Championing English hops: Padstow Brewing Company brewer George Collins
An error made by beer festival organisers means drinkers will be able to savour a unique beer from Padstow, to be supplied in cask for the first and only time.
Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, who organise the charity Newquay Beer Festival, at Hendra Holiday Park from September 21 to 23, had identified Padstow Brewing Company’s Sundowner as one of their showcase strong ales at 6.5% ABV. But the Lions hadn’t spotted that it was a seasonal ale and would not be available in time for the festival.
However, the brewer came to the rescue with an innovative solution — to supply a unique ale that it was already in the process of producing for can and keg sale, as a cask ale especially for the beer festival.
Named Abandon your Prejudices, the 6.8% ABV full-bodied India pale ale (IPA), is a collaboration with hop merchant Charles Faram to develop a one-off brew that showcases exciting, new and upcoming English hop varieties.
Des Archer, of Padstow Brewing Co, said: “The beer was originally all going to can and keg. When Phil, from the Lions, called, we were more than happy to produce a one-off cask for their beer festival and help raise money for the charity.”
English hop varieties
Padstow brewer, George Collins, added: “We were discussing the fact that English hop varieties do not get very much attention due to the current craft beer love affair with American and New World hop varieties and the big flavours they bring to the table.
“After discussion with our hop merchant, Charles Faram, we are now brewing Abandon your Prejudices with English hop varieties — such as Olicana and Jester — that they have been developing in order to demonstrate that a beer does not have to use new world hops to have flavour! It will definitely make you sit up and think about the beer you are drinking.”
Lion Phil Bunt, one of the festival organisers, said: “It is great that Padstow Brewing Company have helped us out with such a unique solution. I’m sure many real ale fans will appreciate being able to sample a new and original beer from the cask, particularly as this may be the only time they are able to do so.”
• Earlybird tickets for Newquay Beer Festival can be bought at www.newquaybeerfestival.com
