Beer Festival 2001

Birmingham Beerfest 2001 - A Review by the Organiser

This year's Birmingham Beer Festival was yet another chance for the City's drinking public to sample some of the finest real ales that Britain can offer. There were 85 beers available at the festival, six ciders and two perries. Most of the real ales were from small brewers, who specialise in producing beers for local tastes. These included winners from the Champion Beer of Britain competition, which was held at the Great British Beer Festival, Kensington Olympia, in August. There were also beers from larger concerns, such as Fullers of Chiswick.

Local favourites included Beowulf (Birmingham), Church End (Shustoke), Old Swan (Ma Pardoes, Netherton) and Weatheroak. There was also a prominent Scottish representation from the likes of Arran, Orkney, Harviestoun and Bridge Of Allan.

There was a much-improved selection of Bottled International beers, largely from Germany and Belgium, butcomplemented by Herold (Czech Rep.), Lion Stout (Sri Lanka), Tusker (Kenya), Cooper's (Australia) and Samuel Adams (USA). German beer proved extremely popular, while the diverse tastes of Belgian beers appealed to real ale and wine drinkers alike.

The Festival was opened by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham, Mr & Mrs Jim Whorwood, who were delighted to see such a huge range of beer styles and tastes in one place.

Mick 'The Tick' Baker and his friends entertained on Thursday evening, with their ever popular skiffle band. Mick also found time to continue his hobby of tasting as many new real ales as possible - he has well over 15,000 at present, tasted over 26 years.

Friday night saw local band 'Back In Time' get the crowd into dancing mood with some popular Rock & Roll from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Audience participation is quite rare at beer festivals, but the band had assured us that people would sing along to their mix of well-known songs - and they were right!

All-in-all, the festival has again proved a resounding success. We hope that it has introduced at least a few more drinkers to the delights of real ale and that they actively seek to get such products stocked by their local pub. Thanks to all those who worked and/or attended the festival.

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Last modified: 03/11/07