Cambridge Beer Festival 2008 - Kingdom of the Crystal Decanter

Apparently this was the last year where free entry to CAMRA members would occur. So it was with much sadness that I traipsed my way over to the usual area of Jesus Green last week. I was surprised initially because there was no sign of the marquees and 8ft high metal enclosure. Then, peering through the swirling mists I saw that the entire event had relocated closer to Victoria Avenue. The reason for this wasn't entirely clear to me, but I suspect that the area closer to the residents can be a little disturbing for those living by the original site. Maybe the ground is an inch or two higher here as well offering a touch more drainage - I remember a couple of years ago wearing my wellies to attend a particularly boggy Beer Fest!

The weather was good and so I popped by for a couple of halves per lunchtime and sought out a nice vantage point for my tipple tasting:

I immediately assaulted my first half:

This one was called "Orange Wheat", I liked it but it was a little hoppy for my liking. Still it had a good taste and although it wasn't as fruity as the name suggested I enjoyed it, a great summer beer. This one was produced by the Green Jack brewery of Lowestoft. I'll give it 8/10 despite the hops.

Lacking much imagination I tried a "Cranberry Wheat" from Norfolk's Iceni brewery. I preferred the previous one. It was a great colour though, as you can see from the photo. It wasn't bad though so 6/10 it is. A change of direction, and glass selection, during the next visit led me to pop over to the Chilfords Vinyard stand. I tried a glass of Schonberger (a single verietal from grapes of the same name). This was good, very very clean tasting. Chilfords wines are very similar to some German wines, but fortunately not the Blue Nun type! I enjoyed the crisp gooseberry notes on this one.

Sadly I don't have photos from the next day's visit, but I had an Elgood's "Black Dog", which was a dark mild and just as good as ever. One of my favourites to be honest 8/10. I had desires on a half of "Red Watch Blueberry Ale" but sadly it wasn't on by this time, so I went for "Raspberry Stout" from the Fenland brewery - in a way this was luck, what a fantastic drink this was! Malty and fruity all at the same time, and as dark as the aforementioned Black Dog. This was my favourite of this year's festival and have to give it full marks 10/10!!!