Imp 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 1

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 1 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 2 6TH ASCOT RACECOURSE CAMRA FESTIVAL FRIDAY 5TH & SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER

LIVE MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE DAY OVER 200 REAL , EXCELLENT AND PERRIES INCLUDING A PROGRAMME HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS OF OF RACING SCOTLAND REGIONAL

Tickets from £18pp, half price entry for CAMRA members quoting BEER12 0844 346 3000 ascot.co.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 3 E L CONTENTS R ISSUE 2 2012

7

23

7 Lincoln News News on Lincoln CAMRA’s of the Year. 12 Jargon Buster More of those tricky acronyms demystified for you. 15 13 Branch Diary E Important dates for your diary. 23 C The Other Wainfleet Brewer T We meet John Dixon from Riverside . Y 30 Bottled Beer Review Special A focus on . 0 32 S Trav-ale A A trip to Market Rasen. F Everything you need to know about 34 R Lincoln Beer 2012. Quiz 35 Membership Form

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 3 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 4

18 Kingsway Off South Park Avenue Lincoln LN5 8EU Telephone 01522 540431 Fax 01522 513449 www.smallbeerwholesale.co.uk

BRITAIN’S LEADING CASK ALE WHOLESALER are proud sponsors of Lincoln Beer Festival Trade Season

4 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 5 Welcome. Hello Again.

ImpAle is one year old The Beer and Pub Industry supports 1 million jobs in the UK and with this issue. Time has is worth £21 billion to the UK GDP. Drinking in your local pub flown and I can scarcely and drinking a local pint of ale will really support local jobs and believe another year has economy so look out for the LocAle sign. CAMRA supports the passed. It is also a year policies for minimum pricing for alcohol and the new National since the last Lincoln Beer Planning Policy Framework, alongside the current petition to stop Festival, taking place this the Beer Duty Price Escalator. There is information on all these year between the 24th and in this issue, but for me this boils down to getting people to use 26th May. The festival is the their local and getting involved in their local communities end result of nearly a year whether that’s the poker night down the local or just a quiet pint of planning by Lincoln on a Friday after work. If we do not use the amenities we have CAMRA members, who on offer, we will lose them. give up their time to bring this event to Lincoln. The week leading up to the doors opening is one of blood, sweat and tears, well maybe not Please enjoy this issue of ImpAle and as usual if you have the tears! Somehow the festival comes together every year and any comments please send them to me. I know that everyone who comes to the festival has an great time. [email protected]

The festival is an excellent chance for anyone to come along and have a try a drink of something new, whether that is new ale, a or perry or a bottled international beer. I would also urge you to talk to the bar staff, if they have time! These staff are often Wendy very knowledgeable about the drinks on offer, and if not they know some who is. But after the festival, I would encourage you to go back to your local pubs and enjoy a pint of there too, get involved with your local. It is there all year round for your Follow us on Twitter @Lincoln_CAMRA enjoyment; don’t allow it to become one of the 16 pubs that close every week in the UK. and @ImpAleEditor

ImpAle ImpAle is the magazine of Lincoln CAMRA and Louth CAMRA branches. CAMRA campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights. It is an Editor independent, voluntary organisation with more than 120,000 members Wendy Margetts nationally. ImpAle magazine is published three times a year and is available free through pubs in Lincoln and Louth branch areas. To join Design CAMRA, help preserve Britain’s and pub industry, get the Matt Richards campaigns quarterly newsletter and its monthly newspaper What’s Art of Matelot, Matelot Marketing Limited Brewing and a host of other membership benefits – visit www.camra.org.uk Publisher Neil Richards MBE CAMRA is a limited company, run at national level by an elected unpaid Matelot Marketing Limited board of directors and at regional level by volunteer regional directors, both Tel:01536 358670 Mob:07710 281381 backed by full time professional staff. [email protected] Consumer Rights With kind help from For complaints about issues such as short measures contact Lincolnshire Steve Renshaw, Steve Richardson, Phil Trading Standards on 01522 782341 or Consumer Direct on 0845 404 Kempton, Aaron Joyce, Ashley Sewell, Jerry 0506. 230 Hatfield Road Gale, Lorraine Gale, Kieran Cody, Janet Cody, St Albans, Herts. Greg Richards, Richard Banks, Marcus AL1 4LW Disclaimer Tasker, Brain Mossemenear, Stephen Phillips Tel: 01727 867201 The views contained within ImpAle do not necessarily represent the views Email: [email protected] MP, Marie Daniels – Lincolnshire Echo, Sam of CAMRA, the editor, or the Lincoln and Louth branches. Ellidge and John Dixon.

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 5 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 6

6 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 7 NEWS IN BRIEF

LocAle at the Golden Eagle The Golden Eagle on High Street is the latest pub to join the LocAle scheme. Pete and Tracy are setting up a dedicated LocAle pump on the bar to run alongside their “Newbrew” pump. This latter scheme involves on the bar from the third Thursday in the month which are a completely new brew or have never featured in our area before.

Another City Pub Lost Despite objections from Lincoln CAMRA and individual members, Lincoln City Council has approved a planning application to convert the Bull & Chain on Langworthgate into dwellings. A well-known local company had agreed a purchase price with the seller, Strugglers is the Punch , and would have re-opened the pub. Unfortunately the offer was topped considerably by a bid Top Pub! from a property developer.

The Strugglers Inn on Westgate has been crowned the Lincoln Lincoln CAMRA chairman, Bob Foulger, said, “Anna is extremely CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2012. Landlady, Anna, was “chuffed” enthusiastic about real ale. We believe that if a publican looks to win the award for the second time in three years, and paid after the cask beer in the cellar, then everything else in the pub is tribute to the part played by her staff in the pub’s success. likely to receive the same care. This is certainly the case at the Strugglers.” The selection process started with a vote by local CAMRA members. Then five judges visited the pubs that topped the The Strugglers has a strong local following and is also popular poll to assess the quality of the beer, the atmosphere, service, with visitors to the historic uphill area of the city. Anna puts on community focus and value for money. The other finalists were lots of special events; over the Diamond Jubilee weekend, there Lincoln’s Jolly Brewer and Golden Eagle, and the Butcher & will be a garden party featuring Jubilee beers from local brewers. Beast in Heighington. The judges described The Strugglers as being, “Very welcoming - there’s always someone to talk to.”

The Strugglers Inn - Lincoln Lincolnshire’s The Gas Lamp Lounge - Louth Best Pubs No. 2 Refreshment Rooms - Cleethorpes The Five Bells - Claypole Here are the finalists in the Lincolnshire round of The Goat - Frognall CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2012. The Half Moon - Willingham by Stow

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 7 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:25 Page 8

News

IN BRIEF

Jubilee knee-ups at the Dog & Bone On Saturday 2nd June, the Dog & Bone on John Street is hosting a Diamond Jubilee Cockney-Style Knees-up. Sing-song around the Joanna, pie, mash and liquor, and jellied eels for the brave! The following Saturday is the Dog’s annual garden party. The dress code is floral Dresses and Fascinators for the Ladies, White Hart on the UP Chinos and Panamas for the Gents. You can enjoy a tasty th th Shirley and Sean Evans have work to a simple philosophy - weekend on 12 /13 May. morsel from the BBQ in the only been in charge at the serve what you would like to Original wartime vehicles beautiful beer garden whilst White Hart in Nettleham be served.” and equipment will be on listening to live music. since December 2011, but display in the car park they have already made an As a CAMRA member, Sean and wartime activities will impression in the village. is keen on promoting real ale be demonstrated. Wartime Beer and cheese on the The Bateman’s house, which and is gaining a reputation rationing food will be served dates from Georgian times, for a good pint. Batemans and a 1940s dance will be Welbeck Estate has changed hands a XB is the regular and held on the Saturday evening. If you’re a fan of beer and cheese, number of times over recent three handpumps feature Batemans are supporting the you’ll need to go to the School years, but Shirley and Sean Batemans’ ales and guests. event by supplying a real of Artisan Food on the Welbeck aim to be there for the long Although it’s not often seen ale to be named, for that Estate near Worksop, for an term. in its cask form, Batemans weekend only, ‘Bomber’s afternoon of pairing Welbeck Victory Ale has already been Moon’. Sean, who in his Abbey beer with local cheese. They are keen to widen available on a couple of spare time is a member of The sessions are held by the appeal of the pub. In occasions. Sean says, “When the Lancaster Bomber crew Welbeck Abbey’s brewer, Claire the recent past, the lounge we arrived, there was only one at East Kirkby, felt this was Monk, and Lee-Anna Rennie, bar has been used as a barrel of XB on sale. Now, I a very appropriate event to who makes goats cheese at restaurant, but according to hardly have enough cellar hold, as aircrew from RAF Welbeck. Call 01909 532171 or Sean, “People are welcome to space for the cask ale I order.” Scampton and Dunholme see www.schoolofartisanfood.org come into the lounge to have Lodge were frequent drinkers for details. a drink and a chat, and not One of the many events that in the pub during WW2. feel that they have to eat. This Shirley and Sean are holding is a community pub and we at the White Hart is a 1940s Special brews from Oldershaws For the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Oldershaws will be Rolling out the brewing Jubilations, a golden, hoppy beer, including the barrel for Jamie sovereign hop. The Grantham brewery is also working with our The George and The White Swan in Market local hospice, St Barnabas, Rasen are celebrating the Queen’s Diamond which is celebrating its 30th Jubilee with a joint beer festival and live anniversary this year. Plans are music weekend starting on Saturday 2nd June. not yet finalised but they will Subject to approval, they’re also hoping to probably brew a special beer (for have a barrel race through the streets of British records in 200m and 800m wheelchair cask and bottles) and support Market Rasen and Middle Rasen, with as racing and was named Young Disabled their fund-raising efforts through many teams as possible entering. The aim is Sportsperson of the Year at the Lincolnshire pubs and beer shops. to raise funds for local wheelchair athlete Sports Awards 2011. He is hoping to compete Jamie Carter. Jamie from Binbrook has set in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

