Craft Beer Rising and we were pretty pumped up about it. Over 100 breweries, lots of them international, loads of new beer to try and brewers to meet. Beyond chin-wagging with beer nerds, the main reason we like going to these events is beer swaps and brew-house storytelling with fellow-brewers. We don’t get out that much, so set a brewer loose in a crowded room full of beer and other brewers and it’s like a bunch of kangaroos on a bouncy castle – too much fun!

There was an almost certainly overwhelming atrium of beer and cider representation – is there such a thing as too much choice? I think there was probably not enough space to just sit back on a bench and enjoy a beer, take stock of everything going on, chat to a mate, and then go back for more. That’s surely what it’s all about. That’s what we’re about at least, drinking it and talking to people is a mantra close to our hearts.

Part of the opening day was dedicated to the competition, and we’re really happy to see Hepcat come out as champ of the Session IPA category. This was done via a blind tasting panel with really outstanding judges. It not only came out as top, but with full marks! That’s pretty great, and we’re really pumped. Congrats to the other winners.

Cheers to all and see you soon!