If you’re one of those beardy old patriarchs proffering the idea that world of beer is a male endeavour, then you’ll need to get the hell outta this page space. I’d stop reading around about now, because you’re not going to identify with this one bit. We’re pleased to tell you that Norwich has a new beer festival on the bill.
FEM.ALE doesn’t only want to give props to female beer lovers, but also wants to promote beers exclusively brewed by women. Te Plasterers Arms will give sanctuary to the very first
FEM.ALE event, over the weekend of 23-25 May.
T
Read our full interview with Erica Horton on
Outlineonline.co.uk For more info, search for ‘
FEM.ALE’ on
Facebook, or follow @FemAleFestival on Twitter.
his doesn’t mean that men aren’t welcome at the event, of course. Te whole point about
FEM.ALE is celebrating the golden liquor, so whoever’s up for it, is most welcome.
During the weekend, all 15 pumps of the Plasterers Arms will be spewing forth female- brewed ales, and the event claims an exclusive guest ale from Suffolk brewing royalty, Adnams, that was crafted specially for this event.
It’s very apt that this new event is being held in Norwich; according to Erica Horton, organiser of
FEM.ALE, “Norwich is one of the best places in the country to get a pint of ale, to the point where the beer lovers amongst us even take it for granted that a pub will have a selection of real ales to choose from.” Another reason for choosing Norwich as base for the event could be its tie-in with the yearly celebration, City of Ale, organised by a non-profit group that has the mission to promote Norwich, nationally and internationally, as the UK City of Ale. Te City of Ale festival will take place this year from May 22nd until June 1st, so that means
FEM.ALE is heartily welcomed as the newest part of it. “When we started talking to Benjamin at the Plasterers Arms about when to hold the event, it really was perfect timing that we had the opportunity to get involved with the City of Ale Festival this year. We’re really excited to be part of the city-wide efforts for the City of Ale this year and to give female brews a real home in amongst the events across the city”, says Erica.
Te reason why City of Ale was so eager to add this event to their events was undoubtedly the terrific program
FEM.ALE has to offer during the three days of the festival. Te fun-filled Friday kicks in the door with a visit from Dea Latis. Tese female beer enthusiasts and expert sommeliers will match some delicious brews to five breakfast courses. Tis is, by the way, the only ticketed
28 / May 2014/
outlineonline.co.uk
event of the whole weekend. Tat evening for example, you’ll be able to join in for free with brewster brews providing a delicious liquid accompaniment to the live music action from Pony Up and tweeOFF promoters.
On Saturday there will be a discussion panel from four successful brewsters and beer experts about how they brew their beers, what ingredients they love and what it's like being a woman in the beer industry. Did you always wonder what it precisely is that makes your beer taste so good? Tan this is your shot. Te fact that there will be a talk about women in the overtly-male dominated beer industry clearly illustrates another dimension of the aspect: “It’s not unusual at all in this county to see women enjoying a pint of ale, but it’s still the case that women are under- represented in the industry itself,” explains Erica.
Other events on the bill are tasting sessions and a visit by Norfolk brewster Jo C. She will be holding a beer tasting and give her humble opinion on the whole matter. On Saturday evening the atmosphere in the Plasterers Arms definitely promises to be pumping, with a big party planned to take place.
What’s a better remedy for your hangover after this party than starting all over again? Te final day of the festival will see some live music with a performance from the female-fronted blues band Starbuck Friend in the afternoon. You’ll be able to let off some steam with the final drips of ale that very evening.
So let’s hear it for the ladies; a weekend of fine beer from fair brewsters. We’ll drink to that.
Yarreth Plysier
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