8 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 9

News WIN free entry to Britain’s biggest beer festival!

Great British Beer Festival 2012 August 7th – 11 th – Olympia, London

The Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) is back at Olympia for 2012 Competition question and with the event drawing ever closer, CAMRA is calling on all Which brewery’s beer was crowned Supreme Champion beer drinkers to put the Festival’s dates in their diaries! Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival last year?

This year, Festival-goers should expect 800+ real ales, ciders, a) Crouch Vale perries and foreign beers from around the world, with CAMRA b) Mighty Oak claiming to have something to suit every drinker’s taste buds! c) Fuller’s To accompany this heady range, the Festival offers a great choice of food from traditional cuisine to classic pub snacks, Winners of the tickets will be notified by Friday July 13th 2012. unforgettable live music, and a wide variety of traditional pub games. Festival Opening Times Tickets for the event are now available and can be pre-ordered Tuesday 7th Aug for a discounted price from the GBBF website at 5pm – 10:30pm www.gbbf.org.uk/tickets. With such demand expected at the Wednesday 8th doors of Olympia for tickets on the day, pre-ordering is a great - Friday 10th Aug way of ensuring you do not miss out on the Festival fun! 12pm – 10:30pm While the British real ale, cider, perry and foreign beer lists are Saturday 11th Aug busily being finalised before the Festival opens on Tuesday 11am – 7pm August 7th, CAMRA is looking to give away 25 pairs of tickets For further information on the to GBBF to beer drinkers old and new. To be in with a shout of Festival, visit winning a pair of tickets, please answer the following question www.gbbf.org.uk correctly and submit your answer, name and address to [email protected] by Friday July 6th 2012. Entries can Venue Details also be posted to- Jon Howard, GBBF Comp, CAMRA, 230 Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW. London, W14 8UX

(Summer Daze, Magic Moon Sir Blondeville and Everlasting Light) last year were simply seasonal one-offs. The beer will be at The Bull sold at around the £2.50 mark depending on which area you Alfreton based Pubco, The Pub People have launched a fourth are in and CAMRA discount beer called Sir Blondeville on 23rd April. The launch took place will be available on top of that at The Lion in Basford, in the presence of the Knights where available. of Olde. Sir Blondeville was brewed by Nottingham Brewery under strict instruction of the Pub People and was launched on St. George's Day. Sir Blondeville also featured at two St. George's Check out The Pub People’s Day Beer Festivals at The Plough in Radford and The Black Swan Facebook and Twitter sites for in Edwinstowe. up to the minute information about their pubs and beers. The beer will be available in Pub People pubs, including The Bull at Bracebridge Heath. Sir Blondeville will be Pub People's first permanent cask ale whereas the three previous efforts

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 9 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 10

WHAT’SBREWING NATIONALLY

ImpAle rounds up CAMRA’s news from the last three months. February > A Government minister has admitted that pre-loading means pubs get > MPs have overwhelmingly supported calls to review a government an “unfair reputation”, and that shops selling alcohol at a loss encourage decision to allow Pubcos to regulate themselves. CAMRA campaigning binge-drinking. A strategy will be published setting out how different saw more than 5,000 people lobby MPs to support a call for an departments can work together to reduce alcohol harm. independent review of the policy. April > Chris Holmes, one of CAMRA’s first chairmen, is stepping down from > Questors Grapevine Club, a popular theatre bar in west London, has day-to-day running of Nottingham-based Castle Rock Brewery and its won CAMRA’s National Club of the Year 2012 (run in association with regional pub chain. trade publication Club Mirror). > Alfie’s Revenge from ’s Driftwood Spars Brewery was named Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2012. went to Cairngorm > Changing tastes, disease and poor yields mean that the future of one Brewery’s Black Gold and bronze to Coniston’s No 9 Wine. of ’s noblest hop varieties Fuggles, hangs in the balance. > A director of Black Sheep Brewery believes that high beer duty could March encourage mid-sized brewers to downsize and sack staff in order to take > The Bridge End Inn in Ruabon has become the first Welsh winner of advantage of more favourable progressive duty rates available to smaller CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition - less than three years brewers. after a former teacher bought the freehold for the run-down pub from a Pubco. If you’re not a CAMRA member, you won’t be getting all the latest real ale, pub and brewing news delivered to your door every month. > In its budget submission, CAMRA has called on to Chancellor George Join, using the application form on page 31 and get What’s Osborne to freeze beer tax and scrap the annual escalator which Brewing and Beer delivered free, plus a host of other membership requires duty to rise by 2% above the rate of inflation. benefits.

10 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 11

Louth News

Chairman, Jerry Gale, brings us the latest from Louth & District.

Community Pub at Hainton The Heneage Arms in the small village of Hainton is the most westerly pub in the Louth branch area. The pub will be familiar to many readers as it’s situated on a sharp double bend on the road from Lincoln to Louth. But I wonder how many have been inside.

Earlier this year, the Heneage Arms was threatened with closure, and we were invited to a meeting to discuss its future. We were welcomed by members of the Heneage family, residents of Hainton Hall, and other villagers, and were interested to hear the plans to run the pub as a community venture.

Simon Hickson has been appointed as head barman, and, initially, he plans to open on Friday and Saturday evenings. Thursday opening will be considered if and when trade develops. In the longer term, there are plans to open a tearoom and, possibly, a shop. In the meantime, we are seeking advice from other CAMRA branches on the running of community pubs.

So if you are travelling between Lincoln and Louth and the pub is open, pop in and say hello. I am sure they’ll be pleased to see you.

Wedding Bells Louth & District CAMRA branch officers were out in force to celebrate the wedding of their Pubs Officer/ Webmaster Mark Brae to his long-suffering partner Linda Andrews at the Salvation Army Hall in Louth. The service was followed by a meal at a local pub on the edge of town.

My Father’s Moustache had recently reopened after a brief closure, during which it was feared it could be demolished. The party continued well into the early hours, helped along by a beer called “Wedding Ale” brewed exclusively by the Fulstow Brewery, who also brew the house beer for My Fathers Moustache. Louth & District branch sends all its best wishes for their life together.

Louth & District Branch Diary

May Thursday 31st - Branch Meeting - Green Man, Scamblesby 8pm.

June Thursday 7th - Branch Meeting - Prussian Queen, Saltfleetby 8pm.

For up-to-date details of meetings and socials, e-mail Jerry Gale at [email protected] or call 07923 232660.

The Heneage Arms pictures taken by Brian Mossemenear. LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 11 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 12

The Jargonbuster

Lincoln Branch member Phil Kempton, continues his series of explaining what some of those mystifying terms CAMRA uses actually mean.

