TheNoiseThatWeMade

Micro brewing may be a term you’re familiar with – beer brewed on a small scale often on a brewery plant which allows for dynamic changes allowing crafting of each intricate element of the brew. Really there’s no specific definition of this in the UK. The only correlation to size in the UK is to do with beer tax. The small brewers’ progressive beer duty relief was introduced in 2002 with concessions of 50% on beer duty if breweries produced fewer than 50,000 hectolitres, with a tapering reduction in tax for production up to 300,000 hectolitres of beer. When you look to America their Brewers Association define a micro or craft brewery with a production size of less than 700,000 hectoliters a year. Moreover no more than 24% can be owned by another alcoholic beverage company that is not itself a craft brewery. So ‘micro’ comes in many different sizes. Imagine the next step down - nano or pico brewing . Tiny beer operations, brewing mini batches of beer and distributed to a limit...

 What do you get when you cross American hops with a wheat beer? Miami Weisse of course, a 5.5 per cent American hopped wheat beer. Eighteen months in the making but really fifteen years coming The Sheffield Tap brew house is finally here and producing not only wheat beer but India pale ale, stout and quality session ale to boot. All from the minds of The Tapped Brew Co the beer-volutionary next steps from The Sheffield Tap co-founders Jon Holdsworth and Jamie Hawksworth. Sheffield’s own newest copper shining brewpub in what was once the Edwardian dining room at Sheffield train station. The only working brewery in a railway station in the country. Jon and Jamie were born just down the road from each other, one Dronfield, one Chesterfield, both studied structural engineering in Leeds only years apart; it wasn’t until 1998 their paths finally crossed while working at the same design consultancy. Some would say coincidence finally came a knocking, bringing...

Even though I'm still in love with Wax Poetics' old format, the new 'shape' hasn't changed the quality articles and content. Always a good read.....and something you can re-visit and re-read. Issue 54 split covers celebrate two scenes—blue-eyed soul and Brooklyn MCs. Cover one sports legendary Brooklyn MC and Juice Crew alum Big Daddy Kane, backed with new Brooklyn mic killer Joey Badass. Cover two features the poster boy for the blue-eyed-soul movement, Daryl Hall. Wax Poetics digs deep into the scene with features on Bobby Caldwell, Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, Laura Nyro, and Ned Doheny. Also featuring crooner José James , Keyboard Kid, Nosaj Thing , Clams Casino, and the Ghetto Brothers. BUY

With over 1000 commercially operating breweries now in the UK, many of the new breed have sprung from the DIY ethos of home brewing. The Great British Home Brew Challenge , now in its second year, recognises this contribution and highlights its positive influence on the British brewing landscape. Judging Panel: The panel included renowned beer writer Pete Brown , last year’s winner Paul Carruthers, Rob Lovatt, head brewer at Thornbridge , Alex Barlow master brewer/beer consultant ( All Beer Finder ) and Nicholson brand manager Ben Lockwood (oh yeah and me!). The Winner: “Roc Fall” a 4.3 per cent Best Bitter brewed by Tom Wright of Woking Inspired to take things further?: Meeting like-minded individuals can help you progress your brewing skills, get in touch with The Craft Brewing Association to find groups in your area. The CBA is recognised by CAMRA as the UK's national home brewing organisation. Fancy a professional pathway – this Sept sees the re-launch of an MSc ...

A fav of mine! Just a Shout for this event - tickets still available: Beer and chocolate – what’s not to like! The annual Dea Latis Beer & Chocolate tasting is back. And this time, we’re moving it out of London to ‘bring beer (and chocolate) to women’ in Leeds. Our beer and chocolate tasting has been a popular event for the last four years - probably because it involves tasting beer and chocolate...... Guiding you through the specially selected matches will be beer sommelier Annabel Smith  (National Account and Training Manager at Cask Marque). Tickets, including five beers with chocolate, tutored tasting and a substantial buffet, cost £17. For tickets, go to our Eventbrite page: TICKETS   Dea Latis

The Reader: Sarah Hudson, Design Technology Teacher (Secondary School), Rotherham. Why is this ‘Your Local’?: “The artwork is a real draw to the venue for me and adds to the atmosphere and vibe of the place. You always find a nice mix of people which means you’re guaranteed a good time on every visit.” Favourite tipple: Sarah enjoys cider of all varieties and most importantly a choice. The Riverside always hits the spot - offering real cider on hand pull, Swedish brand Rekorderlig on draught and numerous bottle varieties. They often hold cider festivals throughout the year, though mainly in the summer with up to 35 styles of perries and ciders. The Local: As you cross over the River Don walking through Kelham Island towards Mowbray Street a remarkable black and white painting by artist Phlegm dominates the exterior wall of this tavern welcoming you to navigate inside past the giant squids. With links to the purveyors of independent art, the Old Sweet Shop in Nether Edge...