Merchants Beer Festival Diary - Day One


66 Ales. 5 days. Roughly 13 a day. 'Its manageable', I'm told. And so the challenge begins. Its spring, which can mean only one thing. Beer Festival time!

I don't claim to be any expert on the hops. In fact I'm a self confessed lager lout. Yet, as a recent member of CAMRA (I thought it was a photographic society!), I feel I should give the fine breweries of this country some of my attention. 5 days of my attention! What better venue to get educated on the malty slurp than the Merchants Inn, down Little Church Street. This is the closest pub to where I live too, and I feel very proud to have such a well run pub on my doorstep.


I decided to split the challenge into 2 halves, afternoon and evening. I'd sample about 3 or 4 thirds in the afternoon, and then get stuck in properly in the evening.

With some trepidation, I made my way towards the barrels, and was greeted there by Ted Probyo (or 'Backbar Ted' to hardened festivalists). If there was ever to be a more trustworthy guide through the labrynth of beer, it was Ted. He wasted no time in pouring my first, and decided to get me started on the Dark Ales first; 'get the tough stuff out the way' he chimed.

I started with Station Porter, which Ted assured me was the best beer in the country. Some start. At 6.1% its no lightweight, and its slight cheesy nose made way for a beautiful dark, yet very smooth taste. It slipped down well, and with that gulp, I was never to look back. If its one thing I know about beer, its the fact i'm not a fan of the darks.

I can appreciate them in third measures, but any more wouldn't be pretty. One of the darks was reminiscent of chocolate. It's called Stokers Slake, and is a non-threatening 3.6%. It was so warm and rich, and I couldn't stop sniffing at it. I realise now beer can be a complex and sensory experience.

The Merchants know its not enough to just plonk dozens of barrels on a rack and let you tuck in. What makes the Merchants festival so enthralling, is the entertainment they put on.

Tonight it was Doctor Busker, a mix of Chaz & Dave meets sea shanty. The crowd loved them, and their songs were familiar to many, and many sang along. Throughout the evening I ventured on my quest (or Route 66 as I call it). My Beer Sommelier Ted, and the very friendly staff at the Merchants were on hand to push me in the right direction.

I was joined as well by my mate and colleague Leasa, who along with her boyfriend Glen, suggested what I should drink next. Glen kindly bought me a beer called Ginger, and that it was. Not too gingery though. Just enough to not burn. I could easily see myself drinking that on a warm summer afternoon. And so the night drew on, and so my list shortened. I sampled 13 in all, well on track to the magical number 66.

53 barrels of beer on the wall, 53 barrels of beer….

Thanks for the dance Jackie!