Live brewing this weekend in Manchester & Newcastle

This weekend, the 16th and 17th June, sees the now infamous BrewDog pilot kit embark on a hedonistic, Hunter S Thompson-inspired road trip from the sleepy environs of Fraserburgh to the mean, northern streets of Manchester and Newcastle.  These two crackerjack cities have recently been inseminated by hops and new-wave brewing attitude, with the opening of two, new, block-rocking BrewDog bars. Now is the time for these emerging bastions of craft beer to be christened with their very own brew days, orchestrated by their respective populace.

Here is an opportunity to get hands-on brewing beer, assisting and observing the entire brewing process. You'll have the chance to ask all the beery questions you've always wished you knew the answer to, all while getting an astonishing insight into the day-to-day operation of the brewery and learning what makes BrewDog tick.

Armed with only a sack of malt and a shitload of hops, chaperones for the brew-kit on this pilgrimage of ale are three of BrewDog's heavy hitters. Brewer George has, over the last few short years, climbed the brewery ranks from apprentice to become a respected and creative member of the brewing team. Andrew C is a packaging don, and will be on hand to explain the finer points of taking a beer from the fermenter, through the BBT, to the ambrosial liquid in your glass. Finally, Dempster will be picking up the rear, ready to lend a hand and answer any questions the other guys can't. He'll also fix your computer for beer.

BrewDog Manchester gets things rolling on Saturday with a Japanese inspired IPA single-hopped with Sorachi Ace which we plan to ferment with a sake yeast. Manager Dean has been besides himself with excitement....

On Sunday, BrewDog Newcastle steps up to the plate with their concept for a Foraged Saison, flavored with ingredients picked in local hedgerows and forests. For those of you in the mood for an all-dayer, BrewDog Newcastle has jumpin' hot blues band the 78's playing from 8PM.

Both brew-days kick off shortly after opening, so brewing should be starting around 1PM, and will run all afternoon.

The resulting beers will then make a reappearance at the bars a few weeks later so you can taste the fruits of your labour...