Beer swap and tasting
Final date for sign up to this event will be 12th March 2021
Due to the success of our previous beer swap and tasting session over the Christmas period we are looking to do the same format again. The basic idea is to swap at least one beer (two if you want!) with the rest of the group and then we have tasting sessions where we sample a selection of the beers, discuss the recipe, brewing techniques and generally have a good time.
So as an example, if there are six people involved in your swap group and you wish to provide two beers you will be expected to supply 12 bottles (6 of each) and these will be distributed between the other members of the group, you will then receive in return a bottle of every other beer from the other members of the group. You don’t have to submit two beers although this is preferable but if you only have one then you will just provide 6 bottles.
Style
There are no rules on beer styles, just submit whatever you have.
Distribution
All beers have now been sorted and will be ready for collection from Sunday 28th March.
Tasting Session
Below are the dates for the tasting sessions. You will receive a notification on the date with a link to the online meeting. If you are one of the brewers make sure you have your recipe notes handy as many questions will be asked.
| Date | Beer Name | Style | Brewer |
| 12th April 2021 | Who needs a name | NEIPA | Tony Tilbury |
| 12th April 2021 | Silver Lining | NEIPA | Greg Ward |
| 12th April 2021 | The Ponderer | Mild | Matthew D’Arcy |
| 21st April 2021 | Horsebolter | Strong British Ale | James Pettifor |
| 21st April 2021 | Dogbolter Clone | Strong British Ale | Justin Dean |
| 21st April 2021 | North Mill Bitter | Ordinary Bitter | Kevin Warnes |
| 28th April 2021 | Bitter Last Minute | Best Bitter | Richard Swindells |
| 28th April 2021 | — | Belgian Witbier | John Rolinson |
| 28th April 2021 | Exe Valley Spring | Golden Ale | Justin Dean |
| 5th May 2021 | Boudica’s Fire | Golden Ale | Tony Tilbury |
| 5th May 2021 | Brit Gold | Golden Ale | Steve Plampton |
| 5th May 2021 | BIPA Comeback | Black IPA | Richard Swindells |
| 12th May 2021 | Joe 91 | American Pale Ale | Simon Baker |
| 12th May 2021 | Cascade Pale Ale | American Pale Ale | Dom Anthony |
| 12th May 2021 | Lou de Laage | Biere de Garde | Nick Davis |
| 19th May 2021 | — | Milk Stout | John Rolinson |
| 19th May 2021 | Project Coffee – Espresso | Milk Stout | Greg Ward |
| 19th May 2021 | EM1 | Belgian Pale | Kevin Warnes |
| 19th May 2021 | — | German Pils | Nik Leng |
Hi all, this is my 1st beer swap. Just wondering about the logistics of dropping off and collection as I’m based closer to Southend. Is it a case of dropping off and collecting on different days or would there be an opportunity to drop off and collect at the same time? Cheers
Hi Greg and welcome! We typically have a central location in Colchester where items are dropped sorted and collected from again. We have groups in various areas so usually ask people that are close to each other to get together before hand and have one person do the drop and swap for that area. We then do the full swap in one go so if there is no one close to then it should be okay for you to join the combined swap, although this will be dependent on what restrictions there are on people meeting up at the time. We will send out an email in due course with further details.
I am in Braintree so can act as daisy chain, also we can arrange a Chelmsford hub for you I think. You drop of there and then pick up later, Rochford to Chelmsford 35 mins. I can do that for you if need be, we can meet up on 26th and I deliver to Tony on 27th and pick up you case, then we just need to arrange a date to meet up again. Also we have members in Chelmsford so someone else maybe able to meet you there too. I am sure we will make it work. Thanks Greg
Greg can you drop and pick up your beers in Maldon.
If you want to drop and pick up on same day then you can go to Tony in Colchester otherwise. But you would have to get there at a fixed time period.