Lentils, smoked oranges, bog myrtle and hibiscus were just some of the ingredients highlighted by speakers at a seminar staged by the Guild of Beer Writers and Brewery History Society.
The seminar, staged at Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell, explored the use of ingredients other than the ‘core four’ – malt, hops, yeast and water – in brewing. Some 35 guests enjoyed hearing from:
- Mike Cable, Wild Beer
- Jenn Merrick, brewing consultant
- Rob Wilson, Toast Ale
- Scott Williams, Williams Bros
- Carl Heron, Crisps Maltings
- Prinz Luitpold of Bavaria, Kaltenberg brewery
Following the presentations, several speakers debated the motion: “This house believes that the best beers in the world are brewed with just hops and malted barley.” In a close vote, the motion was defeated.
After the seminar, the party was treated to a tour of nearby Thornbridge Hall Brewery in its spectacular grounds, and several Thornbridge beers were enjoyed at lunchtime, as well as some from the Kaltenberg range.
The seminar was part of the Guild’s ongoing training and development programme, as it encourages members to continually expand and update their knowledge about beer and pubs, and their communication skills.