The Brewers Association is putting American craft beer in the spotlight at the high-profile London Craft Beer Festival (LCBF), at Southwark Park on 17th and 18th July.
A wide range of sought-after, UK-rare, world class American craft beer will be showcased, with more than 40 styles from 16 craft breweries. Six brewery representatives will be travelling to pour beer and interact with festival-goers.
This year’s line-up highlights the cutting-edge innovation of the American craft beer scene, from crisp and refreshing lagers and tart, fruity sours, to hop-forward IPAs in a variety of styles, classic wheat beers, and a selection of big, bold, experimental delights.
Many of the breweries will be making their UK debut at the festival, while others are well-established favourites. Visitors can discover new breweries alongside iconic and respected brands, with all beers air-freighted to maintain freshness.
Participating breweries
- 3 Sons Brewing Co
- AleSmith Brewing Co
- Allagash Brewing Co
- Blackstack Brewing Co
- Bootstrap Brewing Co
- Coldfire Brewing Co (represented by owner and master brewer Stephen Hughes)
- Deschutes Brewery (represented by director of business development Ashley Pond)
- Dry Dock Brewing Co
- Hinterland Brewery
- Knee Deep Brewing Co (represnted by owner Andrew Moore)
- Left Hand Brewing Co
- Shogun by Embolden (represented by chief operating officer Wiliam Sutjiadi)
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co (represented by global ambassador Steve Grossman)
- The Virginia Beer Co (represented by co-founders and owners Chris Smith and Robby Willey)
- Toppling Goliath Brewing Co
- Urban South Brewery
A series of masterclass tastings with the brewers themselves will take place at 1 a 7 pm on the Friday, and 1pm on the Saturday.
With the FIFA World Cup still in full swing in North America, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there are plenty of other opportunities to sample American craft beer this summer.
Waitrose is running an American craft beer promotion across 220 of its stores featuring Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Samuel Adams Boston Beer, and Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA, through until November. The latter is making its debut in the UK and authentic, genuine Samuel Adams Lager from Boston is returning.
And Tilray Brands is pouring 18 new beers from eight American craft breweries across its BrewDog estate to maximise the summer of sport and the Independence anniversary.
“This summer presents a brilliant opportunity to explore the diversity and quality of American craft beer,” said Lotte Peplow, the Brewers Association’s craft beer ambassador for Europe. “With the FIFA World Cup and 250th anniversary of American Independence providing the backdrop, there’s never been a better time to discover new and exciting beers from across the US.
“Whether you’re doing the weekly supermarket shop, out with your friends, or visiting LCBF you’ll find an outstanding selection of American craft beers to choose from, many of which will be making their UK debuts.
“This year, the Brewers Association’s stand at LCBF will feature a fresh, new look, reflecting the authentic heritage and pioneering spirit of American craft brewing. Visitors can expect an exceptional range of highly-rated, award-winning beers that demonstrate the innovation, creativity, and world-class quality for which American craft brewers are renowned.”
