Topics

The annual Great British Beer Festival is back again for 2023 and as usual in the massive London Olympia building. With over 800 different local UK Beers, Ciders and Perry but also international brews from around the world.

The festival is running over the first week of August so Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th August.

As is also tradition myself and a few other dMw folk will be making the visit to the festival on the Friday 4th August. Beers tasted at the festival and really enjoyed will be looked into and see if we can not get a barrel for the Autumn Lan.

I have got myself the VIP ticket version as this includes in the price. Ticket, £10 beer tokens, Festival glass (3 different types to choose from on the day), Festival program and most importantly separate seating area with tables, chairs. From experience 12 hours of drinking beers on your feet trying to get a table is annoying so the guarantee of a table and sit down is a must. Plus we get to use the table for some simple board / card game fun in between the all important beer tasting.

If you need accommodation in London during the event then you will need to sort this your self. But several of us will likely be staying in various hotels in London for a day or 2 so could always meet up and go visit other attractions in the big smoke etc.

Tickets can be found in the below link. If you want to join us remember were planning the 4th August session.


https://gbbf.org.uk/tickets

Confirm to the thread once you have your ticket and will get you added to the list

Attendees.

Gortex +1 - VIP ticket
Albert +1 - VIP ticket
Monkey - VIP ticket
Ghosty - VIP ticket
Faust - VIP ticket
TeaLeaf - VIP ticket

[If you want to be part of this years event but did not tick it on the Lan form then no problem there is still time to sign up for it, but just make sure your ticket is in a bucket by Friday early evening before steak night. If you are social attendee then no problem we can pop your name on a blank bit of paper for the bucket.]

As all those who have been to the bigger dMw Lan events will know, we like to run a Deadathalon tournaments, and this coming Lan XL will be no exception and we have decided that we will do so again.

If you want to be part of this years event but did not tick it on the Lan form then no problem there is still time to sign up for it, but just make sure your ticket is in a bucket by Friday early evening before steak night. If you are social attendee then no problem we can pop your name on a blank bit of paper for the bucket.


What is this event about? I hear the unexperienced say. Well it is a tournament held over several rounds, with each round being covered by a different style of game. With at the end of each round at least half the participants being eliminated, and the rest moving on to take part in the next well thought out game which usually works according to plan.

We like to have each round with a game where the participant does not normally need a copy of the game to play. Where possible has no idea what the challenge will be and had little to no experience. So evening up the skill field a bit. Because of this we open up the tournament to everyone who attends, so social attendees can also join in if they so wish, and we encourage to do so.

As a heads up this year we will have 5 rounds of different styles.

I need to let you all know the first game as I need those who have a copy to get it installed on their rigs prior to turning up in the lan room. If you have a copy or ever played Half Life 2 then you should have in your steam library for free tucked away Half-Life 2: Deathmatch. If not it can be picked up on steam currently for £3.99 or £1.89 on CDKeys (currently). Please note though you don’t have to have a copy of it as I am sure there will be some peeps who will be happy for a quick loan of their machine for you match on it.

Lastly for Round 2 this is opened up to everyone at the lan to have a go and even those who have not signed up to be part of the Deadathalon as there is a separate prize to be won. Note though only those signed up for the Deadathalon will go through to round 3.


So summary:

Round 1 â€" Half-Life 2: Deathmatch (you will be in teams)
Round 2 â€" None computer game
Round 3 â€" Retro style Shooter game
Round 4 â€" Fighting style game
Round 5 â€" Sports style game

Deadathalon Champion reached and the King of the Losers

[So what are we having?]

Just 1 week now until the start of the 40th dMw Lan and a good point to talk about beer for the event I feel. This year we have once again sponsored beer for you wonderful people to enjoy, but on this occasion it is fully sponsored by the dMw community fund rather than individual sponsors.

So in effect a big thank you to everyone who is part of the mad group and cheers!!! :cheers::cheers::cheers:

This year we will be selling a pint of cider or beer at £2 which yes is slightly up from previous years, but I am sure you will agree is a lot less than the current price. So there is every reason for going back to the bar for more and buying your mates a brew while at it.

