Beer Guide #5: Faith, Modern Pale Ale from Northern Monk.

Faith, NMBco, 5.4%

A bit of a modern classic for you this week in the case of both the brewery and the beer - Northern Monk's Faith. We're up to week five now of our Knutsford Beer Festival showcase to give craft beer fans an idea of what they can expect at this year's event from local heroes to some of the best modern brewers in the UK. The beers have been handpicked by Dexter and Jones expert Ben Selby who will also be curating all the keg and cask ales for the festival itself.

St Cross Church, Knutsford

The Brewery

Northern Monk, Leeds

Northern Monk - named after monastic brewing practiced across the region for thousands of years - was established by Russell Bisset in his parents' cellar with a £5,000 gift from a grandparent. Now based at The Old Flax Store, a grade II-listed mill in Holbeck, Leeds, the brewery is one of the leading lights of the craft scene. The 60-strong team exports to more than 20 countries and are known for community and collaboration being at the heart of what they do. This is demonstrated by their Patrons Projects beers where they work with the likes of other breweries, companies, charities, artists - anyone who shares their passion for the north.

Northern Monk, Leeds

The Beer

Faith pale ale, 5.4%

Eminently drinkable, this has a gentle peppery bitterness and yet is smooth and juicy. A light malt base allows the grapefruit hoppiness to shine through. It also has a floral, grassy quality to it and a slightly dank finish keeps drawing you in for another sip. So balanced and refined - beautiful stuff.

Northern Monk, ‘fresh from the North’. Find about more about their monks and their range of beers online: Northern Monk.

Co-Authors:

David Morgan - craft beer lover and creator of ‘Hop to it Beer Club’.

Benjamin Selby - craft beer nut and beer curator for the Knutsford Beer Festival.