Gateshead Beer Festival 2014 – Top 5 keg beers

Gateshead Beer Festival is one of my favourite local festivals and it is getting even better this weekend with the inclusion of a keg bar. That’s where you’ll find me, and this is what I’ll be drinking… along with everything else.

Buxton Axe Edge – This full-flavoured, strong India Pale Ale is hopped with Amarillo, Citra and Nelson Sauvin.

It’s packed with mandarin orange, schnapps, pineapple, juicy tropical fruits and plenty of booze. Quite simply one of the best IPAs in the world. That’s right, the world!

Anarchy Sublime Chaos – When I heard that Gateshead Beer Festival was throwing caution to the wind and accepting keg is truly king I knew this beer simply had to be there.

This dark, voluptuous stout is infused with Ethiopian Guji natural coffee beans. It’s then given the bitter, juicy bite of New Zealand hops. It’s a viscous, silky stout with dark fruits firmly in the driving seat and richly roasted malts riding shotgun. Sublime indeed.

Northern Alchemy Lemon Vanilla Stout – Marking their festival debut, Northern Alchemy are bringing some kegged beauties to the party.

This intriguing stout is satin-smooth with a soft citrus hit, dark chocolate nibs and a hint of tobacco blend beautifully and, like a great magic trick, it reveals vanilla as it slowly warms.

Wylam Silver Ghost Redux – Wylam have taken their deliciously moreish Silver Ghost, with its Bramling Cross and Fuggles hops, and then dry hopped the hell out of it.

This is the light, golden and smoothly satisfying drop you know and love. Only better.

Siren Craft Brew Calypso – Taking its name from ancient Greek mythology and not the ice jolly favourite of yesteryear, Calypso is Siren’s hugely hopped take on a Berliner Weisse.

It tastes like the greatest ever isotonic drink with the added bonus of booze. I defy you to find a tastier beer.