From sensory training and seminars for the Women in Beer Festival in Edinburgh, to the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards, it’s always great to be reminded how much there is to explore in the world of beer.
One thing that stands out at beer judging events is how underrepresented the North East is. If you’re curious about what goes on behind the scenes, or want to take your love of beer to the next level, feel free to get in touch for a chat.
I’ve been dividing my weekends between walking, gigs and checking out events – including Chester-le-EATS, Oktoberfest at McColl’s Brewery, Harvest Festival at Rigg & Furrow, Stu Brew’s 10th birthday, and discovering new pubs during Gateshead Beer Month (an initiative from our local CAMRA branch). My annual Books ‘n’ Beer Pairing event with Helen from Forum Books has been a highlight too. If you missed it, check out the Craft Beer Newcastle blog for this year’s picks, including one crisp pairing!
If you’re around Newcastle, I’ll be at Blackfriars’ first Christmas Market (Nov 30-Dec 1), where I’m thrilled to be selling my first-ever collaboration beer! Brewed with Steam Machine and Salford Beer Festival, it’s a Belgian-style Dubbel with dark chocolate and black cherry.
On the industry front, you might have seen the new Indie Beer campaign from SIBA. Similar to the Brewers Association’s work in the USA, the campaign makes it easy to check if a beer is independently owned or if it’s riding on the coattails of craft. It’s a brilliant way to encourage people to support genuine, local breweries – and I hope it brings a little more transparency to the beer world.
As the year comes to a close, my recommendation for 2025 is simple – step away from your phone, go for a walk, end up in a cosy pub, order your favourite drink, and take a moment to soak up the atmosphere. Pubs, bottle shops and taprooms are so much more than beer – they’re the heart of our communities.
Daisy Turnell is a beer judge, director at Tipple Marketing, and owner of Craft Beer Newcastle.
www.craftbeernewcastle.co.uk