SIBA Cask Marque

The Society of Independent Brewers was formed as the Small Independent Brewers Association in 1980, changing its name Cask Marque is all about improving the quality of real ale served in 1995. Its original intent was ‘to campaign on behalf of in the pub. It runs an accreditation scheme, based on snap independent brewers to ensure that they have the best possible inspections and tastings that means that when a customer sees opportunity to bring their goods to market’. It now claims to the Cask Marque plaque on the pub wall there’s a very good represent the broad spectrum of the independent brewing sector, chance that a good pint awaits within. Training courses in cellar and to be the most authoritative and respected body in the management are run, sometimes in the pub itself, and other brewing industry. Membership is open to , suppliers online training is available. The Cyclops scheme of beer tasting to the brewing industry and pubs that are committed in their notes and symbols is administered by them, and CAMRA is also support for the finest quality beer. The Society runs the Direct involved in the scheme. Delivery Scheme which makes 1500 draught and bottled beers from 350 SIBA members available to 12 national pub owning companies. BII

BBPA The British Institute of Innkeeping. This organisation’s website states that it is ‘the professional body for the licensed retail sector, and the provider of the BIIAD APLH, the market leading About 98% of all beer brewed in the UK is produced by, and personal licence qualification. Its Mission Statement is ‘to be the more than half of the country’s 54,000 pubs are owned by, the professional body for the licensed retail sector’, ‘to encourage members of the British Beer and Pub Association. In the opinion new entrants’, ‘directing their long-term careers’, ‘to provide of CAMRA, and many others, some of the members of this trade members with high quality qualifications, information, skills and organisation were very fortunate to be given another chance business benefits to help them succeed’. There are several levels by H.M. Government to put their own house in order after of membership differing with the individual’s position and length the Business Industry and Skills Committee of the House of of time in the trade. Commons found that the practices of the trade in setting high rents and maintaining the Pubco and beer tie were acting against the consumers best interests.

IFBB

Promoting and protecting the historical and community values of their breweries, the pubs they operate and the beers they produce, are the main aims of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain. The association was started in 1993 by the then surviving independent breweries in the UK. Of the present 29 member companies, 2 are now only pub-owning companies having ceased brewing (Brakspears and Youngs).

12 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 13

Lincoln CAMRA Members’ News

More pubs sign up to discount scheme The latest pubs to sign up to the CAMRA discount scheme are the Victoria and the William Foster, both in Lincoln. Following a change of , the Horse & Jockey in Waddington has withdrawn from the scheme. A full list of pubs taking part in the scheme, with the discounts they offer, is maintained on the CAMRA website www.camra.org.uk. Make sure you show your membership card to claim the discount.

Post Beer Festival coach trip In the past, we’ve put on a coach trip for members who’ve worked at the Beer Festival. This year’s trip will be on Saturday, 23rd June and, this time, we’ll be offering spare seats to other members. There will, of course, be a charge for those who weren’t Festival volunteers. Details of the trip will be posted on the branch website (www.lincolncamra.org.uk) after the Festival.

Phil steps down from NE At the national AGM in Torquay, Lincoln member, Phil Kempton, stepped down from CAMRA’s National Executive. Phil served for nine years and had been Finance Director for almost seven years. Thanks to his careful stewardship, he leaves the campaign in a very healthy financial state. But Phil isn’t resting on his laurels, as he has been busy ordering all the ale, cider and perry for the Beer Festival and will be bar manager during the event and is also writing for ImpAle!

Social Networking Get all the latest news from Lincoln CAMRA by following us on Twitter - @Lincoln_CAMRA or @ImpAleEditor You can also friend us on Facebook - facebook.com/LincolnCAMRA.

Keep your personal details up to date If you move house, or change your phone number or e-mail address, please let CAMRA headquarters know. The HQ membership database is our only means of staying in contact with you. You can update your personal details via the CAMRA website (www.camra.org.uk) or by calling membership enquiries on 01727 798440.

Lincoln Branch Diary

May 21st - 28th - Lincoln Beer Festival (open to the public 24th - 26th).

June Tuesday 5th - Committee Meeting - Burton Arms, Lincoln - 8 pm.

Thursday 7th - Branch Meeting - Thorold Arms, Harmston - 8 pm. Saturday 9th - East Midlands Regional Meeting - Walter’s Bar, Grimsby - noon. Saturday 23rd - Post Beer Festival Coach Trip - pre-booking essential.

July Sunday 1st - Committee Meeting - Aston Arms, Market Rasen - 8 pm. Tuesday 3rd - Branch Meeting - Butcher & Beast, Heighington - 8 pm.

Friday 20th - Minibus Social Trip - details to be announced.

Check out the branch website for up-to-date details of meetings and socials.

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 13 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 14

CrispsCrrisps as ttheytheeyy shouldshoould taste.taste.

www.piperscrisps.comwwwww..pipperscrisps.com telephone:telephone:n : 01652 6866869606960 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 15

Welcome to Lincoln Beer Festival 2012

Go Wild for Mild Once again, CAMRA are devoting a month of campaigning to celebrate Mild beer in May. The number of Mild beers brewed in the UK continues to grow and there will be plenty to try at the Festival. The Mild Month campaign aims to raise awareness of the range of Milds brewed, to encourage pubs that don’t usually stock a Mild to try serving at least one during the month and to get drinkers who haven’t tried Mild beer to sip a pint. There aren’t many pubs around Lincoln that regularly have a Mild, so try them while you can.

Milds are mostly black to dark brown in colour but, occasionally, you’ll find ones that are lighter. They come in a variety of styles from warming, roasty ales to light, refreshing, lunchtime thirst-quenchers. Malty and possibly sweet tones dominate the flavour profile but there may be a light hop flavour or aroma. Dark Milds may have a light roast or caramel character in aroma and taste, while pale Milds tend to have a lighter, more fruity aroma with gentle hoppiness. Alcohol levels are typically low.

Just a few of the Milds we’re planning to have at the Festival:

8 Sail Millwright Mild 3.5% ABV Lincolnshire Rich dark flavours from Dark Crystal, Chocolate and Black malt are balanced lightly with Challenger and Goldings .

Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde 3.7% ABV Essex A wonderfully mellow, nutty, moriesh dark mild. Brewed using Maris Otter Pale, Crystal and Black and gently hopped with Challenger. in 2011.

Ilkley Black 3.7% ABV This traditional dark mild won the bronze medal at the SIBA Northern region beer competition 2010. The blend of 5 malts used in the mash give a smooth, mellow, easy-to-drink malt flavour with a hint of liquorices in the finish.

Other beer styles are available.....

Bitter Bitters developed towards the end of the 19th century as brewers began to produce beers that could be served in pubs after only a few days’ storage in cellars. Bitters grew out of but were usually deep bronze to copper in colour, due to the use of slightly darker crystal malts. These are highly-hopped ales. Definitions vary from brewery to brewery but Best Bitters and Premium Bitters tend to have higher alcohol content.

Just a few of the Bitters we’re planning to have at the Festival:

Tom ’s Best 3.5% ABV Lincolnshire An easy-drinking bitter with a fresh, dry hoppy flavour combined with a fruity aftertaste and heady aroma.

Wold Top Bitter 3.7% ABV Yorkshire A light amber coloured, crisp clean aromatic session bitter, with an unusually full flavour for its ABV and a long hoppy finish. Brewed from Wold grown Barley malt, with Northdown hops for traditional bittering and flavour.

Moles Elmo’s Fire 4.4% ABV Wiltshire Medium-bodied pale ale. Refreshingly bitter with a fruity, spicy aroma from the Williamette hops, balanced by the Maris Otter malted barley leaving a long, bitter finish.

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 15 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 16

Porter A dark, slightly sweet but hoppy ale made with roasted barley, was the predecessor of . It originated in London around 1730 and, by the end of the 18th century, was the most popular beer in England. The fashion for the pale ales of Burton-upon-Trent ended the popularity of porter in the mid-19th century. In recent years, a number of brewers have revived porter.

One of the Porters we’re planning to have at the Festival:

Wickwar Penny Black 5.0% ABV Gloucestershire A smooth, full-bodied porter with hints of and chocolate and a long, dry finish.

Stout Stout is one of the classic types of ale, a successor in fashion to porter. It is usually very dark, heavy, well-hopped, bitter ale with a dry palate, thick creamy head and good grainy taste, contributed by a proportion of dark-roasted barley in the mash.

A couple of the we’re planning to have at the Festival:

Great Newsome Jem’s Stout 4.3% ABV Yorkshire Traditional, deep dark stout with tones of roasted malts and liquorice.

Fulstow Imperial Stout 4.4% ABV Lincolnshire Classic stout with coffee and chocolate overtones.

Golden Ale Pale amber, gold, yellow or straw coloured, golden ales are hoppy beers with a refreshing taste. They may have some malt or fruit flavour but any diacetyl (a butterscotch flavour) should be minimal. They can be up to 5.3% ABV.

A couple of the Golden Ales we’re planning to have at the Festival:

Welbeck Abbey Henrietta 3.6% ABV Nottinghamshire Low in strength but absolutely crammed full of wonderful hop character. There's a good bitter note from Challenger hops which balances the citrus and grassy nose from Willamette and Hallertaur Brewers Gold.

Oldershaw Regal Blonde 4.4% ABV Lincolnshire Crisp and refreshing light gold beer. A dynamic array of vivid citrus flavours – tropical fruits, apple, peach and more – comes courtesy of a choice blend of continental European and American hops including Saaz, Hersbrucker and Cascade.