So what are we having? I hear you shout at the screen as you read this.


Real Ale #1

Roadkill by Mad Squirrel Brewery

An Opaque and Hazy IPA, BAM! That’s Roadkill hitting your taste buds like a body bouncing off a bonnet. An ABV of 65mph collides with the squishy pulp of unexpecting fruit and leaves super smooth tire-tracks all over your tongue. Roadkill, don’t drink and drive.

The beer of the festival for those who went to the GBBF22 earlier in the year and we have been able to get a barrel of it. The ale is at 6.5% so stronger than your probably used to and comes in a 50 pint barrel so slight less that we are used to which is possibly a good thing. Lots of juice, lots of hops and lots of flavour. Really good.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6157[/ATTACH]


Real Ale #2

Black Sheep Ale â€" Black Sheep Brewery

Black Sheep Ale is a full flavoured premium ale with a rich, fruity aroma. Brewed using generous handfuls of choice Golding hops, it has a perfectly balanced bittersweet, malty taste with a long, dry and bitter finish.

Your bitter for the Lan is served, and a cracker in my opinion. Don’t confuse this one with the usual Black Sheep best bitter you may have seen in pubs and shops. This is the slightly stronger 4.4% and more punchy ale version. If you love a decent quaffing English ale then this is a big win.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6158[/ATTACH]


Real Ale #3

Moonshine â€" Abbeydale Brewery

Our flagship pale, and our most famous beer. Moonshine has been in production since way back in 1996, when our brewery led the path to America to experiment with hops never before seen in the UK. More than 20 years down the line and Moonshine is still a firm favourite across the board. Hopped with Willamette, Delta, Citra, Chinook & Centennial - this is a beautifully well balanced pale perfect for any occasion. Multi award winner and Bronze medal winning Golden Ale at the Champion Beer of Britain Awards 2018

A completely new one to all of us and our Pale Ale for the Lan. From what I have seen it looks to be a pretty decent and interesting brew with a good average rating on untapped. Abbeydale from Sheffield have been around for a long time and a well-known brewery, so I think we are in safe hands.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6159[/ATTACH]


Real Cider #1

Gasping Goose â€" Newton Court Cidery

This cider is the result of 14 years of head brewery Paul’s experience growing, pressing and blending the best cider apples in the country - and now it's certified organic. Gasping Goose is a complex medium cider with a slightly tannic finish.

Not being a knowledgeable cider fan myself I went with some advice from someone who is. They recommended trying out Newton Court who are a popular cidery and known for making top quality organic style cider. So we have a big box of it.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6160[/ATTACH]


After all that I will see you at the bar. :beer:

It feels like an age and more ago that we did a trip to wonderful London Olympia for the annual Great British Beer Festival.

The good news is that it is back for 2022 :yahoo: myself and Suicidal Monkey have got tickets for the usual Friday all day session of the festival in the VIP section. Sadly the VIP has sold out now but you can still get normal entry tickets and we can meet up for sinking several beers, ciders, mead or even gin. You never know we might find something really special that we can get a barrel of for the next Lan in the autumn.

Link for the event below and just follow the tabs for the tickets.

https://gbbf.org.uk/

:cheers::3cheers::cheers:

[just £2 a pint]

In just less than 2 weeks’ time we are going to be back in the Oliver Cromwell hotel for the long awaited next DMW Lan, which I think all those in the community have greatly missed. In addition to meeting all you wonderful people again we also thought as a welcome back to the Lan to bring in the sponsored beers so everyone can enjoy cheaper and better beers than the hotel would normally supply.

