LATEST NEWS: The Red Cow is open ! Their refurb is complete and the pub is back in action.
Mmmmmm Beer !
It is often postulated that the success of The Nantwich Jazz Blues and Music Festival is not solely due to the high quality performances and broad span of genres that the participating musicians bring with them, but because the festival venues offer equally laudable surroundings in which to enjoy the music. No small part of this is the choice and quality of the beer available !
We asked Michael at The Crown which beers would be featuring in 2013 and he sent us this . . .
Salopian Brewery
Shropshire Gold (always available at the crown)
ABV: 3.8%
Style: Golden, with a flora aroma and a full hoppy flavour that is balanced by a crisp dry maltiness and a rich finish
History: Shropshire Gold was first brewed in July 1998. We had decided that a brew was needed that could compete with the session beers produced by National brewers such as Bass as well as other local producers. We decided to make a beer that would have a rich gold colour to please the eye, a full rich flavour to make it appeal to those who preferred a stronger beer, and a pronounced hop character to please everyone! This concept obviously worked as sales have increased markedly year on year. Shropshire Gold now makes up over half the production of the brewery and is listed as the house beer in at least 40 local outlets, a testimony to a consistent product and a keen price.
Sarah Hughes Brewery
Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild
ABV: 6%
Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby is a rare example of a strong mild, it weighs in at 6.0% and is brewed to a pre World War I recipe. Before the Great War strong milds were the norm, in fact there were four strengths of mild ranging from 5.5% to 7% abv and designated by x’s xxxx being the strongest. However grain shortages during WWI restricted the brewing industry and weaker milds replaced their stronger counterparts.
Dark Ruby is as the name suggests red in colour and very sweet with some hops on first tasting moving on to a blend of malts. Dandelion and burdock flavours mingle with bubblegum, dried fruits and cherries with an acid bite to finish which is almost vinegary. Concentric lacing decorates as this rich, sweet ale descends the glass a little speedily for an ale of such strength. Very easy to drink and very moreish and available all year round.
Marstons Brewery
Pedigree
ABV: 4.5 %
Marston’s Pedigree has always been crafted using the finest natural ingredients to ensure you receive a truly exceptional beer.
We only use natural Burton spring water and traditional varieties of barley and hops (Maris Otter Barley, Fuggles and Goldings hops), rather than less expensive, commercially grown, modern hybrids. Unique in this world, it is still brewed in the oak casks of the Burton Union to preserve its unique character, consistent quality and taste. Many brewers have abandoned this traditional method of brewing over the years due to its extra cost and labour intensive maintenance, which requires a skilled cooper to constantly service the wooden casks. It has been the commitment and belief of each Marston’s Head Brewer to preserve the extra effort that goes into each brew that makes Marston’s Pedigree such an exceptional beer. When you want a truly exceptional premium ale, Don’t compromise, choose Pedigree.
Marston’s Pedigree is an exceptional premium ale with an ABV of 4.5%. You will find it widely available on draught in pubs nationwide, over 41 million pints are sold every year.
The Talbot joins in !
The Talbot will be staying open especially for the 2013 festival. After being run by a management team pending the appointment of a new licensee, the venue was due to close for a major refurbishment and not scheduled to re-open after Easter.
However the incoming licensees Louise and Rick have decided to postpone the temporary closure until after The Festival and will be hosting no less than 6 gigs over the weekend. Details are yet to be confirmed but we are sure the venue will enjoy a busy weekend with some great music !
Phillip Martin, Festival Organiser said “We are all really pleased that The Talbot is back on board. The pub has taken part every year from the very start of The Festival and I’m looking forward to announcing their 2013 gig programme !”
To see The Talbot’s festival schedule Click Here
Harrisons host The Tom Seals Collective
The Tom Seals Collective have agreed to step in at Harrisons on Saturday 30th March as unfortunately, Rob Cross is unable to appear due to ill health.
The Collective are a band of top class players, who will come together to give you a full mixture of musical mayhem, from old Jazz and Rhythm & Blues standards to modern day covers. Featuring; Tom on Piano/vocals, Al Dean on Guitar/vocals with J.J. Estridge on Bass and Harry Pickles Percussion.
The band are on stage from 7pm.
