On the Edge Brewery launch, Sheffield

Reading about a half barrel brewery plant set up in someone's home which produces the likes of a smoked Marzen style, double IPAs and oak conditioned beer sounded like a launch worthy of a Saturday's morning stroll. On the Edge Brewery had put on their very own beer festival at the old junior school off London Road to celebrate their launch and after only an hour of opening, there looked to be numerous people with the same idea as me. With 8 beers available and only pocket change I had to be selective over what to try and stumped for the Citradel at 5.5 per cent first; which was a nice pale tropical hoppy beer using Citra hops. A popular American hop and Oakham brewery do my favourite using this hop for their wonderful Citra.

Another I sampled on the day was the smoked Marzen....I think you have to really like malty smoky flavours to dig this, which to be honest isn't really me. I keep trying, the most expensive try to date being the Norwegian brewery Nogne's 'Holy Smoke'!

Others that I  really wanted to try but ran out of cash were the Whit wash 5.2 per cent; Black IPA 6 per cent and Wath IPA 3.8 per cent.  Ah well, hopefully they'll be available soon round Sheffield so I can go and support this indie beer maker. Fair play to On the Edge.....

Hops can be the distinguishing factor in the final taste/aroma experience and a key ingrediant to a brewer's beer.
There's loads out there; interesting to see the varieties on offer and what they can add:
http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Hops_vacuum_Packed.html
http://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/

Breweries:
http://www.nogne-o.com/
http://www.oakhamales.com/beers/citra.html

I would list On the Edge but can't find any links!

This app is really useful as an easy guide to beer styles for your phone, I found it great when I wasn't so sure about a certain style:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.transmutex.bjcpdroid&feature=search_result