Now for this returning Lan, rather than go for more obscure beers that we would usually go for, we decided to go with slightly more well known brands which would also be easier to get hold of. This decision was taken because we had no GBBF to attend this year to find out what new and wonderful things we could get hold of, but also because of the HGV shortage, supply, Brexit and increase of costs etc, made me/us have to rethink the usual approach. So with that being said we have gone with 3x tried and tested or slightly more well-known beers and cider which will be sold to all those at the Lan for just £2 a pint (yes a slight increase as the cost of beer has gone up…. dam it)

Also rather than assign one beer to a set of people / sponsors I thought it nicer for this occasion that all the sponsors be named and thanked as a whole for the help and sponsorship of the beers and cider.

So a Big Thank You to the following who helped sponsor in what ever way you could.
Smilodon
ProtoJay
Jewelz
Gunda
Myopic Sniper
Uni
Tuna
Sneakytiger
Lionheart
Lup4m
Evilntwisted
Nuka
Gorliath
Simagule
Suicidal Monkey
Chaos
Gortex



Now the important bit what will we get.

Real Ale #1

Darwin’s Origin by Salopian Brewery

Darwin's Origin is a specially brewed ale for 2009 to celebrate the bicentennial of Charles Darwin’s birth in Shrewsbury. It's a copper-coloured red beer with a 4.3% ABV, that evolves with a pronounced hop character which leads to a refined malt finish.
A returning beer that we last had at a Lan back in 2016 and went down a great hit. It did not last long on tap I seem to remember.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]5971[/ATTACH]

Real Ale #2

Summer Lightning by Hopback Brewery

A trendsetter in the brewing industry; the original Summer ale brewed all year round. An extremely pleasant bitter, straw coloured beer with a terrific fresh, hoppy aroma. This, coupled with an intense bitterness, leads to an excellent long, dry finish. Probably the beer to receive the most awards in Britain!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5972[/ATTACH]

Real Ale #3

Proper Job by St Austell Brewery

A powerfully authentic IPA, Proper Job is brewed with a blend of imported American hops. It is a real treat of a beer with a growing reputation and is loved by beer enthusiasts far and wide. An award-winning modern IPA packed full of citrus, pineapple and grapefruit resinous flavours with a fine crisp bitter finish.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5973[/ATTACH]

Real Cider #1

Sunset by Lilley’s Cider

A rich and fruity rustic cider bursting with apple flavour. Cloudy and Medium Sweet.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5974[/ATTACH]

[Pros:]

I am interested to see what the many people who tired the game out over the final beta thought of the game with some playing a good deal more than myself so probably can give a better insight.

My first impression was wow this looks amazing and excited to try it out and eager to get through the usual tutorial about how to jump attack and use wasd keys. I had some pros and cons about the game as expected and am hopeful they can improve on the cons and make this a great game. I did not get around to trying out any of the PVP, Dungeons or much group quest or faction stuff so a lot I have yet to come across.

Pros:
Graphics - I thought were really nice and several times I stopped to go wow this is cool.
Sound and music - this was also really well put together and added to the ambiance of the whole experience.
Quests - straight forward and a good learning and levelling progress as you advanced your character. I also especially liked the quest tracker and working with the map so I could find out where to go. Unlike good old wow early days where you spent ages trying to find out where to go or what to.
Map - I found the map was very detailed and easy to use, once I got my head around a few of the options, and really liked the ability to properly zoom in on it to check on locations and details like roads etc.
Crafting - Probably the best part of the game in my opinion and there is so many different areas and depth to it in which to explore with no real restriction on trying everything out. I felt like I only scratched the surface of it and am looking forward to investigating further. I also like how they interlock with each other, like the Metal working and in order to make armour you need linin so it encourages you to work on multiple skills not just 1.
Combat - Simple, straight forward and good for a beginner and as I played it I found it to become more complex, you needed to mix it up with dodging, blocking and striking with having to time all these things in order to minimise the amount of damage I took and maximise my attack. I tried out tank / defence class (which I plan to play in main game) and it took some getting used to and felt much more involved than say other mmos I have tried.
Gear/Items - I really like how your not limited to just one type of class as it were and how the class system is linked to the weapons and not the character. This is good as you can do some tanking one minute and the switch weapon and go do some dps. Sure if you want to specialise in one area to max it out then you can and probably should at some point, which will then dictate what type of gear you need to have or focus on. But it does not mean you have to. If you want to be a magic user in heavy armour then sure why not, it may not be the best way to play the class but it does not stop you.
Freedom of choice - As already mentioned in the gear section and crafting, I like how your not restricted to just one or two things and that the game tells you how you should play it. I just like how you can go and do what you want, when and where. There is no restriction on me going exploring the map, wearing what gear I want and doing what ever quest I want. Sure my choices might end up me getting killed quickly but then that is my choice and not the games strict paths that you get in so many games. I also like how if you do make a bad choice the game does not overly punish you for it.
community play - Really good to play with lots of members of the community again and how easy this game makes it to do so.


