#ISBFHeroes - Episode 5
Following the heartwarming feedback from #VISBF, when I first thought of hosting these mini events, one of the things that I had in mind was to feature breweries and people who had been part of the ISBF journey since day one.
Or, in this case, day 2.
Julie and Les O'Grady came to the first ISBF on the Saturday. I think that we followed each other on Twitter prior to the event. We chatted. I clearly remember that they sat at a table opposite the kitchen and - if memory serves - were sat with Carl Marshall (now of Salopian). At that point, neither were in the Brewing game.
The next year - 2015 - that changed. Neptune Brewery was born. And they've been a feature on the ISBF “bar” ever since - with one exception.
For all of their talents (Les as a brewer and Julie as….. Well, Julie is just unpigeonholeable (Social Magnet - see Ladies That Beer, Assistant Brewer. She's just a star), just one of the things I love about them is that they are - as a brewery - undemonstrative. Resolutely locally rooted in Maghull, yet Brewing beers that appeal all around the country.
Because they are good. Damned good. I don't need to see (much deserved) Ratebeer awards to appreciate the consistent excellence of the beer that they make.
Neptune are one of the first names on my wish list.
They've given me some of my favourite beer memories, guiding my friends and I around some of Liverpool's finest drinking spots. Making me laugh until I cried and my sides hurt. Just ask Julie about the “Gobshite” episode……. 😁
They've been there supporting me in my darkest moments. I still remember the call to Les saying that I couldn't make it to Maghull for a Collab for ISBF3. And why…
They are 2 of the finest people in beer. And I know a lot of those people.
That one exception - mentioned above - was last November. For #VISBF. When Les phoned to let me know, he was gutted. As was I.
And THAT beer (Pale Blue Oceans) is on this list. Les snuck it in…😍
Neptune, Julie & Les, are an integral part of the ISBF journey.
And I couldn't be more thrilled to have them back. Where they're meant to be. (Cue Aidan Moffat song)
Those who have “attended” these events before know how this works.
So. What have we got?
6 beers. With 2 of each of the following…..
Mosaic (Pale) 4.5% abv
Amongst The Waves (Pilsner) 4.2% abv
Abyss (Oatmeal Stout) 5% abv
Elea (US Pale w/Rhubarb) 5.0% abv
Pale Blue Oceans (DDH IPA) 6.5% abv
Beachcomber (NZ Pale) 5.1% abv
12 delicious beers. From one of the best breweries around. Delivered to your door.
And how much will this little box of joy cost? £50. And that includes both delivery AND £5 into the charity pot for each case bought.
And - whilst on that subject - I spoke with Bernadette Conlon (CEO of Start Inspiring Minds) last Friday and finally got around to telling her what we'd been up to for the last 5 months.
She wanted to pass her gratitude (and that of her team) to each and every one of you who have bought one of these little boxes of joy. That money makes a huge difference to the work that START can do. At a time when their help has never been more necessary.
So. 28th May. 19:30. Come join us. Drink some delicious Neptune beers in the company of the lovely Les. Maybe even Julie. Oh. And Me and James (with every Silver Lining there must be a cloud!)
The last event (with North Riding) sold out in 45 minutes. To grab one of these Neptune beauties, click here.
Please don't miss out.
See you on 28th. Be kind to one another.
Jim x