NERAX 2015

Excellent event. Loved Fair Maid and Infinite Jest.

 

Hopefully something hoppy left for Saturday.

 

Even though I just liked the post above this (I like a hoppy beer or two at NERAX) I go mostly for the milds/bitters. While a bit disappointing, I'm not surprised. IPAs are what's popular, why not carry more?

 

And half the English bitters were brewed or dry-hopped with American hops. I (mostly) stuck to the traditional English styles and there were more than enough to enjoy.

 

There definitely were more IPAs than normal. I volunteered Wed, Thurs and Fri, and definitely saw that. Most of the American beers were IPA (a few exceptions, of course) and of the British ones, even a lot of the mild / bitters were American hopped. Slightly disappointing to see them all going that route, but there were still some standouts. Ridgeway Blue was great last night, a few of the other Brits on my station (I was bartending,) were selling like hotcakes (Milady's Fancy, the Mischief, one or 2 others.)

 

Effinghamburgherbrau.

 

10 Bitters (7 UK/3 US)
5 Blondes (UK)
1 Blonde Belgian (US)
3 Ciders (US)
2 UK "Dark"
Only 1 ESB (UK)
Three UK Golden, 1 US
1 Gose (US)
1 Gruit (US)
1 Helles (US)
6 UK IPA
16 US IPA
3 US DIPA
1 US Rye IPA
2 US "Session" IPA
1 Kombucha
2 UK Mild
1 UK Old
9 UK Pale
3 US Pale
2 US Pilsner
3 UK Porter
5 US Porter
5 UK Red
2 US Red
1 UK Dark Saison
2 Scotch (1 US/1 UK)
2 UK Stout
2 US Stout
1 UK Strong

 

I enjoyed it. I'm still not 100% on the beer engine wagon, but I did enjoy what I had. As I said before, part of going was getting more accustomed to the differences of cask beer. The festival itself was great. Much more laid back than other festivals I've been to. Paying for your beer and having glass sort of calms things down. I think there was less of the rampant desire to get the next taste. I liked the venue a lot too, despite it being a little bit off the beaten path.

Also, don't fear the reaper, just boo him.

 

I had a blast this year as usual. I really look forward to this each year, its fantastic for fans of real ale.

 

It was a good fest. I like the room. Both floors used (3rd and 4th) had lots of windows for natural light and fresh air (on Friday evening). Having the food and seating upstairs made for more room downstairs where the beer was being served. It is also cool that the Lithuanian Club owners have a bar and restaurant in the basement if you are in the mood for Lithuanian food on Saturday afternoon (until 7 pm).