Old Ale/Strong Mild Typically black or dark brown but can be paler. Old Ales are full bodied with a malty richness. Fermentation characters such as fruity, estery flavours should contribute to the flavour profile but considerable variation can occur within the style. Strong milds may be richer in caramel, or have a light roast malt character in aroma and taste.

An award-winning we’re planning to have at the Festival:

Brunswick Black Sabbath 6.5% ABV Cornwall A genuine Mild with a voluptuous feast of coffee, chocolate and caramel flavours. High alcohol is balanced with fine body.

Speciality Beers Speciality beers are less specific than standard British cask beer styles and may be produced using one or more novel ingredients including fruits, herbs, , cereals other than malted barley and flowers other than hops. The category includes cask-conditioned , wheat beers and fruit beers. Other speciality beers may use specialist or unusual balances of dark malts or hops, or be of very high gravity. There are no specific guidelines for this category so be prepared to be surprised.

16 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 17

A couple of the Speciality Beers we’re planning to have at the Festival:

Wolf Lavender Honey 3.7% ABV Honey from The Norfolk Lavender Company is added during the brewing process to give this beer a delicate yet moreish flavour.

Williams Fraoch Heather Ale 5.0% ABV Based on the ancient Gaelic recipe for "leann fraoich" (heather ale). A light amber ale with floral peaty aroma, full malt character, and a spicy herbal finish. Pour 4000 years of Scottish history into a .

Festival Ale This year’s festival ale is being brewed for us by Sara Barton at Brewsters Brewery in Grantham. We’ve left the recipe to Sara, but have asked for a golden ale. So look out for ‘IMP AthLEte’ in the centre of the bar.

This year sees the return of the popular International Beer bar at Lincoln Beer Festival. The beers are selected to cover a range of styles and tastes from countries around the world. So what can you expect to see at this year’s festival?

Trappist Beer. In order for a beer to be called Trappist the beers of the brewery must be made in a brewery, controlled and occupied by monks of the strictest Benedictine order, although in reality, the monks have little to do with the brewing these days. Therefore Trappist is not a style, but an appellation of origin. There are only 6 Trappist breweries in Belgium and Holland.

Orval 6.2% An authentic monastery brewed beer. Cloudy in colour with a white head. Fizzy, sour and lemony.

Rochefort 6 7.5% Reddish Colour with a slightly spicy aroma and an intense taste of caramel, fruit and hints of raisins.

Lambic Lambic is a style of beer that dates from pre 13th Century and is only brewed in and around the capital of Belgium. Lambic is a catch all word for the collection of beers known as Lambic, Gueuze, Kriek, Framboise, Faro and other specials. The beer is only brewed in around Brussels because of special wild used in the fermentation process. The beer is usually brewed from October to May as high temperatures can spoil the fermentation. Beer is left to ferment in shallow fermenting tanks and windows are left open to allow wild yeast to flow in. It is this that gives Lambic style beers an unusual sour taste.

Appearing at this festival we have several permutations of Lambic style beers.

Boon Gueuze 6.5% Gueuze, usually a blend of 2 differing years of Lambic are blended together (the oldest being 4 years). Gueuze is Sharp, tart and sour, with subtle, complex undertastes

Boon Faro 4% Faro is a blended version of young Lambic, sweetened with caramel and Candy sugars and produces a sweet and sour taste that is rare.

Morte Subite Kriek 4.5% Kriek is produced by adding either geuze or lambic that is between 6 to 12 months to a cask of Cherries and then left to ferment for months. The fruit is slowly dissolved into the beer and tastes like no fruit drink you have ever had.

Also Lindemans Cassis 3.5% (Blackcurrant) and Lindemans Framboise 2.5% (Raspberry)

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 17 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 18

Smoked Beer (Rauch Beer) From Germany the Barley malt is infused with the aroma of beechwood smoke to give the beer a burnt flavour.

Schlenkerla Rauchbier 5.1% Brown in colour, Sweet at first taste but then the smokey flavour kicks in.

Other German Beers Jever Pils 4.8% Dry and Crisp. Straw coloured Beer with herbal aroma.

Schlenkerla Weissebier 5.2% Wheat beers are made as the name suggest from wheat or a mixture of wheat and barley. Usually cloudy in appearance.

Kaltenberg Konig Ludwig Hell 5.1%

Kaltenberg Weissebier Dunkel 5.5% A dark .

Kostritzer Schwartzbier 4.6%

American Beers Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout 10% An award winning Imperial Stout style beer, it has a luscious deep dark chocolate flavour. Brewed especially by Brooklyn Brewery for the winter season, but lovely all year round!

Brooklyn E.I.P.A 6.8% Inspired by the original East India Pale Ales brewed in England. A deep golden beer, dry-hopped with a bright aroma of lemongrass, pine and citrus fruit.

Anchor Liberty 5.9% Champagne–like bubbles and a hop-bouquet. Liberty Ale was one of the first American IPA’s brewed after prohibition and is an original American craft ale.

Also available

Witkap Tripel 7.5% Rodenbach Grand Cru 6.0% Duchesse de Bourgogne 6.2% Blanche de Bruxelles 4.5% Barbar 8% Little Creatures - Pale Ale 5.2% Hopfenkonig 5.1% Lindeboom 5% La Trappe Quadruppel 10% Mongozo Coconut 3.5% MacQueens Nessie 5% Wittekerke Rose 4.3% La Chouffe 8% Boelens Bieken 8.5% Little Creatures Bright Ale 4.5% Klein Duimpje Smokey Porter 5.5% Blanche de Namur 4.5%

*Please be aware that due to availability some beers mentioned may be substituted at the festival.

18 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 19

Real Cider and Perry FAQ

Modern, mass-produced ciders are normally cold, pasteurised their intense astringency and high acid content. Planning how and fizzy, but the drinks on the Festival cider and perry bar are the cider will taste starts with the planting of orchards where a different. Traditional cider and perry consists simply of fermented number of different varieties of tree are planted together. This apple or pear juice. There is a huge variety in flavour and aroma means that all the apples can be harvested and processed at depending on the varieties used, the proportions in the blend, the same time to make an outstanding product. and where the fruit is grown. Here are the answers to some frequently-asked questions on real cider and perry. How is the fruit harvested? With traditional orchards, the fruit has ripened by September and Why does an apple taste sweet yet cider is long ash poles are used to knock the apples and pears from the naturally dry? trees. As it falls, it is stacked up in mounds or tumps, covered To make cider the apples are milled, i.e. reduced to small pieces, with straw waiting to be bagged up and sent for milling and and then pressed to release the juice. Using the natural yeast, pressing. This is a labour-intensive process which many growers which covers the apple skin (or introduced yeast) and the sugars would welcome help with. A new type of bush tree has been contained within the juice, fermentation takes place. Once planted; this is a faster growing dwarf variety of tree. Bush trees fermentation is completed, the sweet sugars have been are laid out in tight rows with wide avenues between them. converted into alcohol leaving a dry product. Cider can then Harvesting is automated with tractor-borne vibrators clamping be sweetened by using unfermented apple juice or artificial around the tree trunk and shaking the fruit off. Blowers are used sweeteners. to line up the fruit between trees and then a machine like an apple combine harvester is used to lift the fruit and discard Which apples are best for making cider? stones, twigs and leaves. The apples that we eat as dessert fruit are very different from the specialist fruit that is usually used to make cider. There are over When is cider and perry made? 600 types of apples grown in the British Isles and each one has The majority of fruit ripens in September; therefore October is the a unique balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. Of these it ideal time to mill and press. The autumn evenings being warmer is estimated that three quarters are cider apples. It is the three and dryer than the winter months allow the cider and perry to get components of sweetness, acid and tannins that give the cider off to a good start. its range and depth of flavour. In the majority of cider-making areas, specialist cider apples are used; in dessert apples What is perry? balanced with the acidity of cookers are used. As cider is made from apples. Perry is made from pears, but not just any pear though. These are perry pears, which tend What's special about a cider apple? to be smaller and harder than dessert pears. Perry tends to be Cider apples are usually more closely related to the wild crab produced sweet or medium sweet, although there are examples apple than to eating or cooking apples as they are smaller, harder of dry perry. Perry also contains natural levels of sorbitol, a sugar and lack the unblemished attractiveness of eaters or cookers. alcohol that the human body metabolizes slowly. Perry trees, If you tried to eat a cider apple you would discover its main while bearing fruit within 3-5 years, will continue to produce fruit difference from eaters or cookers is its tannin level. Tannin is for 200 or 300 years. This is much longer than apple trees, and responsible for the fruits astringency, making the fruit taste bitter has led to the phrase “plant perry for your heirs”. and drying the mouth and making it difficult to swallow.

How do you know which apples to use? Cider apples are classified by their balance of acid and tannin according to four categories:-

Bittersweets - low acidity, high tannin. Sweets - low acidity, low tannin. Sharps - high acidity, low tannin. Bittersharps - high acidity, high tannin.

