“Welcome Back….. To The (Virtual) Independent Salford Beer Festival

Hello again! It's only me……. Taking some time from the day job and herding the most lovely (Brewing) cats to drop you a few words.

Those who have been to either Hemsley House or to (previously) St Sebastian's will know how the beer selection works for ISBF.

I created this event - kind of - in my own image. My first thought was “What do I like to see in a beer festival?” And the mirror replied, “Comfort. Friendliness. Space. Localism. Beers I can't regularly get.”

In that order.

So we tried to put that into play.

From year 3 however, I took a slightly bolder, riskier, approach. To make every beer a first time beer to Manchester. Year 3 went ace. Notable for two things.

I threw very little beer away. And..

Our first #EvilKegFilth bar. And THAT changed the ISBF game.

I was told by a friend in the industry (take a bow Rob!) that I'd never be able to do that (the new beer thing) again. It wouldn't be feasible for the breweries.

So, I did it again in years 4, 5 and 6. The breweries approached each year have been simply fabulous and pulled out the stops - especially the high abv stops! Repeatedly.

Beer people really ARE good people.

This year though, the game changed. That's pandemics for you.

I couldn't ask for “beers new to Manchester”. Because - in small pack - that means absolutely new beer.

So I didn't. I “just” asked for a recent release. For something released as close to the event as possible.

And yet…..

I'm looking at the beer list - so far - and…… I'm quite astonished at the numbers of beers that are going to be released first to ISBF.

It's just a little bit humbling. And generous. The efforts to which some of these small independent businesses have gone. Doing it for us, but also - knowingly - for a good cause.

I applaud them all.

Not all beers will be new release. That was never likely. But all come from excellent breweries. I wouldn't approach anyone else.

That said, there are always likely to be changes to plans. Some breweries - 1 so far (and I'm gutted, both for us and them) - won't be able to supply. Plan A needs to be slightly adjusted.

Beers that I think I'm getting as at this evening may end up changing.

That's in the DNA of ISBF. Last minute changes come as standard.

But what's also in the bones of this event is eclecticism. Of beer, of attitude, music…… If I can twist the old John Peel quote about The Fall, it's always the same, it's always different.

ISBF is not “conventional”. In the words of Jan Rogers (Marble) it's “Niche”. Different. And proud of that.

These beers range from IPAs, DIPAs, BIPAs, Porters, Stouts (small & LARGE), Bruins, Mixed Fermentation, Saisons, Blended beers.

We might even have…… A Bitter (but an Extra Special one)

Like I said. Eclectic. It's what we do.

If you have a ticket, you won't be disappointed….. 🤞

I now know - to a greater or lesser extent - about 30 of the beers. I'm excited to share them with you. (NOT the actual details - yet - GOOD GRIEF, I CAN'T TEASE WITHOUT SECRETS!!!) And - after 7 years of doing this - I don't excite easily.

I'm also excited that there are only 2 tickets left. For the Saturday session. Buy them. And smile. You'll be getting fabulous beer. And helping an exceptionally good cause in Start Inspiring Minds.

For which we, The ISBF Family, salute you.

Back soon

Jim x