Cons:
Character creation - Odd one to start with, but only the choice of human to play and nothing else. Which I get because they did not want all the fantasy races in there, but then the problem is everyone looks pretty much the same. Like with everyone one running around at the start in a version or brown clothing and a flat hat on. As I progressed levels to the mid teens I was hoping for big differences and there were some, but this was mainly due to the faction you joined or the type or armour you had on. I did several quests with say 3x other players and all casters with staffs running around and I could not tell the difference between them except a name tag.
Game sound - This worked fine until I got into combat with 2 or more enemies and at which point the combat sound complete disappeared which was most annoying when tanking and trying to time my blocks etc. Sure this is probably just a bug, but quite a big one I feel. I had the same issue when mining some iron node and some guy came up also to mine the same thing. As soon as he started hitting it sound effects stopped.
Quests - All the quests for PVE stuff were pretty much the same, go collect 5 of these or go kill 10 of these. Sure this is an mmo, and there is grind in every mmo along with theses types of quests, but they seem to be the same type for all different versions like the main story line, daily faction or location quests. It feels like there is very little variety here, and almost as if the devs put this as a much less priority part of the game and rushed it out as something we need to add. Hopefully in time this gets better and as we progress in levels or more likely have to wait for an expansion to add some depth and variety to it.
PVE Main story line - For me this felt pretty weak and rather unengaging with very little of it being covered or explained with what was actually going on. Hopefully as I get higher level this will get better but from what I found this area and indeed the lore of the game was lacking. It almost feels like they wanted to create a set type of mmo based for PVP and faction control, and then when they found after a questionnaire was done that players would want more PVE they just hired some guy to come up with something and put little effort into it. Now I use wow here as an example which I personally think is one of the best mmo games in terms of lore and story telling, sure some expansions are lacking considerably more than others, but on the whole you can get lost in the whole world along with the plots, twists and detail of the game. New World feels a long way behind this and as I have said a long way second priority to the game and I think this shows in many sections of the game.
Gathering - Now I have mentioned the good things about the crafting in the game which is excellent, but the gathering and farming of materials is tricky and in some cases dame right annoying. I personally do not mind the grind of having to go get stuff like minerals, gems etc, and I don't really mind the challenge to go find them. However I found that depending where your starting area was you had good access to some resource and not to others. Sure I get this and encourages us to explore more, however when it comes to making basic starter level things that need different skills to make (like my example of armour in metal making needing linin to do it) then make it at least possible to get the resource in the area you start in. Instead I had to cross zones to go find hemp for fibre in order to make linin which meant going through an area which was way higher than my level and more likely to get killed and have to respawn back at the town and start the run again. Drunken Zombie had the same issue with the area he was in and not having much access to ore. Now I get making it hard to find high end stuff but simple starting level items should be easier to get to make the very basic gear.
Combat - I mentioned the pros but the cons are also there for this, every weapon class has basically a soft attack, a hard attack, a block with then 3 special attacks and that is it. Very little variety or thought for each class. Even the character actions and stance for each attack seemed to be the same to me.

Am sure there are lots of other things I could mention but lets here what you all think. I will still be playing the game on release so bring it on.

[So what is the Schedule / Plan I hear you say:]

As your all aware the planned spring Lan XXXVII was cancelled due to the Convid-19 outbreak. After a few discussions we that we came up with the idea of turning the Lan into a Wan and just doing everything remotely. You will have seen several polls, surveys and general questions asking for interest and game choices.