Cider-makers use a closely guarded mix of apples at pressing to create their own blend of cider, which is why, if you try one that is not totally to your taste, another cider may suit you better. Today, the consumer tends to prefer sweeter, smoother, less acidic ciders so cider-makers tend not to favour bittersharp apples with

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 19 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 20

Friday Evening The Manipulators are a new band from Pete O'Brien (Slimline Papas). Beer Festival Music They kick Friday night off with an upbeat cocktail of cool songs that Over the years, Lincoln Beer Festival has built a reputation for the quality you will recognise but they have changed to their own cool style. With of the live music programme. In the intimate atmosphere of the Drill Hall double bass, vocals, two guitars and drums, this band can't fail to please. café, local performers are showcased and bigger names provide a treat Saturday Lunch for music fans. In 2010, Chantel McGregor rocked the Saturday evening The King Biscuit Boys are an acoustic, old-time blues duo. They play crowd, and last year Heather Findlay and Chris Johnson, formerly of a great mix of classic blues covers and originals, using an array of Mostly Autumn, attracted fans from as far away as Belgium. This year, instruments including slide guitar, harmonica, melodica, spoons and we have two fantastic, female acts on Saturday evening. washboard. Although Craig Stocker and Jonathan Townsend are Since the well-publicised break-up of Waking the Witch in 2008, based in Milton Keynes, Jonathan was raised in Bracebridge Heath and Patsy Matheson and Becky Mills have continued to delight audiences Washingborough, and still follows the Imps. throughout the UK - Patsy as half of a duo with the legendary Clive Gregson (Gregson & Collister, Richard Thompson Band), and Becky Saturday Evening singing alongside Ken Nicol (Steeleye Span) and Ashley Hutchins Contemporary folk from singer-songwriters, Patsy Matheson and Becky (Fairport Convention). Mills, plus Cherry Lee Mewis, a rising star of the UK blues and roots scene. Now these two world-class songwriters, singers and guitar players have joined forces again, recently completing a 40-date tour of the UK. They produce a unique and personal sound which draws on roots in traditional and contemporary folk, acoustic blues, R & B, jazz and rock, with an emphasis on intricate vocal harmonies. Combine this with the pair’s engaging charm and sense of humour, and this promises to be a very special set of top quality entertainment.

As we party towards the close of the Festival, the music switches from folk to blues with 5ft-nothing, powerhouse singer-songwriter Cherry Lee Mewis, one of the rising stars of the UK blues scene. Cherry has shared the stage with artists ranging from Walter Trout and Robin Trower to Ronan Keating and The Quireboys, and has taken her music from the tiny clubs of Bedford, to festivals in the UK and Europe.

Cherry served her apprenticeship endlessly gigging in clubs and bars in North from the age of 11, developing not only her powerful soulful voice, but her performance and style too. It wasn't until later on, that Cherry became immersed in blues. The winter of 2008 saw Cherry finally pack her bags for good and leave the tiny Welsh village of Mochdre for her adopted home of Bedford.

In February 2012 Cherry's released her third studio album, ‘Heard It Here First’.

Details of the music programme at the time of going to press are given below, although this may be subject to change.

Thursday Evening Relax and chill out as festival regular, Dave Mallett, takes to the piano. Dave is a man of many talents, being a solo pianist, keyboards player with a number of groups and musical director of many notable productions. Photos: Top - Patsy Matheson & Becky Mills. Bottom - Cherry Lee Mewis Festival Fringe

Lincoln Beer Festival does a great job of raising While Lincoln CAMRA has a fe the profile of real ale, cider and perry in the limelight during the Festival, it area. It also brings lots of visitors to the city Lincoln that shoulder the res from across the country and many stay for the promoting real ale all year round weekend and sample the delights on offer. In encouraging our local pubs to the last couple of years, a few of our city-centre in what we’re calling the Fest pubs have taken the opportunity to put on putting on events during May t events around the time of the Festival in order customers and encourage them to tap into the raised awareness. ale, cider and perry.

Photo: Welbeck Abbey’s Claire Monk at a previous meet-the-brewer evening at the Wig &

20 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 21

Lincoln Beer Festival Where Next?

Organiser, Steve Renshaw, explains how the Lincoln Beer Festival comes together.

“So where do you go to next?”. That was a question asked a couple of equipment from CAMRA HQ and other branches is agreed; the years ago by a festival-goer as she left at the end of the evening. And scaffolding for the stillage is hired; the festival logo is designed; if you’ve never been to a CAMRA beer festival before, it’s quite a are ordered; bands are booked; a H&S plan is produced; festival shirts reasonable question. After all, most of the events in the Drill Hall are put are ordered; and on and on .... on by professional companies who travel to venues around the country. So why shouldn’t we be packing up our kit, moving on to another town Manpower is always a major issue at the festival. All local CAMRA and doing it all again? members receive a letter asking them to volunteer to help during the festival. We’re also fortunate to have members from other CAMRA The answer is that we are the equivalent of The County Amateur branches who come along to help, plus a number of local licensees and Operatic & Dramatic Society - we are enthusiasts who put on a major bar staff who enjoy a busman’s holiday behind our bar. All the returns production once a year. from volunteers are collated and rosters drawn up.

So how difficult is it to organise the beer festival? Well, we’re really Finally, the week of the festival arrives and set-up can begin. At 7 am on fortunate to have lots of people with a huge amount of experience and the Monday, a team assembles at the Drill Hall to take delivery of the expertise. So it’s not difficult, but it’s surprisingly complex. scaffolding and the CAMRA equipment which was collected from HQ in St Albans on the previous Saturday. We start the planning in October, and the planning team meets on a monthly basis until April. In May, we’ll have a meeting every week The photo feature on page 26 shows the transformation of the Drill Hall. to make sure everything is ready. Team members have specific Monday sees the building of the stillage, the delivery and positioning of responsibilities, such as finance, ordering beer, cider and perry, site, the casks and the setting up of the cooling. On Tuesday, the bars are cooling, Health & Safety, transport, entertainment, manpower etc. put in place and the other stands are set up. During Wednesday and Thursday, a thousand and one other tasks are completed, ready for the The first task is to produce a budget and get it approved by CAMRA HQ. opening. Of course, throughout set-up the bar manager and his team Running a festival involves a significant outlay - buying beer, buying are nurturing the beers to ensure that they are in perfect condition to glasses, hiring the venue, hiring equipment and hiring transport are some serve. of the major costs. HQ needs to be satisfied that the costs will be covered - otherwise, the campaign will have to bear any loss. The days we are open to the public become a blur. You get ready to open, you deal with customers, you grab meals when you can, you tidy Deciding on the right amount of real ale to order is always an issue. The up as much as you can at the end of the night before the Hall closes at casks need to settle for three or four days before the beer is ready to midnight, you go home and fall into bed, you get up and start again. be served. So whatever we order is it. If we sell out early we cannot re-stock but, if we have any left over, it has to be poured away. Then on Sunday morning, the Drill Hall has to be cleared and the equipment stacked ready for transporting on Monday. It sounds Once the budget is approved, detailed planning can proceed. The Drill exhausting and it is. But it’s also great fun. Which is why so many of us Hall booking is confirmed; drinks are selected and ordered; the loan of turn up year after year to do it all again.

Festival Fringe e Strugglers, Lincoln Anna will be featuring Milds throughout May. She will also be showcasing local breweries during the Beer Festival. MRA has a few days in the Dambusters, Scampton he Festival, it is the pubs of Landlord, Greg Algar, will be putting on a mini beer festival, starting at 5pm on Friday, 18th May, to celebrate the anniversary ulder the responsibility of of the famous bombing raid. With help from George Batterbee of Poachers Brewery, Greg will be able to dispense 12 beers all year round. And so, we’re from the bar. local pubs to get involved Wig & Mitre, Lincoln ling the Festival Fringe by The Wig is holding a meet-the-brewer evening, featuring Everards Brewery, on Friday, 11th May. Tickets are £12, which includes during May to attract more toad-in-the-hole with Tiger Ale gravy. ncourage them to drink real Jolly Brewer, Lincoln y. As usual, the Brewer will be putting on a mini-festival of LocAles to run in parallel with the Beer Festival. ing at the Wig & Mitre Check our website www.lincolncamra.org.uk for the latest events in the Festival Fringe.

