NERAX This Week ...

Better bring enough for the whole class...

 

I'm also really looking forward to both of those, and several other American casks. I'm always less familiar with the British ones, but always enjoy the rare chance to try them. I'll probably be going Friday. I've been to NERAX in Portland and Haverhill, but this will be my first big one.

 

You will be in for a treat then, always some amazing UK beers. Even though I have had them multiple times before I always look forward to the Cairngorm beers and all the new stuff that shows up forthe first time.

 

Yes it is, I am glad it is on this years list again.

 

Does anyone recall what the price breakdown is (specifically what a quarter pint costs)?

Nevermind, found it here. I'll link it in case anyone else was curious.

http://nerax.org/index.php/nerax/nerax-sessions.html

 

perhaps I will see you all at the Wednesday evening session. Heading directly to NERAX from Bobcat with the firkin of Märzen auf Holz later this afternoon.

~M

 

Solid US list this year IMO, broad range of styles. Looking forward to the UK beers utilizing US hops, hoping to avoid the green cloud of cask ale farts that haunts NERAX ;-)

 

Any NERAX veterans have any suggestions for those of us less familiar with most of the UK beers and daunted by the list? I feel like I know what I'm doing on the US side, but totally lost with the UK.

 

I generally stay away from full pint pours. If it's something I don't know, I'll go with quarters. It may enf d up being a bit more costly, but I don't have to choke down another 3/4 if I don't like it. The descriptors are pretty helpfull to get an idea of what tge beer Is'.

 

So, anyone who was there tonight. How was the hall? How much was pouring? Anything notable kick?

 

Great opening night, nice new venue (by VFW standards) and little more relaxed feel than the Davis Sq location. Minimal lines to get in moved quickly, patrons were ID's and wristbanded in line, and plenty of elbow room in the hall.

If you went to tick HF Edward cask it wasn't ready for service Wednesday nite (unless it went on v late session). Looks like they are tweeting pictures of the menu boards daily rather than keeping a detailed status list on website.

 

Had a bunch of beers last night, but there was only one (that I had) that I thought was worth drinking more than one - Mallisons Galaxy - it actually had a bit of girth to it and it was pretty clean yeastwise. Seemed like an abundance of ME representation on the US side last night. Many eyerolls from me (from both sides of the atlantic), but still had a great time as always.

 

I know I asked this question about Davis Square in a previous thread, but what would be the best route going from Ball Square? Looks like maybe the 89 bus to Sullivan, then walk from there, didn't know if anyone who lives in the area knew of a better route.

 

Not sure if its closer, but you might be able to get off the 89 at RT 28 and walk from there.

 

Google Maps is awesome for finding routes using public transportation. Several different options.
http://g.co/maps/xb8qq

 

I may try and head down on Saturday if I can find someone to go with me!

 

My standouts from last night:
Adnams:
~ Bitter
~ Broadside (really liked)
Cerddin:
~ Cwrw Tri (interesting)
Gwynt y Ddraig
~ Black Dragon (very nice cider)
Hambleton:
~Nightmare Porter
Leeds:
Midnight Bell (my favourite of the night)

Also the OCB offering of Cask Conditioned Stovepipe Porter was very well done.
Another US offering from Jack's Abbey was very nice on the aromatics.
Also Moat Mountain. Very nice...

Had others listed here too. Realize there were many not online. Sadly I was only able to attend the 1st night, but it was great to see some old friends after so many years.

Hope folks make the effort to get to this festival.

~M

 

I thought about Saturday as well, but was wondering if it's worth it to go on the last day. I imagine Wed - Fri is your best shot for the freshest casks. I know they won't tap anything that's not ready, and won't keep anything past when it is fresh. But I have heard Saturday isn't the optimal day before on these forums. Veterans of this festival can chime in I'm sure. The one time I went was a Saturday afternoon a few years ago, and many of the casks were kicked, and I don't remember tasting anything outstanding.