September's social trip began on a bright sunny Saturday when three hardy souls from the most far-flung easterly reaches of our branch's empire began their epic journey to Feniscowles Blackburn from Colne Railway station with British rail, sorry Virgin, First, National or whatever they call
themselves now! The train delivered us to the aptly named Pleasington station bang on time! Following a brisk walk up the hill to the Fielden Arms, we rendezvoused with fellow branch member Don who also had his own epic journey from Barrowford by bus! Unfortunately the pub was closed at 12.15pm with no sign of life, so Plan B was put into action…walk straight to Three B's! However, just like our regular CAMRAMBLES (see regular updates in Witch Ale) we missed the turning for the brewery despite having maps and directions (typical A team) and so lost valuable drinking time!

The social had been organised to tour the brewery and also present Three B's with their certificate for winning 'Beer of the Festival' at 2009 Clitheroe Beer Festival with their excellent mild, Stoker's Slate (3.6%).

We eventually arrived just after 1.00 pm to be heartily greeted by Robert Bell the owner and head brewer of Three B's, and Mick Amos who was the day's bar manager! Three B's brewery was started by Robert in 2001 and has grown significantly into a 10 barrel brewery, with their beers now widely available across our region. Three B's also supply nationwide through national distributors and have recently supplied over 300 9g casks of Tackler's Tipple (4.3%) to JD Wetherspoon for one of their 'beer festivals'. Unlike many micro breweries, Three B's have their own bottling plant for their bottle conditioned beer and list amongst their customers Booths supermarkets and also a hotel in Blackpool with a bottled beer, surprisingly named Blackpool Beer which is marketed by the hotel to similar establishments along the Fylde coast!

Our fellow CAMRA members who could obviously read directions better than I, had already started to sample the fine beers on offer from the in-house bar! The beers available were Stoker's Slate (3.6%), Tackler's Tipple (4.3%), Bobbin's Bitter (3.8%), Doff Coffer (4.5%), Knocker Up (4.8%), Autumn Gold (4.2%) and three new brews - Oat Meal Stout (3.7%), Bee Thrifty (3.4%) and Honey Bee (3.7%).

IWC Replica

Robert enthusiastically showed us all round his brewery and fielded all questions with the expected expertise of an experienced brewer! We then reconvened to the bar and continued sampling the beers before the presentation of the certificate by Gordon Smith. Stoker's Slate was voted beer of the festival by the visitors' who attended the 4th Clitheroe Beer Festival held from 15th to 16th May and it was a dammed fine choice. Several of us managed to sample all the beers available and my personal favourite on the day was the new Bee Thrifty, which at 3.4% is a perfect session beer. We eventually called it a day about 5.00 pm as a party of teachers were then due for the second tour of the day. Several of us left to the 'clinking' sound of purchased bottles and if I remember correctly, one member who shall remain nameless, seemed to have a crate with him….good job his wife picked him up!

Rob accepts the winner's certificate