North Brewing Co and Beer Hawk team up for charity beer event

28-Feb-2018 - Last updated on 02-Mar-2018 at 09:07 GMT

Doing the right thing: North Brewing Co is raising money for St Gemma’s Hospice

A tasting session, which will include a rare set of BrewDog beers, is to be auctioned as part of Yorkshire Brewery North Brewing Co’s efforts to raise £20,000 for a local hospice.

The event, named #AbstraktNB20, is a two-night craft beer tasting event centred around BrewDog’s Abstrakt range of beers. The Scottish brewery releases an Abstrakt beer once per year, and the collection of all 24 is thought to be one of just a handful in the UK.

Successful bidders will be invited to take part in a tasting of the Abstrakt beers, provided by Russ Clarke, of online beer retailer Beer Hawk, at venues across Leeds on 23 and 24 March. The venues include Bundobust, Laynes and North Bar.

Charitable cause

The proceeds from the auction will go towards North Brewing Co’s pledge to raise £20,000 for St Gemma’s Hospice, as part of the pub chain and brewery’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Since reaching their 20th anniversary in July 2017, staff from all seven North Bar venues have been involved in fundraising activities and have raised more than £9,000 for St Gemma’s Hospice.

Speaking about the auction, North Brewing Co founder Christian Townsley said: “When we spoke to Russ (curator of Abstrakt beers) about his collection of beers, we felt we could add something special to the experience. North Bar was the first craft beer bar in the UK so is the perfect setting for such a unique tasting event.

“We see this event as a chance to explore the best the city has to offer as well as try some incredible beers. Our charity of choice is St Gemma’s Hospice and we hope to raise a considerable amount to a great local cause.”

Beers to be savoured

Abstrakt curator Russ Clarke, a Certified Cicerone, added: “These beers aren’t meant to be gulped back, they’re there to be savoured and sipped. They have been stored in the cool and dark, much like fine wine – they’ve got big bold punchy flavours and really are a showcase in experimental brewing.

“We recognise the ABV of the beers is pretty strong, but people will be getting a small measure, perfectly paired with an amazing array of food – and it’s split over two nights so we’re offering a true experience.”

Bidding for the evening is open until 2 March, and individuals can take part by messaging North Brewing Co on Twitter or via email.