Further to this we had some more chats and decided with the level of interest, difficulty in organising and with Chaos being busy working (or is that bullying nurses) the weekend, we won’t be going ahead with a full bill of scheduled gaming or usual competitions you would expect at the lan.

However, we do intend to have a focused weekend of gaming around the bank holiday weekend but aiming at more of a chilled out get together during each evening rather than a full-blown competition.

So what is the Schedule / Plan I hear you say:



Thursday 7th May â€" 7PM “social night”

Table Top Simulator â€" Multiple games in different groups will be run similar to how the usual Thursday night social night at a lan would go.

Friday 8th May â€" 7PM “smash into Jewelz big pink rig”

Wreckfest night â€" Jump onto the dmw only server with 24 gaming slots for some smashing fun. Think destruction derby and don’t worry if your no good at racing games as not many of us finish the actual race anyway.

Saturday 9th May â€" 7PM “main community night”

Bad Company 2 â€" Yes that is right we are going back to the good old days of DMW against the world Friday night gaming (except it is Saturday) and playing with C4. We can now play an EA game at a Lan again because we are at a Wan and not sharing the same IP. We have organised our own rented dmw server which will be available for a full month so come join us all and have some fun with this classis shooter.

These are just the games we have organised to be focused on at the said date and time and encourage us all to join in some fun during this challenging time. Please note you are still welcome to get peeps together and go play other things but we do ask don’t plan any epic group event during the evenings of the above mentioned times.

The order of Cider turned up today just in time for the double bank (public) holiday this weekend and some glorious weather to be enjoyed.

Some of you may recognize have tried the Rhubarb one at the last Lan, although it did not last long.

In the interest of the public safety and for future orders at the Lan I took it on myself to try most of the other brews they do which I am very sorry to say should be a pleasure to do so. :narnar:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5311[/ATTACH]

For all those joining, thinking of joining or wondering what to do during the festivities for the Spring 2020 Wan (note not Lan) then it is strongly advised that you get yourself a copy of Table Top Simulator steam key. If you have played any of the board games or social games at a previous Lan and enjoyed it or wanted to join in, then you know what to expect.

It is currently being sold on Steam for half price £7.50 or if you can find 4 friends who don't have it then it will be for £5.60 which is quite frankly a bargain.

The Wan will see quite a few social games and several on TTS which will include classics which most have probably tried like:

Bang
Perudo
One Night Werewolf
Trial by Trolley

A full schedule of what to expect during the weekend is to follow.

[REAL Cider #3]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL Cider #3



Rhubarb by Lilley’s

Sponsored by: Paddy and Sulky

The third and final cider for the Lan this year and something a little different to normal. More a recommendation rather than being tried at the GBBF but has appeared at various festivals and is an ace cider.

A sweet fruit cider made from Rhubarb and has an excellent flavour with a tart finish to it which counter acts the sweetness wonderfully. At 4% ABV it is more like drinking a fruit juice than alcoholic cider goodness and similar to Sheppy’s cider very easy drinking.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]5089[/ATTACH]

[REAL Cider #2]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL Cider #2



Blackberry and Elderflower by Sheppy’s

Sponsored by: Myopic Sniper, Turd, Simagule and Mr Laister

The only beverage to make a return appearance this year and a winner winner cider dinner for all you fruity cider lovers. I think TL comment on it sums it up best “Awesomely lethal. Just like a Ribena drink masquerading as a mule that is about to kick you in the head”

Sheppy’s cider with blackberry has that added twist with the addition of elderflower, to create a fruity taste with a floral aroma. At 4% abv this drink is super sweet, super tasty and super addictive.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5088[/ATTACH]

[REAL Cider #1]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL Cider #1



Nell Gwynne by Celtic Marches

Sponsored by: Pesteh, MikeP, Galatoni and Gunda

Time for some Cider and to kick things off this particular brew form Herefordshire was sampled at the GBBF and was marked down as the best cider of the trip by our enthusiastic tasters. So using their wisdom and guidance I thought lets get a box of it and confirm they are up to the skill of tasting.

