Beer and ale festivals are the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of craft beer, explore new brews, and find their perfect flavor. However, for those new to the world of beer festivals, it can be difficult to sort through the many varieties and breweries. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the perfect beer at The British Beer & Ale Festival so you don’t get lost in a world of hoppy delights!
Decide on the type of beer
Beer comes in many forms, and it’s a good start to understand what types of beer exist. This will help narrow down your choices and steer you towards something you’re likely to enjoy. Here are a few of the main categories:
- Lager: A light, refreshing beer with a bright flavor and slight bitterness. This is a great choice for newcomers who are just starting to explore the world of beer.
- Ale: Most often more full-bodied and fruity, with a wide range of flavors from sweet to bitter.
- Porter and Stout: Dark brews with strong flavors of coffee, chocolate and caramel. These beers are perfect for those looking for something more complex and full-bodied.
- IPA (India Pale Ale): This is a beer with a bright hop flavor and strong bitterness. If you like more intense aromas and flavors, IPA is your choice.
- Craft Beer: Every craft beer is an experiment, a new combination of flavors and ingredients. Try it if you want to be surprised and discover unique brews.
Look for novelties and exclusives
The festival often presents unique varieties that cannot be found in stores. If you want to try something new and unconventional, be sure to check out these brews. It could be a seasonal beer, a limited edition or a new creation from local brewers.
Tip: Look for booths at the festival with new breweries or unique offerings. They often offer tastings and can talk about the process of creating these brews.
Listen to advice from brewers and experts
Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Festivals usually have brewers and experts who are happy to share their knowledge and help you choose something to taste. Approach the booths, tell them what you like (like sweet or bitter flavors), and they’ll suggest a beer you’re sure to like.
Tip: Many breweries offer tastings, so feel free to try small portions before making a selection.
Utilize the tasting system
Many festivals have special tasting glasses and vouchers that allow you to try multiple beers for one price. This is a great way to try more varieties without spending too much. Remember, tasting is not a race, and it’s best to choose 3-4 varieties to enjoy each one.
Tip: Start with light and fresh brews such as lagers and gradually progress to more complex and full-bodied beers such as stouts or IPAs.
Don’t forget the food
Beer brings out its flavors best when combined with good food. Most festivals have food courts with a variety of appetizers and dishes that go well with certain beers. For example, dark beers will go well with meat dishes or cheeses, while IPAs go well with spicy food.
Conclusion
The British Beer & Ale Festival is not only a chance to enjoy unique flavors, but also a great opportunity to discover new brews and breweries. Use our guide, ask questions, try different brews, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Good luck finding your perfect beer at the festival!
