April 13, 2015 · Team HG
Last weekend, the Groningen Beer Festival in the Martinikerk was once again the largest beer tasting event in the Netherlands. Over 5,000 visitors flocked to this Groningen spectacle of international stature! Many domestic and foreign breweries were represented as always.
More than 150 beers were served on tap, along with various bottled beers. Breweries and importers mostly staffed their stands themselves, allowing information about the beers to be expertly conveyed. In this way, the organization aims to safeguard quality for its visitors. Masterclasses led by various prominent beer experts were available to attend. With its diverse program, exciting professional competitions, and interesting masterclasses, the organization has once again succeeded in creating a unique experience for every beer lover.
Just like in previous years, the festival was again divided into three sessions on Friday and Saturday. This gave beer lovers the chance to sample multiple beers without having to drink continuously. In this way, the tasting remained responsible and the convivial atmosphere of the festival was ensured.
High-profile Masterclasses
As usual, the festival offered various masterclasses by widely respected beer experts. On Friday evening, Melissa Cole (UK) gave a masterclass on beer and food pairings, and Bax Bier, in collaboration with Het Koffiestation, gave a lecture and tasting on coffee and beer. Also on Friday evening, beer sommelier and zythologist Fiona de Lange presented a masterclass on the ‘National Beer Bank’. During this tasting, she allowed interested attendees to sample various 25-year-old ‘vintage beers’. On Saturday evening, a masterclass was given by Cor Hooymaayers, who spoke about beer aged in wood. To conclude, it was the turn of the Greek Brewery ‘SEPTEM’, who gave a lecture on techniques for enriching hop aroma and flavor.
High-level brewing competitions
This year, three brewing competitions were organized. These were expertly judged by a jury of professional judges. Amateur brewers were challenged to brew the best ‘Saison’. This year’s winner among the amateur brewers was Henkjan Matthijs. There was also a brewing competition for the tastiest Saison, which was judged by a consumer jury. BIIR Barcelona deservedly took first place. Professional brewers were expected to brew the best and tastiest Tripel. In this category, Brouwerij Maallust emerged as the winner.
Best beer and food pairing
In addition, hospitality businesses in the Netherlands were challenged to come up with the best beer and food pairing. The highly renowned jury consisted of Derek Walsh, Melissa Cole, and Els Eggens. ‘t Feithhuis won the prize this time for the best combination.
Missed the festival or can never get enough of special beers? Next year, Bierfestival Groningen will once again take place in the Martinikerk on April 8 and 9, 2016.
Groningen Beer Festival. Hear, see, smell, taste, and enjoy!
For more information, please refer to www.bierfestivalgroningen.nl