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 21 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 22

Sponsors

LK2 architects LLP Serenity Studio 2, Deepdale Enterprise Park, Nettleham, Lincoln, LN2 2LL 17-23 West Parade, Lincoln, LN1 1NW www.lk2.co.uk www.serenityfp.com

Lincoln City Football Club Saul Fairholme Chartered Accountants Sincil Bank Stadium, Lincoln, LN5 8LD 12 Tentercroft Street, Lincoln, LN5 7DB www.redimps.co.uk www.saulfairholme.co.uk

The Jolly Brewer Core Architects 27 Broadgate, Lincoln, LN2 5AQ The Terrace Grantham Street, Lincoln LN2 1BD www.thejollybrewer.co.uk www.core-architects.co.uk

The Aston Arms The Adam & Eve 18 Market Place, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 3HL 25 Lindum Road Lincoln LN2 1NT.

Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd (Membership & Communications) Jonathan Hobbs & Associates (Registered Osteopaths) Stanley Bett House, 15-23 Tentercroft Street, Lincoln, LN5 7DB. 416b High Street Lincoln LN5 8HX www.lincolnshire.coop www.lincolnosteopathy.co.uk

The Dog & Bone Stamps Direct Ltd 10 John Street, Lincoln, LN2 5BH. 125 Carholme Road, Lincoln LN1 1RU www.dogandbonelincoln.co.uk www.stampsdirect.co.uk

The Morning Star The Lindum Group 11 Greetwell Gate, Lincoln, LN2 4AW. Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 3QX www.lindumgroup.com Banks Long & Co. 15 St. Mary’s Street, Lincoln, LN5 7EQ The White Hart www.bankslong.com 14 High Street, Nettleham, Lincoln, LN2 2PG

Poppy Creations York Sills Ltd Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln. 12a The Forum, Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9HW. www.poppycreations.co.uk www.yorksills.co.uk

The Tower Wine Bar Microwave Marketing 38 Westgate, Lincoln, LN1 3BD. 4 Henley Way Duncan Topliss, Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3QR www.lincolntowerhotel.com www.microwavemarketing.com

Hughes Craven Ltd. Wood Group GTS 38-39 Silver Street Lincoln LN2 1EU Fourth Floor, Haines House, 21 John Street, London WC1N 2BP www.hughes-craven.co.uk www.woodgroup.com

Small Beer Ltd The Treaty of Commerce 18 Kingsway, Lincoln, LN5 8EU 173 High Street, Lincoln, LN5 7AF www.smallbeerwholesale.co.uk www.treatyofcommerce.co.uk

Hodgson Elkington LLP The Three Horseshoes 1 Oakwood Road, Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3LH. High Street, Waddington, LN5 9RF. www.hodelk.co.uk

Framework Architecture & Urban Design 3 Marine Studios, Burton Lane End, Burton Waters, Lincoln, LN1 2WN. www.frameworklincoln.co.uk

22 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 23

The other Wainfleet Brewery

We’re hoping to have a beer from Riverside at the Drill Hall so, Festival Organiser, Steve Renshaw, decided to visit this lesser- known Lincolnshire brewery.

Most Lincolnshire pub-goers will know that Batemans Brewery is based in Wainfleet. But I’m betting that there aren’t many who realise there’s another brewer in the small market town situated five miles south-west of Skegness. And the contrast between Riverside Brewery and Bateman’s couldn’t be starker.

Batemans has been brewing since 1874. When their new Brewhouse was opened in 2002, it had a maximum brew length of 135 brewer’s barrels. (One brewer’s barrel = 36 gallons = 288 pints.) Riverside’s first brew was on 1st May 2003, and the brewery comprises a five-barrel plant. And, in common with many of the microbreweries that have sprung up in the last twenty years, it’s very much a one-man-band.

For brewer, John Dixon, brewing is a family affair. His grandfather brewed , and his great uncle was a Maltster. The list of breweries that his father, Ken, work at reads like a real-ale tour of the UK – Buckley’s in Llanelli, Ushers in Edinburgh, Castletown on the Isle of Man and Riverside beers are generally traditional in style. John uses Ruddles in Rutland. However, he’s best known in these parts as English hops such as Fuggles, East Kent Golding and Brewer’s being head brewer at Batemans from 1976 to 1984. John himself Gold, as well as Styrian Golding, a Slovenian variety. Maris Otter spent 27 years carrying out audits and stocktakes in licensed Pale and Crystal malt is sourced from Bairds Maltings in premises. But, when he tired of living out of a suitcase, setting Grantham. The regular beers are Dixon’s Major (3.9% ABV), a up a microbrewery seemed a natural step. traditional brown bitter, and Old Diabolical (4.4% ABV), and a golden, full-bodied beer. John also produces a selection of He started in a garage near All Saints church and moved to the seasonal and occasional brews. While looking through his pump current premises at Bee’s Farm in October. Dad, Ken, provided clips, I noticed a mild and asked John about it. “Yes, I do produce advice and guidance for the first dozen brews and John has not it occasionally, but there’s no call for mild in Lincolnshire,” he replied. looked back since. (There’s probably a whole article waiting to be written on why you hardly ever find mild in Lincolnshire.) With two fermenters, brewing can take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, producing 32 nine-gallon casks each week. On So, just as I was about to leave John to get on with his paperwork Fridays, the white van is filled with casks and John drops them - that’s done on Mondays - I threw in the killer question. ‘What off at free houses around the county. The Coach and Horses at about your relationship with Batemans?’ I asked hoping to get a Hemingby has Dixon’s Major as a regular, and Riverside beers scoop about the big company trying to squeeze out the small also appear as guests at the Jolly Brewer in Lincoln and the local rival. “Oh, it’s very good. They take my beers and get them Three Horseshoes at Waddington. Riverside beers also get into pubs I wouldn’t otherwise reach. And my brother is a sales into local pubs via Batemans guest list, swaps with the likes of rep there.” Not good for my article, but reassuring to know that Poachers and Milestone, and through Lincoln wholesaler, Small real-ale brewing is an industry where the bigger boys and the Beer. John does a regular round trip taking in real ale pubs one-man-bands can co-exist. in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and the West Midlands.

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 23 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 24

The other Wainfleet Brewery Some Riverside Beers

Major Bitter (3.9% ABV) Red in colour, well-balanced bitter with a distinct secondary continental hop flavour. Life Saver (4.0% ABV) Dark golden, well-hopped beer with a pleasant flavour from Fuggles and Northern Brewer hops. Old Diabolical (4.4% ABV) Rich, golden, full-bodied beer with a distinct Fuggles-hop bitterness.

Colour of Spring (4.2% ABV) Golden-coloured beer with fruity/spicy Hoppy Yeaster (4.2% ABV) notes. Pale in colour, malty beer with a lingering dry finish.

24 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 25

Village Pubs need more Protection Stephen Phillips MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham says the rural hostelry must be preserved.

I have always believed the pub plays a crucial role in community one will continue to have a pint in our locals for many years to life, particularly in an area like ours. The village pub is an iconic come. centre of the neighbourhood for many of us and many villages all over Lincolnshire have great family-run pubs at their heart. This article originally appeared in The Lincolnshire Echo on Many of my most memorable Sundays at home have been spent March 8th 2012. Thank to Stephen Phillips and The Echo for with family and friends at one of the wonderful establishments allowing us to reproduce it. near my house, and it is certainly the case that the clientele at pubs in Lincolnshire are far better behaved than some in the bars of Parliament. Editors Response – I applaud and encourage Stephen Phillips’ comments about community pubs, the Government’s National From my postbag, I know that many people are, like me, deeply Planning Policy Framework is full of pro pub policies. The planning concerned at the rate of closure of pubs all over the country. The group are charged with safeguarding community facilities and loss a pub in any community, but particularly in a village, can have retaining and developing local services. Research by CAMRA has hugely detrimental effects on local enterprise and community life, shown that the local pub is as important to village life as the Post and it is more than sad when a much loved pub has to close its Office, local shop or community centre, indeed in some villages doors. Although the drinking culture in our large towns and cities the local pub can act as all three! Mr Phillips also mentions the has become a serious problem both in terms of health and minimum pricing policy, which will close the gap between off and public order, community pubs encourage responsible and on trade alcohol pricing. In the last 10 years the cost of a pint in friendly drinking without the excesses seen outside urban the pub has increase by 43% whilst in the off-trade area it has nightclubs on a Friday night. increase by 1%. CAMRA believes this contributes to a culture where people are more inclined to drink at home or on the streets. The responsible government department and select committee This policy will give pubs a chance to compete particularly in the have looked closely at this issue, and have identified a number current climate with around 16 pubs closing each week in the UK. of long-standing problems that need to be addressed in order to help pubs stay open. The package of measures agreed on will CAMRA are currently campaigning against the beer duty bring more certainty to the industry and will allow lessees of tied escalator, which is explained in more detail in this magazine – pubs to negotiate better with the companies they are linked to, See Page 29. as well as strengthening the code that governs the industry. I know the department also carefully considered whether the beer-tie itself needs to be addressed, but decided that there was no convincing evidence that it was causing pubs to close. Indeed, over the last two and a half years more free-of-tie pubs closed than tied pubs – although more are also now opening as the benefits of a free-of-tie model become apparent. The government has also introduced a community right to buy via the recent Localism act, which will enable local residents to save struggling pubs by taking them over rather than seeing them empty and derelict.

