We’re delighted to be returning to FyneFest again this year for another round of Meet the Brewer talks and tastings! We’ve made this element of the festival even better this year, with the discussions taking place in a brand new Origins beer tent where you’ll find some of the most interesting beers at the festival, alongside a stage where we’re hosting a schedule of beer-related discussions throughout the weekend. Spaces have been gobbled up quickly by those lucky enough to already have their FyneFest tickets, however, we often have a little bit of room for walk-ins, and if you want to get on a wait-list drop us a line via our Contact page and we’ll put your name down.

Here’s what we’ve got coming up at FyneFest 2024:

Friday 31st May, 5:30pm: Keep it Trad — A Tasting of Traditional Styles and Modern Classics

Did you know that since 2007 the amount of cask beer sold in the UK has halved? We think this is a tragedy. There are few things we love more than a proper pint of real ale in a good pub, and we feel duty bound to celebrate and preserve this crucial element of British culture so it can be enjoyed by future generations. Join us for a tasting of traditional beers and modern classics on cask—including the all important Fyne Ales Jarl—as we discuss what can be done to preserve interest in these wonderful beers.

Our special guests for this panel are Russ Clarke of Amity Brew Co, Bob Cary of Good Chemistry, and Jamie Delap of Fyne Ales.

Saturday 1st June, 11am: Hop Rubbing with Ruben Gil from Yakima Chief Hops

For the early risers at FyneFest our friends at Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) have a sensory treat in store for you. Come along to the Origins tent nice and earlier to get your hands on some of the most exciting North American hop varieties, from classics such as Simcoe and Cascade, to experimental ones like HBC586, and learn how they impact the flavour and aroma of your favourite beers. For the more adventurous of you, there may even be some early morning beer samples, so you can taste how these hops have been put into action!

Saturday 1st June, 1pm: The Hangover Session with Wild and Sour Beers

Forget the bloody mary’s and bucks fizz, instead why don’t you join us for a hangover-curing* tasting of wild and sour beer, and gently ease into your Saturday. This panel will feature some of the brightest stars among the growing number of British producers who are invested in producing delicate, nuanced and complex beers that have as much in common with wine and cider as they do beer itself. As tastings go, this one might just surprise you, and as such is not to be missed!

(*Hangover curing properties are not guaranteed.)

Our special guests for this panel are Will Harris of Balance Brewing and Blending, Mark Tranter of Burning Sky, Evin O’Riordain of The Kernel, and Dan Wye of Origins (Fyne Ales).

Saturday 1st June, 3pm: IPA is Still Cool, OK!

Over the past decade or so the swathe of American influence on British beer has seen IPA slowly come to dominate the taplists at brewery taprooms and beer bars nationwide. For those who’ve been enthusiastic about beer for long enough, it's easy to feel jaded by this and instead reach for a nice cold German lager, or head to the pub for a reassuring pint of cask bitter. This tasting is all about reminding our jaded selves how wonderful these beers can taste, as we work our way through some of the most interesting IPAs pouring at this year’s festival, produced by some of the most exciting breweries in the country!

Our special guests for this panel are Vik and Colin Stronge of Lost Cause Brew Co, Matt Clarke and Michelle Gay of Lakes Brew Co, and Matt Dutton of Track Brewing.

Saturday 1st June, 5pm: Big Beers for a Big Weekend

As the sun begins to set on Glen Fyne, our thoughts turn to stronger beers, and the night of revelry ahead of us. Prep yourself for what will no doubt be another memorable FyneFest evening, and dancing late into the night, by joining us for a tasting and discussion all about strong beers. Barley Wines, Imperial stouts, Double IPAs… nothing is off limits here as our panel of brewers discuss their love for beers on the stronger side… This one is not to be missed!

Our special guests for this panel are Gareth Young from Epochal Barrel Fermented Ales, Lally Morrison from Polly’s Brew Co, and Sean Knight from Siren Craft Brew.