From Marble Beers in Manchester, England, here’s what head of production Joe Ince describes as “a lighter, hoppier bitter, northern in style.” - Joe Ince Jan 16, 2025

Marble Manchester Bitter

Chill the wort to about 18°C, aerate the wort, and pitch the yeast. Ferment at 18°C until the gravity has dropped to about 1.035 (8.8°P), then allow a rise to ambient temperature. Around Day 4, once fermentation is complete and the beer has passed a VDK test, crash to about 2°C. After 1–2 days, package and carbonate to about 2 volumes of CO2

Crisp Extra Ale

Crisp Best Ale

Crisp Cara

Crisp Light Munich

Crisp Light Crystal 150 (65°L)

Crisp Dark Munich

Comet

Dark Munich

Mill the grains and mash at 67°C for 60 minutes. Recirculate until the running’s are clear, then run off into the kettle. Sparge and top up as necessary to get about 23 litres of wort, depending on your evaporation rate. Boil for 60 minutes, then do a whirlpool step: Stir or recirculate to create a vortex, add the whirlpool hops, and continue to stir/spin for 15 minutes, then allow 15 more minutes to steep.

BREWER’S NOTES Yeast: We have a proprietary house strain, but any English ale strain will work well, or a more neutral strain such as Chico or S-04. If using either of the latter two, it may be handy to have a copper-based additive, such as Zeolite 63, handy in case of excessive sulphur production.

A juicy, hazy IPA bursting with tropical fruit character. Low bitterness with massive late hop additions.

Ferment at 19°C, add dry hops at high krausen (day 3-4), cold crash gently at day 10

Pale Malt

Flaked Oats

Wheat Malt

Dextrose

Citra

Mosaic

Hazy Valley NEIPA

Water chemistry is critical for NEIPAs. Target chloride:sulfate ratio of 2:1. Avoid cold crashing too aggressively to maintain haze.

A silky smooth dry stout with roasted coffee notes and a dry finish. Perfect for cooler evenings in the Valley.

Ferment at 18°C for 10-14 days until stable

Roasted Barley

Flaked Barley

Chocolate Malt

East Kent Goldings

Velvet Stout

The key to this stout is the roasted barley - don't skimp on quality. Condition for at least 2 weeks before drinking.

Belgian Beerfest 2026 was held on Sunday 17 May 2026 at Hard Road Brewery in Bayswater, bringing together brewers from across the homebrewing community for a celebration of Belgian beer styles.

From bright and expressive golden ales through to rich dark strong ales, saisons, wild beers and creative specialty entries, the competition showcased the range, character and technical challenge that makes Belgian brewing so rewarding.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the day happen, including the entrants, judges, sponsors, organisers, volunteers and supporters.

 with the same Belgian Dark Strong Ale, capping off a brilliant competition result.

, ahead of Bayside Brewers, Melbourne Brewers and Yarra Valley Brewers.

 — Belgian Golden Strong Ale — Independent — 

 — Belgian Dark Strong Ale — Merri Mashers — 

 — Flanders Red Ale — Merri Mashers — 

 — Belgian Specialty — Bayside Brewers — 

Yarra Valley Brewers was proud to be represented across the competition, with club members entering beers in several Belgian categories.

 in the Summer Ales category, finishing second in a strong field. Tom also entered a Saison, scoring 

 also represented Yarra Valley Brewers strongly, with a 

These results helped Yarra Valley Brewers finish on 

Competitions like Belgian Beerfest rely on the support of sponsors, and we sincerely thank the businesses and organisations who supported the 2026 event:

Your support helps make events like this possible and continues to strengthen the homebrewing community.

Belgian Beerfest 2026 Sponsors

Belgian Beerfest 2026 was a fantastic showcase of Belgian-inspired brewing, from clean and expressive classics through to complex, mixed-fermentation and specialty beers.

Congratulations again to all winners, placegetters and entrants, and thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful competition day.

We look forward to seeing what everyone brews next.

Yarra ValleyBrewers

More Than Just a Homebrew Club

Featured Recipes

Marble Manchester Bitter

Hazy Valley NEIPA

Velvet Stout

Latest News

Belgian Beerfest 2026 Competition Day Wrap-Up

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