Other helpful policies would include a ban on the sale of alcohol between cost price, which will protect local pubs from unfair loss leading by supermarkets, the doubling of small business rate relief for another year, and fair taxation on alcohol to balance the need to tackle problem drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers and community pubs.

I am hopeful that these measures will give more support to our valued local pubs and enable them to keep trading though the current tough times and long into the future. The pub is a staple of Britain’s culture and should be protected as such – and I for

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 25 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 26

Drill Hall transformed into the biggest pub in the county!

Stillage constructed.

Casks Positioned

Beers under cooling Bars in place

..... and they’re off

26 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 27

Vaults Discovered

Steve Renshaw investigates an iconic Lincoln pub that closed 10 years ago.

The Cornhill Vaults a name that still sends shivers down the spine of Lincoln drinkers, even though it’s now ten years since it closed. When I moved to Lincoln in 2007, people talked about the Vaults so much that it took some time for me to realise that it no longer existed. A quick web search reveals the depth of feeling for the old place. There are two Facebook groups - Why did the Corhill (sic) Vaults have to shut? and ex patrons of the Cornhill Vaults - and plenty of comments on message boards, such as ‘a belter of a place’, ‘One of the best meeting places in Lincoln’ and ‘The Vaults rocked!’ Add to that, reports on live music events and the occasional haunting, and you begin to understand the iconic status.

I haven’t got time to delve into the Lincoln archives to investigate the history of the subterranean tunnels that made up the Vaults. However, I believe they were constructed as a grain store beneath In 1977, Ruddles decided to off-load their tied estate and sold the the Corn Exchange, which was opened in 1848. Around the lease of the Vaults to Samuel Smith’s Brewery. In November 1979 time of the Second World War, they were used as a posh café; Anna now landlady at the Strugglers Inn was installed as co- Hatton’s. But it’s their use as I pub that I’m interested in. manager of the Vaults and stayed until it closed in January 2002. If you drink at Widow Cullen’s Well (or any other Sam Smith’s The conversion was carried out by Ruddles Brewery, and the pub), you’ll be familiar with Old Brewery Bitter, but the Vaults Cornhill Vaults opened as a pub in 1976. The tenants were also had Museum Ale and Taddy ( Bitter) on draught. Valerie and the late Michael Hope, who went on to own the Wig However, many ex-regulars will remember the Merrydown cider - & Mitre on Steep Hill. This was in the days of ‘Big or perhaps they won’t! Anna held Merrydown evenings, featuring Head’ Trophy and Watneys Red Barrel, when interest in real ale a yard of cider, and organised trips to the Sussex producer. was in its infancy. The most common complaint about Ruddles beer in the early days was that it was flat! Half-drunk pints of beer A major feature of the Vaults was the live music in the ‘80s, there were regularly thrown away, but people kept coming back and were bands playing every night. Cornhill Vaults Live 86 was an eventually began to appreciate the fact that cask-conditioned ale all-day charity event with bands playing in the pub and in City was really good. Square. Although it was a great success, it was never repeated. Anna explains And the Hopes were not afraid to experiment with the ale. As Michael recalled ‘Even though there was no trouble, the police were very edgy throughout the day and wouldn’t let us do it again.’ ‘From time to time we tapped and spiled a nine of Ruddles County and kept it for three weeks - it developed a rather nutty When the Lincolnshire Co-operative Society, the freehold flavour - before serving it. The evening would arrive when we owner, decided to redevelop the Corn Exchange site and close considered it ready to drink and all 72 pints, of what we termed the Vaults, regulars campaigned hard to reverse the decision. ‘Connoisseurs County’, would be gone in an hour.’ However, there was no going back, and the doors finally closed

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 27 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 28

Vaults Discovered

on 15th January 2002 following a big party, with fireworks on the Cornhill (staged without council approval, of course).

So what does the old place look like now? A nice man from Waterstones recently showed me round what is now their staff rest area. The stairs behind the bookshop counter lead directly to the main tunnel. My guide pointed out the end where the bar was situated. Some of the alcoves to either side are partitioned off, but one is set out as a rest room. The brickwork has been pointed and there are noticeboards on the walls. The fluorescent lighting is bright, and it’s hard to reconcile this view with the grainy Facebook images of 80s revellers packing the gloomy, smoke-filled tunnels. I’ll leave it to Anna to explain why the Vaults were such a special place.

‘It was definitely the customers. People used to say that it was like a village pub in the city centre.’ Pictures What do you remember about the Vaults? Do you The main entrance to the Cornhill Vaults, probably from the early know anything of the history of the tunnels? to mid-90s. (Photo: Dom Bescoby) Email us at: [email protected] or Tweet@ImpAleEditor The tunnels today. (Photo: Lincoln CAMRA)

Obituary

Michael Lifford Ashworth Hope 16 th June 1942 – 27th January 2012

Michael Hope, of The Wig and Mitre, Lincoln, Caunton Beck, Nr Newark, and The Bottle and Glass, Harby-by-Lincoln, died of oesophageal cancer earlier this year, aged 69 years.

He first entered the licensed trade at The White Hart Hotel in Retford. It was from there that he and Valerie moved to Lincoln having struck a deal with Ruddles Brewery with the intention of bring real ale to the city. They opened the Cornhill Vaults in December 1976, and a year later The Wig and Mitre. His passion for good beer, and wine, coupled with good service, established Michael as respected professional.

Mrs Hope paid tribute her husband ‘His diagnosis and death was a shocking blow, and we are all distraught. We are comforted that he did not suffer unduly, but still miss him terribly. I have lost my husband and my business partner, but I am finding solace in the amazing outpouring of kind words and love that I have received from so very many people; past employees, customers, old and new, and friends. He loved a good party; in fact we were planning one for his 70th in June, and my intention is to go ahead with this, and celebrate a life well lived.’

28 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 29

FIGHT BACK TO SAVE YOUR PINT SIGN THE BEER TAX E-PETITION

It’s time to s ave your pint a nd fight back against this year’s budget which saw the Government continue its damaging policy of the beer duty escalator.

Every year beer tax increases by 2% above inflation meaning your pint in the pub costs you 5-10p more. This mounting pressure is c ontributing to the c los ure of 16 pubs every single week.

CAMRA is calling all beer drinkers and pub goers to sign an online e-petition today by visiting: www.camra.org.uk/s aveyourpint.

We need 100,000 signatures to trigger a high profile Parliamentary debate and put pressure on the Government ahead of Budget 2013.

To stand a chance of doing this we need your help in reaching as many people as possible. So please sign the petition and then spread the word.

CAMRA also has free material to take down your local and join the campaign. Email: [email protected] to order free beer mats and posters.*

With around £1 on every pint going to the Treasury in beer duty and VAT, it’s time to save your pint and call time on the beer duty escalator!

*One pubs pack contains 5 x A4 posters and 100 beer mats, please let Claire know how many pubs packs you would like.

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 29 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 30

Bottled Beer Review

Thornbridge Evenlode and Russian Imperial Stout

Richard Banks from Newark reviews some more beers for ImpAle.

Most of us are familiar with the excellent beers from Thornbridge Brewery. Beers such as Jaipur and Kipling have become so popular that in 2009 the brewery expanded from the original 10 barrel brewery at Thornbridge Hall to a state of the art 30 barrel brewery in Bakewell. The original Hall brewery is now used for experimentation and creation including producing premium bottled beers. Two such beers to emerge recently are Evenlode and Russian Imperial Stout.

Evenlode is 6.2% brown porter which has been matured on THE REAL ALE STORE Blackberries. This is a medium bodied beer with a tan head for the finest in Local, British & Imported Bottled Beers and rich aromas of chocolate and dark fruits. The flavours are of roast malt, coffee, chocolate and blackberries with a pleasant and not overpowering bitter finish. This beer is rich, extremely smooth with the complex flavours being wonderfully balanced.

The Russian Imperial Stout was brewed to an old Courage recipe dating from 1850. At 9.4% this is powerful brew and as you would expect is very full bodied with rich aromas of malt, dark fruits and a subtle smokiness. Flavours are full on roasted malts with hints of coffee and a little sweetness with a dry finish.

