Beer lovers, rejoice! The Wimbledon Beer Festival, set to take place from September 6th to 8th, promises to be a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. This three-day event has been meticulously curated by Max Eisenhardt, Wimbledon Brewery’s resident beer connoisseur, with invaluable input from master brewer Derek Prentice. Together, they have assembled a stellar lineup of some of the finest breweries, including Two Flints, Burning Sky, Drop Project, Ideal Day, The Kernel, and Azvex.
The festival will feature a diverse array of beer styles, ensuring there is something for every palate. From hop-forward IPAs, pales, and NEIPAs to more nuanced table beers, saisons, stouts, double dry-hopped brews, and crisp pilsners, the selection is bound to impress. The cask section, in particular, will be a highlight, pouring traditional bitters, pale ales, blondes, and American Pale Ales (APAs) alongside Wimbledon Brewery’s own creations.
For those with a preference for cask ales, the festival will not disappoint. More than 15 cask beers are set to be available, including classics and seasonal offerings from well-known breweries like Wye Valley and Palmers. Special releases from Long Man Brewery and hazy cask beers from Drop Project and Track will add an extra layer of excitement for attendees.
In a unique twist, the Wimbledon Beer Festival will also host a ‘Battle of the Breweries’ contest. This friendly competition will see the independent breweries in attendance vying to have their beer sell out the fastest. It’s a chance for each brewery to showcase their best offerings and for festival-goers to experience the excitement of discovering new favorites.
Wimbledon Brewery is not just playing host; they are also contributing some exclusive creations to the festival. The brewery has crafted a selection of one-off blended cask beers and cask-conditioned keg beers specifically for the event. This is an exciting opportunity for beer enthusiasts to try these unique brews, some of which may be making their debut at the festival.
Last autumn, Wimbledon Brewery announced its collaboration with hop merchants Charles Faram to showcase recently developed English hops. The result of this partnership is a new range of beers set to launch in 2024. According to Wimbledon Brewery’s managing director Simon Lewis, the brewery’s plans include producing a new English pale ale as a core beer using these innovative hops. Some of these experimental brews may even be featured at the festival, offering attendees a sneak peek of what’s to come.
While the festival is certainly a celebration of craft beer, there will be plenty on offer for those who prefer other beverages. Against the Grain Cidery will be supplying a selection of ciders, and for those who fancy something stronger, Wimbledon Gin cocktails will be available. A curated selection of wines, gluten-free options, and soft drinks will also ensure that everyone has something to enjoy.
The Wimbledon Beer Festival will run from midday each day, starting on Friday, September 6th, and continuing through Sunday, September 8th. With extended hours, attendees will have ample opportunity to explore the wide variety of beers, engage in the ‘Battle of the Breweries,’ and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or someone looking to explore new flavors, the Wimbledon Beer Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable event in the craft beer calendar. Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the best that the craft beer world has to offer.
