Not content with holding the title of Champion Brewer with the two-time Champion Ale in his fridge, Feral Brewing Company’s Brendan Varis is off to conquer the world. Well, a little bit of England, anyway, as he prepares to brew a special guest beer for the J.D. Wetherspoon’s International Beer Festival in October.
Having written in this year’s Critics’ Choice that Brendan was a humble fellow (he took out the number one spot there, too) it seems odd to include a photo in which he graces the cover of the latest edition of the JD News but, such is the prestige with which he is held on the international stage that it is entirely understandable.
Scheduled to brew at Marston’s in the iconic Burton-on-Trent brewery, Brendan has chosen to whip up an Australian styled IPA to be cask-conditioned and pulled through the handpump. Not shy in admitting that Real Ale is not in his Top Ten list of favourite styles, Brendan is hoping to have his opinions changed – even if it has to be through his own brewing skills!
Wetherspoon’s, founded as a single hotel in 1979, has grown to become a chain of some 835 outlets. Its annual international beer festival allows brewers from around the globe to brew a specialty beer at various breweries around the U.K. Joining Brendan in crafting a one-off brew for the festival this year are such names as Avery Brewing Company (USA), Birra del Borgo (Italy) and Ishi Brewery (Japan).
Real ale is not a style
Well spotted – writing the piece I was thinking of Real Ale as a delivery type/style or a group of styles defined by delivery system rather than a BJCP style definition. Reading it back I can see how it read the other way.