Beer and food giant comes to the Martinikerk in Groningen

Melissa Cole will be coming to the Martinikerk during the symposium preceding Bierfestival Groningen. Additionally, she will give a masterclass on beer and food pairings on both days. Cole is the author of various beer and food books and gives tastings all over the world. Bierfestival Groningen will take place for the 3rd time in the Martinikerk on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April.

Just like last year, the festival is split into three sessions: Friday evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Many domestic and international breweries are represented in Groningen during the festival. Together, they offer the more than 5,000 visitors a taste of over 125 different beers on tap. Thanks to the arrival of various new breweries, many new and surprising beers are being discovered. Most brewers are behind the bar themselves, where they talk about their brewed beer with passion and pride.

Groningen is also an excellent place to be for true beer enthusiasts and forward-thinking hospitality businesses, as various interesting masterclasses are being offered alongside the beer tasting. As mentioned earlier, beer expert Melissa Cole (UK) will cover the theme of beer and food pairing. The story behind London beers will be discussed by her compatriot Des de Moor. The Italian, multiple award-winning Giovanni Campari will talk about various beers from his brewery and offer tastings. Other masterclasses will be given by Susanne Hecht (D) from Schneider Weisse, Peter van der Arend (NL) from Beer Temple and Het Arendsnest. Toon van den Broek (NL) from the Groningsch Bier- en Wijngilde will give a Geuze tasting. Tickets for these masterclasses are available via the website.

Beer Festival Groningen has organized various competitions. The results for the ‘Best Spring Bock’, the tastiest ‘Weizen Beer’, and the most surprising beer and food pairing will be announced during the Saturday afternoon session.

With its international character, diverse program, large number of breweries, and beautiful location, Bierfestival Groningen has all the ingredients to grow into the most extraordinary beer tasting event in Europe!

“Groningen Beer Festival. Hear, see, smell, taste and enjoy!