Hello Beer Tasters,

May is having some good opportunities, thus far, for Tasting Great Kentish Beer and getting your Tasting Cards completed.

After the recent Online Meeting I have updated the Kent Tasting Panel - Beers to Score Report May 2024 and we discussed the way forwards for the Tasting Panel’s Input for Champion Beer of Britain.

As you all should know by now I am determined to get Kent Beers represented in the competition and I will be working with the BLC to achieve this. This has also been the driving force for sending out this Spreadsheet. We decided that we should only consider beers with an Average score of 6 and over, so I have edited out those under this score (if your favourite beers have disappeared then get some higher scores in to address the balance).

Can I assure everyone that you have been doing a Brilliant Job and I am happy to have you all as part of the Kent Beer Tasting Team.

Sorry if this has been a long read but I am passionate about the Panel and getting Kent beers recognised.

Please keep getting your Tasting Cards done and especially those on the List.

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Events

June & July are providing great opportunities for the Tasting Panel and lots of events that are being attended by members.

Please check the Calendar for upcoming events for ideas of what to go to. https://kent.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=194188

Saturday, 25th May.

Firstly, we have the Official Launch of the Twisted Wheel Brewery at McCanns Brewery on Saturday 25th May. This was arranged by Simon H/S (from Ashford). Glyn and myself had a cheeky pre-launch drink and discussion with them this week and is well worth the visit to Tenterden.

Friday, 14th - Saturday, 15th June.

Second, and again in Tenterden and under the Ashford branch is the Kent & East Sussex Beer Festival on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June. I already know that some of you are going to attend over both the days. If you like a quieter time then the Friday evening session may be better as there are no trains and no bands performing (just saying). Again, this is a Fantastic opportunity to get some Kent Beers tasted and cards submitted.

https://kent.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=214306

What else is happening in June.
Please let me know if there are some other, more local, things going on during June and I will promote them on the Tasting Panel Calendar.

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Further into the Future we have a couple of events for the Diary.

Saturday 6th July.

Peter from the Maidstone Branch has arranged a Visit to the Musket Brewery TapRoom ‘The Armoury’. Peter is also the BLO for Musket and will be our master of ceremonies from 1200h onward. Definitely a good opportunity to score the ‘Fife and Drum’ from the Beers to Score list.

Saturday 6th July.
Also on this day is Macnade's, Faversham. BEER & BBQ FESTIVAL. This event has a Meet the Brewer aspect which Kent’s own Time and Tide have organised. They said, ‘Dive into the craft beer scene with beer tasting masterclasses from top UK brewers’ at the Brewing Masterclass. Iron Pier and Moot Brew will also be in attendance as well as some National Brewers. Please bear in mind that although this is a Free Event you need to book a Ticket from their Website.

https://macknade.com/products/beer-bbq-festival

Saturday 13th - Sunday, 14th July.

Wantsum Fest is set for the Weekend of 13th and 14th July. This would be a good opportunity to try what Wantsum has to offer. I have spoken, more than once, to my contact at the Brewery who said that other beers would be available on the day too. I am due to meet up with the BLO from Wantsum soon and will update nearer the time. Glyn and myself will be there on the Saturday and I think this will be the main ‘Tasting’ day.

https://kent.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=217129

August.
Into August, we talked about calming down as people will, no doubt, be away on holidays. That said, if there are specific things happening then let me know if you want me to promote to the Tasting Panel.

September.
We have spoken about some events in September, but these need confirmation, so watch this space.

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Finally...

Please don’t forget the scheduled Web Meetup for the regular slot (third Wednesday of the month) next will be Wednesday 19th June. It would be good to see you there to discuss all things beer and Tasting Panel Event ideas.

Hopefully I haven't missed anything out and it will be great to see you out and about in the Kent Sunshine.

Cheers and Beers,

Jona Jewitt CAMRA Kent Tasting Panel Chair ku.gro.armac.tnek@gnitsatreeb