So here we are on Day 3 with a new crew of judges examining some breaded cod – one of the many tasty offerings in our new ‘Meaty and Fishy Ready Meals Category’.
These also included a good selection of sausages, an encouraging number of gluten and sometimes dairy free pies (hot and cold, chicken, beef, pork and bacon), lots of ‘bakes and cakes’ and a sprinkling of burgers. With over 30 entries this presented the judges with some serious eating opportunities!
Earlier in the day we had already judged the nut-free category – and more of this tomorrow. But in the afternoon came the category for which all our judges queue up – Down the Pub and the Bar – gluten free beer and freefrom savoury snacks. Here are the judges working up a good thirst on the savoury crackers – although, in the interests of their ‘beer palates’, they actually did not get to taste the crackers until they had assessed the beers!
And here are some of the beers, lined up the night before for Sue to decide in which order they should be tasted. This is crucial as some are quite light lagers where as others are ‘serious’ ales. We have even had a gluten free porter entered one year…
And although they are looking very jolly here, the beer judging is a serious affair…. Discussions ranged far and wide covering hop varieties, yeasts, beer types and the flavours of the individual beers.
And then of course there is the whole question of whether they are made from barley in which the gluten has been so denatured as to test at under 20 parts per million (therefore making it safe for coeliacs to drink) or whether it is made from other grains such as sorghum – an altogether more difficult business.
Anyways up, after a good hour or two of supping, sipping and discussion, they came up with what we thought were excellent winners, to be revealed – and tasted as usual – at the presentation party!
So, now we – and our judges – get a three day weekend but back, bright and early on Monday morning for – Breakfast time!!
* Down the Pub and the Bar is sponsored by Udi’s
* Meaty and Fishy Ready Meals is sponsored by Genon Laboratories
* Foods suitable for nut allergies is sponsored by Wellaby’s
Look at me, a rare moment of very studious studying of the beer there. Some amazing new products and some really interesting new beers. Fantastic. And after this session I went to my cousin-in-laws pub who is now interested in stocking a gluten free beer. She needs advice on which would be best for a city centre small pub so will be seeking advice from the beer guru Sue Cane as to which company she might be best sourcing from. All in a day’s work.