Pete (Backbeat) was invited over this year, hence the addition(s) to this years list: he’s also going to be working with brewers & publicans, as he plans to open a UK branch… Pig's Ear Festival - Latest Beer Updates (realaledb.com)
An Unpasteurized, Unforced, Gravity Fed Bierfaß - Venue: Unpublished Location: Unpublished 2xGravity Fed Faß(s) Vented: November 22, 2023 Tapped: November 22, 2023 Consumed: November 22-23, 2023 German Pils: Tannenzäpfle Brewery: Rothaus Rothaus 1, GER Grains: Malted barley Hops: Tettnang, Hallertau Yeast: German Cultivation/House Yeast ABV: 5.3%
Pub Stout - Forest & Main Brewery (Ambler, PA). From beer engine at the production brewery location. Nice and roasty
Odd Bird New Jersey, USA 1xActive Beer Engine (Hi-Gene) Cask-conditioned Cask Tapped: November 22, 2023 Visit: November 24, 2023 English-style mild ale: Mome Rath Grains: Floor Malted Maris Otter, Rabbit Hill Caramel Rye Malt, Simpsons DRC Hops: Whole Leaf Fuggles Yeast: Omega British Ale VII ABV: 4.1% Aspirator: Yes (low/variable usage) Pints: 2 Sparkler: On Sparkler: Off Sidenote: There might be a small (NJ) cask fest in December: Adam was/is trying to get more details, from a particular venue, as there is some skepticism on what is being portrayed (i.e. unclear if the intent is to showcase additives over authenticity)
#124 | A call for cask – The Brewers Journal Short panel discussion hosted by Paul Davies that touches on the importance of priming, landlord neglect, choice taking precedence over ‘supreme quality beers’… Des de Moor (Author) Alice Batham (Bathams) Janos De Baets (Dok Brewing) Rob Lovatt (Thornbridge)
Ya, gravity – They occasionally do this throughout the year, as do some other venues (e.g. As Is, Blind Tiger). Nonetheless, this will be on a more consistent basis. BL has also held mini-gravity events, so there might be multiple tappings in a given week/on a given Friday
Andy will likely have the UK casks in time, for 2024 (i.e. should not be any hiccups with the cargo this time around) - --- "Join us for the biggest Real Ale (cask) event in New Hampshire! We are once again rallying both hyper-local and regional breweries to put together a unique tasting experience! Last year we had the biggest attendance of brewers, guests and the most unique collection of casks do date...A handful of special guests and brewers will be with us throughout the day to discuss Real Ale and craft beer. Our goal is to continue to raise awareness of cask beer, and grow this festival each year" Cask.On 2024 NH's Cask Ale Festival | BeerFests.com®
Second Cask Ale, from Shaun Pekar - Spuyten Duyvil New York, USA 1xActive Beer Engines (Angram) Cask-conditioned (Improvised Tilt/Stillage via Cellar) Cask Tapped: December 1, 2023 Pub Visit: December 2, 2023 English-style Pale Ale (ESB): Penny Whip Brewery: Wayward Lane Grains: Maris Otter, English Crystal, Black Malt Hops: UK Grown Fuggles, Harlequin Yeast: English ABV: 5% Aspirator: Yes Sparkler: No Immersed: No Pints: 3
Here’s a (condensed) version, of the history, as Des De Moor delivers in his recent publication – Following quote is from Mike Jordan (Head Brewer):
I've had at least four on the list --sadly, all consumed 14 years or longer ago. I'm due for a return trip.
Article touches on cask-conditioned lagers, and the various approaches to fermentation: Bonn Place (casks) vs von Trapp (tanks). Kevin Kain includes commentary from Harviestoun, Acopon, Good Word, Lowercase + Machine House, who notates the risk/shortcoming(s) Making the Case for Cask Lager | Craft Beer & Brewing (beerandbrewing.com)
Iconic local (well, local if you live in Western Massachusetts) watering hole The Moan & Dove has been getting back to their weekly cask ale. Last week they had Exhibit A's "Grateful for the Grainshed" English-style pub ale, with entirely New England grown ingredients. The beer was a collaboration between Allagash, Amory's Tomb, Kent Falls, Trillium, Woodstacker, Valley Malt, Blue Ox Malt, Champlain Valley Hops, Four Star Farms, Morrill Farm, and Porter Farm. An English-style pub ale on cask was a great way to showcase the malt here.
Wow, Moan and Dove! Haven't been there in ages. The first place I ever drank a Westvleteren 8 back in maybe 2005.
It remains a gem. Cask ales (almost) every Wednesday, afaik. I'll certainly be there this afternoon to get at that OEC dark mild (at least that's what I remember was going on...could be wrong, but as long as it's cask, I'll be happy).