These are two extremely fine quality beers, the Evenlode is definitely amongst the best Porters and the Russian Imperial Stout would be in the same league as the legendary Czar’s Over 200 Top Quality P2 Imperial Stout from the William Worthington Brewery. Bottled Beers & Ciders If you want to try these beers you will only be find them at specialist beer outlets. A word of warning, these beers do not Gift Packs, Vouchers, Mixed Cases, Glassware & Books come cheap, expect to pay £5-6 for the Evenlode and £9-10 for the Russian Imperial Stout but if you do feel like a treat Opening Times: Mon 10am - 3pm, Tues - Sat 10am - 6.30pm these two beers would take some beating. 12-14 KIRK GATE, NEWARK, NG24 1AB T: 01636 918022 E: [email protected] Order online at www.theRealAleStore.com

30 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 31

Cooking

Beef & Real Ale Casserole with Oldershaws Grantham Stout

For this issue our Beer Recipe is courtesy of the kind folks at Oldershaws Brewery, in-fact Tim & Kathy have been kind enough to share with us one of their much loved family recipes! We asked Lincoln CAMRA member Aaron Joyce to test it for us. This will feed 6-8 people or a family of four for a couple of days. You will need; • 2 x 500ml bottles Oldershaws Grantham Stout (or Old Boy if Stout is unavailable) • 900g/2lb Braising Steak, cut into chunks • Olive oil • 1 large Onion, roughly chopped • 1 large Parsnip, chopped into bite sized chunks • 3 medium Carrots, chopped into bite sized chunks • 2 tins chopped Tomatoes • Chicken stock cube • 1/3 teaspoon • Dash of Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp. Tomato Purée • 4 heaped tbsp. Plain Flour • 1 level tsp. dried mixed Herbs • 4 plump cloves Garlic, sliced • A generous handful of Pearl Parley • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Pre-heat oven to gas mark 3 (160-170 C) 2. Add mixed herbs and good twist of pepper to the plain flour in a large bowl and mix in evenly. Toss the meat pieces in the flour mix to coat. 3. Make up your stock by adding the stock cube to half a mug of boiling, stir in the Marmite and a good dash of Worcester sauce. 4. Heat a good slug (yes that is a measurement!) of olive oil in a large, oven proof pan (if you don’t have one you can use any pan at this stage and transfer to a casserole dish later). Soften the onion and garlic until translucent (DON’T let it brown), then put this into a bowl and set aside. 5. Put more olive oil into the pan and over a high heat brown off the flour coated meat to seal.(you are just sealing, not cooking the meat here). You may have to do this in batches. 6. Once all of the meat is browned put it all back in the pan with the onions and garlic. Over a medium heat add the stock, tomato puree, tomatoes, parsnip and carrot, and pearl barley. Stir this in well. 7. Add ONE bottle of Grantham Stout (or Old Boy), yeast and all. Then over a medium heat simmer on the stove to reduce for 30 – 45 minutes (this bit does help the flavour and you can add seasoning to taste towards the end of it.) 8. Cover with a lid and cook in the centre of pre-heated oven for 2-3 hours checking now & again to make sure it isn’t sticking & the meats not falling apart. 9. You can eat it now if you like, but it will be even better if you let it cool completely, refrigerate overnight and re-heat thoroughly the following day. The flavours, as with a good beer, mature over time and given this time will make for an even more sumptuous, heart-warming Oldershaws casserole. 10. This recipe is very flexible, you can add or remove any ingredients (apart from the meat and the beer) to suit your personal preference. I served mine with creamy mashed potatoes & broad beans. 11. Oh I almost forgot, what about the 2nd bottle of beer?! Well if you haven’t already guessed, that is for the chef to enjoy whilst they make the dish! Wow Aaron that looks delicious! Where is our invite for tea? Many Thanks to Oldershaws Brewery for providing this recipe. Do you have a beer or cider recipe we could feature in ImpAle? Get in touch at [email protected] or tweet us at @ImpAleEditor

Photo taken by Aaron Joyce and images supplied by Oldershaws Brewery. LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 31 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 32

Trav-Ale

There are many pubs in the Lincoln Branch border that may not be widely known. Greg Richards, our intrepid trav-aler has been to Market Rasen to investigate what the town has to offer to the real ale drinker.

Market Rasen Located 16 miles North West of Lincoln and on the edge of the Lincoln & District CAMRA Branch Area, Market Rasen has a wealth of real ale pubs. Easily accessible via public transport with trains running every day, only a 15 minute journey from Lincoln Central or via the route 3 Lincoln to Grimsby bus.

The Red Lion, Market Rasen Recently refurbished and reopened in November 2011 The Red Lion focus is now very much on food, with a rotating menu based on which produce are available. The modern, open interior has come with the cost of losing the traditional pub feel although it still serves two real ales which are very well kept.

Aston Arms, Market Rasen The only pub in the town to feature in the current GBG this large pub serves three ales. Situated on the market square it’s hard to miss and very popular with locals. There is a dedicated games area and covered heated patio area outside. Also has the claim to fame of being the inspiration for the Elton John hit ‘Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting’ Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 Mon to Sat, Noon-22:30 Sunday.

Advocate Arms Hotel, Market Rasen Definitely a bar rather than a pub this hotel still serves two real ales and one cider with the focus being on quality rather than quantity. Also recently refurbished the bar and lounge area have a contemporary look but without feeling too bland and soulless. The bar also offers its own separate lunch and bar snacks menu. Opening Hours: 07:00-23:00 Monday to Sunday.

The White Swan, Market Rasen Dating back to the 18th century this is a traditional public house which offers accommodation as well as being local pub. Serves two real ales. There is a focus on entertainment with events on throughout the week, big screen TV showing live sport and a live band playing most Saturday nights. Opening Hours: 16:00-23:00 Mon-Thurs, 16:00-1:00 Friday, Noon-1:00 Sat & Noon-22:30 Sunday.

The Olde Barn Inn, Tealby Previous winner of CAMRA’s pub of the season this pub does up to four hand pulled beers, although only two were on when I visited. It has a large car park and beer garden including a terrace area with large parasol covers and serves a range of pub grub which is served in generous portions. Opening Hours: Noon-23:00, Food Served until 21:00.

Kings Head Inn, Tealby This 14th Century restaurant and inn had 3 ales. Three and half miles out from Market Rasen the pint I had was worth the journey. For those looking for a relaxing pint there’s a lounge bar or a spacious beer garden. Much of the pub is given over to dining with an emphasis on fresh food keeping people coming back for more. Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 Tues to Sat, Noon-18:00 Mon & Noon-22:00 Sunday.

Also in the Area White Hart Inn, Ludford About 6 miles out of Market Rasen this pub offer 4 Real Ales and features in the GBG The Black Horse Inn, Ludford Opposite the White Hart this Inn is mainly an eating house but does serve one real ale and one cider The Chase, Market Rasen Often hosts live music jam nights with a large car park at the rear. Good value real ales. The George Inn, Market Rasen Seen as Market Rasen’s sports bar. Two ales.

Photos of The Advocate Arms, Aston Arms, The Red Lion and The White Swan taken by Stephen Richardson Photos of The Olde Barn Inn and Kings Head Inn taken by Greg Richards 32 ImpAle LincolnCamra.org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 33

CelebrateDIAMOND the JUBILEE with Castle Rock’s

deep golden

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 33 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 34

May Quiz

6 Letters 7 Letters 8 Letters 9 Letters 10 Letters 11 Letters 12 Letters 15 Letters Sun Inn Red Lion Shore Inn Black Bull White Horse Green Barrel Bowling George and Crown Inn Black Horse Green Green Dragon Blue Bell Dragon Perch and The Victoria Pike

We have a Springhead Gift Pack for the lucky reader to solve this issue’s Quiz.

The coloured squares make up the name of a Springhead Beer. Find this and send your answer to [email protected]. Or post your answer to ImpAle Quiz May, 4 Squires Place, Nettleham, LN2 2WH. The closing date is 15th July and the editor’s decision is final.

Answer to January Quiz.

The popular Everards Beer hidden was of course Tiger! Thank you for all your entries. The winner was G Parsons of Newtoft, Lincolnshire.

34 ImpAle Lincoln .org.uk Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 35

LincolnCamra.org.uk ImpAle 35 Imp Ale 4_Layout 1 13/05/2012 08:26 Page 36

Tom Wood Beers Ltd. Look out for these beers locally

ABV.3.5 This is an easy to drink bitter and has a fresh, dry, hoppy flavour combined with a fruity aftertaste and heady aroma.

LINCOLN GOLD ABV.4.0 Pale bitter combining and traditional ale malts with English grown Cascade and Pilgrim, to produce a fruity aroma, slightly zesty flavour but retaining some malt characteristics very moreish.

ABV.4.8

An earthy malt aroma, but with a complex underlaying mix of coffee, hops, caramel and apple fruit. The beer starts bitter and intensifies, but all its mahogany flavours stay on until the end.

BREWED USING ALL ENGLISH INGREDIENTS Tom36 WoodsImpAle Beers Ltd. Tel: 01652 680001 Fax: 01652 680379 Email: [email protected]