Jez 's biking accident meant that he couldn't make it to the bigger of his two beer fests (and this one coinciding with his birthday as well) So in his absence, we drank the beer for him...

There were 24 barrels racked up in a beer tent on the patio, and a cold weekend meant they were at perfect serving temperature. I had the chance to do some serious sampling on the Friday night, and then again when working up there on Saturday (albeit feeling a bit delicate). As you'll see from the ratings, the selection of beer was good and of a very high standard - looking forward to the next one!

Day 1

Brewer	Region	Name	ABV	Tasting Notes	Rating
Abbeydale	S Yorks	Absolution	5.3%	Golden and very flavoursome. Hoppy and slightly syrupy. Feels strong	9/10
Hidden	Wilts	Quest	4.2%	Bitter coloured. Quite yeasty/homebrew harsh, but drinkable	6/10
Big Lamp	Newcastle	Prince Bishop Ale	4.8%	Light but a bit ropey. Would probably be quite fruity if it weren't from the Mex Burger...	5/10
Mordue	Tyne&Wear	Workie Ticket	4.5%	Quite a sweet bitter with a malty aftertaste	6/10
Butcombe	Bristol	Blonde	4.3%	Very light, hoppy at the back of the throat and tasty	7/10
Cottage	Somerset	Norman Conquest	7.0%	A lager (shock, horror), but very fruity, citrusy and nice aftertaste	8/10
Cotleigh	Somerset	Kookaburra	4.4%	Light, gorgeous and very drinkable	7/10
Beartown	Congleton	Black Bear	5.0%	Very dark and full of flavour - rich and stouty	9/10

Day 2

Brewer	Region	Name	ABV	Tasting Notes	Rating
Skinners	Cornwall	Betty Stoggs	4.0%	Dark gold and light in texture. Not a strong flavour - good session beer	7/10
Durham	Durham	Dark Secret	4.3%	Malty and good level of flavour	8/10
Goffs	Gloucs	Jouster	4.0%	Light and biscuity, with a hint of sweetness	8/10
St Peters	Suffolk	Golden Ale	4.7%	Gold and fruity. Quite hoppy with a sharpish aftertaste	7/10
Palmer	Dorset	200	5.0%	Bit of a sharp aftertaste	6/10
Sharps	Cornwall	Doom Bar	4.0%	Light, citrusy and a good flavour	8/10
Hop Back	Wilts	Entire Stout	4.5%	Quality stout - nice amount of smoky charcoal flavour	8/10