HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Wessex, was among the many visitors to stop by the local beer marquee at this year’s Royal Cornwall Show.
The Cornish Beer Bar was the result of a collaboration between the Cornwall branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Cornwall Brewers’ Alliance.
Louise Treseder, co-owner of Driftwood Spars Brewery, and Bob Bunce, chairman of Cornwall CAMRA, introduced the Prince to the brewers and the directives of both CAMRA and the alliance. The royal visitor showed great interest in the increasing success of the county’s microbreweries and the role of CAMRA.
Later that day, BBC Radio Cornwall presenter, Debbie McCrory, interviewed Bob, broadcasting live on the work of CAMRA, the classification of real ale and the ongoing success of Cornish brewing as a brand. Bob highlighted the fantastic collaborative approach of the Cornwall Brewers’ Alliance and invited everyone to visit the brewers at the bar.
There were 38 beers in the showcase, from as far west as Cornish Crown, in Penzance, and as far north as Bude. The microbreweries stood alongside the big boys, with Castle, Coastal, Dynamite Valley, Forge, Keltek, Penpont, Rebel, Sharp’s, Skinner’s, St Austell, Tintagel and Wooden Hand all showcasing their beers.
There was a spotlight, too, for some of the county’s newest microbreweries, such as Woodman’s, Fishkey, Leafy Hollow and Tremethick. There was Atlantic Brewery’s vegetarian and organic ales alongside gluten-free beer from Driftwood Spars.
Eight keg beers were offered from craft brewers including Padstow, Firebrand and Harbour. Some brews were one-offs, just brewed for the show. There was a consistent rotation of brewers manning the bar and introducing their beers.
