It has been 2 years since I last attempted a review of the Beer and Cider Festival, so I thought it high time I tried it again! This year saw the 14th Annual Belfast Beer and Cider Festival take place in the Ulster hall. The annual CAMRA event is Spread over 3 days from Thurs 21st to Sat 23rd and as usual is a chance to catch the latest and greatest from brewers all over Ireland and further afield. In contrast to other years I threw the map out the window and picked Beers and Ciders based solely on name, with Smoke screen and Ginger nut being amongst the favourites. The Beers and Ales are served at room temperature and aren’t the usual carbonated affair that we’re used to getting in the pub. We entered a bit after 1pm and paid the £3 entry fee, aslo picking up a money sheet which has tickets diveded by monetary amounts that can be exchanged for booze. I’m not sure why they have to do it this way (possibly NI’s archaic drinking laws?) but it is quite fun and we ended up giving our left over tokens to some good cause or another, which can’t be bad.
After trying a few half pints we went upstairs for the beer tasting class. At £10 this is very well priced and gives you the chance to sample 8 beers with excellent and very knowledgeable tutelage throughout. We meandered through the UK trying beers from all over, from wheat beers to very dark porters, a Scottish Foxy Blonde to a Southern English Mary Maiden, some strong and some not so strong. But alas we came out very satisfied and more than a bit squiffy. Like I said we got what we paid for and it was a bloody good laugh as well. After I left I had a few cheeky ciders to round things off as the band got into full swing, it wasn’t long before I was ready to swing off myself and head out into the night for a few cold ones, it’s a great day out and I enjoy dabbling with the Ales etc, but I think at the end of the day I just enjoy cold carbonated beer too much!
