#VISBF2 - Let's Do This

With my focus being on the #ISBFHeroes Series of events, #VISBF2 kind of took a back seat. I slept on it. Took some “me time”. Then entered PANIC MODE!!! OH. MY. GOD. It's too late! There's no time! Then the Angel on my shoulder chipped in….. “Deep Breaths Fool!” (Even the Angel on my shoulder gives me abuse…)

But I took a day off work. Sent some emails. Some DMs.

Made a few actual phone calls. Remember them? Gave a few reminders.

And got some responses. Some detail. Some flesh on these shabby bones. So…. First up….

There WILL be a #VISBF2. With some significant changes…..

Firstly. The event will be over 4 Days. From 11-14 November.

Why 4 days? Well….

This year, there will be 3 sessions / tastings dedicated to beer. From Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th and there will be a smaller, dedicated Cider Session on Sunday 14th.

When you buy a beer session, the case will, again, comprise of a mixed case of 12 beers, many - if not most - being new releases, some being exclusives to this event.

The cases will be a mix of styles. Pales, Darks, Saison to Sours. From some of the best breweries in the UK. Many will have been with the event for years, some will be new to us this year. But all will be exceptional. The breweries have been chosen for quality.

The tasting sessions are themed. And distinct. Those details will come at launch. More on that, later.

We are incredibly lucky to have a lovely bunch of sponsors for both beers and Ciders. Sponsorship is incredibly important and we are SO grateful to those lovely people who have come forward and sent their money in. It makes a huge difference.

I am also chuffed to hell to announce that we have a Glassware Sponsor…..!

With 2 exceptions, the Glassware for this event has been sponsored by small independent bars and Pubs (Heaton Hops - Year 2; The Brink - Year 3; The Northern Type - Year 5; House of Hops - Year 6 and last year, The Petersgate Tap. That's one hell of a local list. The Nook more than holds its own in that company.

It is an exceptional small bar, just 5 minutes walk from Bromley Cross train Station, that has been a total success from the off. Banging out exceptional beers from the UKs best breweries. Friendly, welcoming and…… expanding.

Having already expanded into the next door unit, Craig & Jimmy are soon to open another bar in Harwood. They are good beer people. They know what they are doing. And I was hugely flattered when they offered to sponsor.

I'm also pleased that the list of breweries is complete. With a little fine tinkering, that will be ready by launch night.

Each tasting event has a theme.

One will be featuring beers from each side of the Pennines - a mini Virtual East West Fest - in homage to my favourite beer event.

Another will be a tasting of beers on the Funkier side. From Saisons to things a bit more tart.

The final beer tasting will focus on Bitterness, well, in Salford, we're not that far from the Best Coast…

(The cases for the latter two sessions will be a mix of styles, just the tasting beers will fit the theme.)

The Cider event will feature 5 x 750ml bottles from one of the best Cideries in the UK with other elements tying in to the drinking. More details on launch night.

The tastings will be hosted on Zoom - and anybody who took part last year, will be delighted to know that I've invested in a WiFi system that should mean that “Superfast Bolton Broadband” is consigned to the past. (Thank you Stuart!)

There will be merch. I'm open to ideas, but - in all likelihood - just Ts & Hoodies. Maybe in all 3 logo colours (Blue, Orange & Purple) But, like I said, I'm open to ideas.

There will be access to a Spotify playlist unique to each evening - links to both the Zoom & Spotify will be sent to purchasers the week of the event.

So. In short. The event is taking place from Thursday 11th November to Sunday 14th November.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday 24th September. At 19:30.

Don't. Miss. Out.

P. S.

I know some of the beers already. 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

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#ISBFHeroes8 - Into the shed of Dreams : The Birth of a BEASTIE

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#ISBFHeroes7 - It all started on Peter Street