Thanks to a major push from Taste Cumbria and the region’s beer experts and breweries, Cumbrian beer is going on tour and will be served to new customers in the UK and beyo
The initiative, to promote Cumbria’s brewing industry and top class beer, features a host of events and festivals, including a visit to Brussels to wow MEPs and media.
The Celebration of Beers from the North West is supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and will be held at the Headquarters of the Brewers of Europe in Brussels on 4 December 2012, in conjunction with CAMRA and the Society of independent Brewers. Eleven Cumbrian breweries will wow over 200 guests including MEPs, foreign dignitaries, commission officials and influential lobbyists.
Cumbrian beer beauties such as Champion Beer of Britain 2012 winners Coniston will be on tap to tempt trade. The reception, based around a showcase of over 20 of Cumbria’s beers will also address issues such as beer tax and excise duty, with many Cumbrian breweries and beer experts having their say whilst promoting the county’s beer industry.
Mary Houston, Food Tourism Manager for Taste Cumbria said “This is a great opportunity to discuss our industry, our concerns and also promote our region’s distinctive beers to our MEPs and spread the word (and great taste) of our wonderful beer. This is a great exercise in trade promotion and I look forward to hearing many success stories for our breweries as a result of this trip.”
Somewhat closer to home, Manchester’s Port Street Beer House will play host to Stringers of Ulverston and Cumbrian Legendary Ales amongst others on 23rd – 26th January 2013, whilst two venues in Newcastle, The Free Trade Inn and Bacchus, will be charmed by Cumbria’s best shortly after in February 2013.
Beer writer and expert Jeff Pickthall who is involved in all the events commented “We’ve been working hard to make sure Cumbrian beer stays top of the serious beer drinkers’ list. Business is fast growing beyond the region for our amazing beer and the trip to Brussels will no doubt enable us to gain even more Cumbrian beer fans and improve trade and business for Cumbrian brewers.”