A sweet apple cider and coming in at a kind 4% ABV to wet the appetite. A cider liberally imparted with orange and cinnamon. Enjoy warm in the winter as an alternative to mulled cider or wine, or cold over ice in the summer.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5086[/ATTACH]

[REAL ALE #4]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL ALE #4



Juicy by Tiny Rebel

Sponsored by: Albert, Kreuz, Januz, Mirianna and Twobad

Another new brew for everyone to try and yes another one from the great Tiny Rebel brewery. Now with this one your in for a treat and I have to say hats off to Oliver Cromwell manager who was able to get us a barrel of this in time as it is very hard to get hold of. Again, this is more a recommendation rather than one that has been tasted at GBBF but has appeared at other festivals. From my personal experience this is the only beer I have ever gone back for a second time during a beer festival because it was so good and different. Even the cider lovers should try this one.

This is really a specialty Golden ale with a ABV of 4.8% although very dangerously it does not taste this strong at all, and if you like Haribo gummy bears or sweets then your going to love this. How they get the juiciest mouth-watering flavors out of the American hops and into this beer is truly impressive and very moreish. Your in for a real treat and I can not shout more about this beer.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5083[/ATTACH]

[REAL ALE #3]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL ALE #3


Swift One by Bowmans Brewery

Sponsored by: Chaosphere, JazzieBee, Gortex, Suicidal Monkey and Lionheart

Yes yet another new one for us but this time more a recommendation rather than appearing in the beer festival. Back in 2018 the beer that got the highest marks from all of us at the GBBF was produced from Bowmans with the name Lapwing. Now Lapwing is a festival only beer and after much trying I have given up trying to get a barrel. However Swift One is apparently not to dissimilar and their flag ship beer. They are also my local brewery (1 mile from me), based in the South Downs village of Hambledon and I strongly recommend their beer.

A good pale, golden quaffing ale with excellent flavours form the strength of 3.8%. Pleasingly hoppy throughout without being aggressive and possessing a fine aroma. The finish is dry with a small twist of sweetness at the end. If you feel that this is all rather pretentious then it can be best described as a bloody nice pint.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5082[/ATTACH]

[REAL ALE #2]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL ALE #2



Chocolate Orange Delight by Downton Brewery

Sponsored by: Duval and Gorliath

Another new one for us and another one sampled by a few of us at the GBBF 2019 with a recommendation to appear at a Lan for further taste and trial.

The brewery is from a very small town in Wiltshire and you might be relieved to know it has nothing to do with Highclere Castle and the fictional world of Lord Grantham etc, even though it shares the name. A speciality old ale that speaks for itself. Pronounced chocolate flavours and a pleasant orange addition combine perfectly in this delightfully different offering. Even though classed as a porter it also falls into the category of Bitter which means it is slightly less harsh type of the black stuff. At 5.8% this packs a good punch and close to one of the strongest ales we have gone for at a Lan.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5064[/ATTACH]

[REAL ALE #1]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.

REAL ALE #1



Preservation by Castle Rock Brewery


Sponsored by: Oliver Cromwell Hotel

New one for us and one sampled by a few of us at the GBBF 2019 and generally given the thumbs up enough for a whole barrel to be sort out and given another taste to make sure all is in order.

This is a no nonsense, pure red, bitter of an ale from the now famous Nottingham brewery. The beer has a bit of a punch in the taste buds. A well-rounded with some residual sweetness and balanced with a resinous hop character. But also goes on for a good session beer. It won Bronze award in the Best Bitter category at this years GBBF and at 4.4% should leave you with a smile on the face.  

