Well folks, it’s that time of year again. Spring is sprung, the clocks are about to go forward, and Pudsey Civic Hall is girding its loins for an influx of beer-monsters. Yep, Leeds Beer Festival is this weekend, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a fully paid-up Beer Geek or casually curious about the wonders of Real Ale – there’s something for everyone.
But where to start? These things can be a bit daunting, so here’s my personal picks of the bunch.
Firstly, you don’t get much more local that the imperious Kirkstall Brewery. They’ll have both their fruitily-punchy Dissolution IPA and the eponymous Black Band Porter on offer, and both are well worth trying if you’ve not sampled Kirkstall’s wares yet.
Keeping it local, the Outwood-based Five Towns have two beers on the bar – Outwood Gold and Billericay Dickie. Malcolm Bastow, head brewer/owner, also works full – time in the NHS; you really can’t knock his commitment to Real Ale. What’s more – whisper it – his beers are really good. So don’t miss out. Little Valley’s Hebden Wheat comes from – you guessed it – Hebden Bridge – and if you like your wheat beers (Erdinger et al), then give this a go. Slightly less sweet than mainstream Wheat Beers, Hebden Wheat has plenty of Lime/Coriander/Lemon notes going on. If it’s a hot one, then it’s a perfect thirst quencher. There’s also beers from Rodham’s, Rooster’s and Ridgside, Wharfebank and Wold Top amongst many, many more – there’s nothing to stop you drinking Yorkshire Ales for the entire weekend.
There’s not only beer from Yorkshire on offer. Oakham (Peterbrough) have, amongst others, Citra on offer – and it’s one of my favourites. As the name suggests, it’s a Citrus-Fruit loaded Pale Ale, with masses and masses of Grapefruit and Lemon in the nose and the taste. Purple Moose’s (Wales) Dark Side of The Moose is definitely one for those of you who like fruity, robust milds, and Potbelly (Kettering) have Beijing Black – an old favourite is you like the darker side of things.
Finally, don’t miss out on Durham’s White Stout. White Stout? Yes, White Stout. Eons ago, the term ‘Stout’ simply used to mean ‘Strong’ in beer terms – before the black stuff co-opted it. This is a powerful Golden Ale, with spice and sweetness and – most importantly – is a great beer. Don’t miss out.
Have fun! You can check out opening times and such on the festival’s home page.