Beer Festivals 2010

It's time to replace that out-of-date calendar with a brand spanking new 2010 and fill it with the deets of all of the things we want to do, see and experience in the coming months. I for one am in the process of planning a trip abroad (back to my home state of Vermont!), mapping out a planting schedule for my garden, figuring out the dates of my stepson's spring and summer breaks and jotting down a lengthy list of all of the beer festivals I'd love to get to between now and the end of the year. Unfortunately for me, I've already missed a couple 2010 festivals that I will make a point of visiting in early 2011. For now, here are a few Must Get To and a few unobscure festivals to which I'd like to draw your attention.

Great Britain Beer Festivals

The Great British Beer Festival, 3-7 August, 2010

National Cask Ale Week, 29th March - 5th April, 2010

       CAMRA lists an impressive list of sponsored festivals that are delicious and fun!

We will be heading out to at least one per month for the rest of the year including:

19th East Anglian Beer Festival, 21-24 April

37th Cambridge Beer Festival, 24-29 May

24th Stockport Beer and Cider Festival, 3-5 June

Kent Beer Festival, 22-24, July

Great British Beer Festival, 3-7 August

Chappel Beer Festival, 7-11 September

North American Beer Festivals of Note

(I have a limited number of North American beer festival experience. Therefore, if you  know of any that should be listed, please make a comment to this post so you can share it with everyone. -Thanks!)

American Craft Beer Fest, 18-19 June, 2010

Ohio Brew Week, 11-17 July, 2010

Vermont Brewers Festival, 16-17 July, 2010

Winter Beer Festivals I'd Love to Make in 2011

Extreme Beer Fest, Boston Massachusetts

Chappel Winter Beer Festival, Chappel & Wakes Colne Station, Marks Tey

My top two beers of February!

The night was easy. Preparing a cheese board with some of the most glorious cheeses and savory crackers, pepperoncini and cured sausage was really all we wanted. 


This was a no-stress meal and cracking open a few bottles of some of the most delicious beers I've had since I moved to England nearly a year and a half ago seemed in order. The beer was the highlight of the night and that is what we wanted to concentrate on. 

#1 Beer of February
Wells Banana Bread Beer (alc. 5.2% vol.)
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Boasting the name of one of my favorite baked goods, this beer's claim to fame is it's use of fairtrade bananas infusing the ale. This liquid bread (as the label hints) is everything I would want in a fruity ale. It is fruity without being sweet. The smooth banana compliments the caramel flavor of the malt making the perfect beer for any time of year! I will always have some of this in my cupboard! A must try for even the most delicate beer drinker.

#2 Beer of February
Badger Golden Glory Premium Ale (alc. 4.5% vol.)
JJJJJ
Wow! They weren't kidding when they labled this ale "absolutely glorious".  This premium ale is light and refreshing yet with enough substance to stand up to a cold bitter day. It's the blend of aromatic and bitter hops that make it so fabulous. The peach and melon flavors are sweet and delicate without being overwhelming. This ale is an excellent companion with a beautiful, fruity Italian cheese. My favorite was Embriago.