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5062[/ATTACH]

We are now officially in English Spring Time, and just like the sun going around the planet, so do the DMW members here the call of much beer and cider tasting. This can only mean the Great British Beer Festival is back on and needs the yearly pilgrimage made by the brave and foolish. :cheers:

As usual we will be aiming for the Friday (9th August) of the 5 day festival as this reduces the number of days needed to be taken off work and allows for the healing of sore heads and possibly bodies over the weekend. :norty:

For those also attending the October 2019 Lan we will also be looking for some new taster beers and ciders to be sponsored at this event, so your presence and input would be valuable providing you remember what you drank..

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets - £11 pre-booked or £14 on the door if any left, also if your a CAMRA member then there is additional discount. Includes a free program. Follow link below to ticket site and further information.

This year there is also again the VIP option which some of us tried last time and totally missed the VIP area until the end of the event (had nothing to do with how much we drank :doh:) and this is going for £39 a ticket and only 300 available for each day. For this you get program, glass, souvenirs, £15 beer tickets, separate entrance and separate / nicer drinking area with it's own music. If we do go VIP then act fast and let us know on the forum.

https://gbbf.org.uk/tickets/
Attending:

Gortex - VIP ticket
Smilodon - VIP ticket
Monkey - VIP ticket
Tea Leaf - VIP ticket
Dex - VIP ticket

[REAL Cider #2]

The last of the sponsored beers and ciders being provided for this October Lan. A big thank you to Rogue for this one and additional thank you to all sponsors.

REAL Cider #2



Blackberry and Elderflower by Sheppy’s


Sponsored by: Rogue Taylor


Another personal choice this one and am sure everyone who went to this year GBBF event will be very happy about it. It was the one drink from the festival that got the highest vote from all of us and I think will disappear very fast.

I think TL comment on it sums it up best “Awesomely lethal. Just like a Ribena drink masquerading as a mule that is about to kick you in the head”
 
Sheppy’s cider with blackberry has that added twist with the addition of elderflower, to create a fruity taste with a floral aroma. At 4% abv this drink is super sweet, super tasty and super addictive.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4657[/ATTACH]

[REAL Cider #1]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.


REAL Cider #1


3 Peace Sweet by Hardings

Sponsored by: Tealeaf


Back with popular demand by the members of Ale Research Swilling Executive (ARSE) and some cider lovers. I would advise not hanging around as this will sell fast so don’t miss your taste.
 
Harding is a Cambridgeshire cider maker and so is a relatively local drink for the Oliver Cromwell hotel. 3 Peace Sweet was created as a WW1 Centenary Edition and is 7.5% ABV. It was styled for those who prefer a sweeter cider following an exclusive tasting session at the Hog and Partridge in St Neots. This refreshing brew will appeal to those cider drinkers more accustomed to commercial cider (we know who you are, Magners lovers!). Described by the CAMRA judges as ‘Possessing and aroma of ripe dessert apples’ they commented that ‘it is a truly appley cider and has a flavour thats fresh and summery, with plenty of crisp bite.’ 3 Peace Sweet is Harding's biggest success to date and it surprised by taking the CAMRA National Champion Cider Gold award for 2016!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4651[/ATTACH]

[REAL ALE #5]

It is that wonderful time of the year again when we have some very kind people and businesses willing to sponsor some real ales or real ciders that will appear at the LAN for your enjoyment at a bargain £1.50 per pint. All of the brews have been sampled by the now legendary beer festival team or pacifically asked for by the sponsor and we are fortunate enough for the hotel being able to supply it to us.


REAL ALE #5



Best Bitter by Pheasantry Brewery

Sponsored by: Chaosphere, Suicidal Monkey, Duvel and Gortex (me)

Time for a proper bitter I think, and what better than possibly one of the most popular in the country. Rated in 2014 by Carma as the best bitter in North East of England and winning gold at GBBF 2015 in the bitter category. Many ratings by several of us on Untapped and on the whole a good above 4 out of 5 stars. This is a full-on session bitter and I personally can’t wait to drink it.
 
Pheasantry best bitter This is a smooth tasting deep copper coloured beer, with medium bitterness and low to medium sweetness. It has a light spicy aroma and its ABV is 3.8% and is a no nonsense bitter.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]4650[/ATTACH]