Barry beer reviewer appears at Great British Beer Festival today! (From Barry And District News)

Barry beer reviewer appears at Great British Beer Festival today!

12:00pm Tuesday 7th August 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

A BARRY beer creator and real ale reviewer was bubbling with excitement ahead of his London appearance at the Great British Beer Festival.

Cadoxton resident Simon Martin, who created Barry Island IPA (India Pale Ale) - will appear at the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) organised event today, Tuesday, August 7.

The festival is the industry's annual opportunity to bring brewers, members of the licensed trade, and the public together to sample some of the best beer the UK has to offer.

Simon said: "To be able to showcase Barry Island IPA and being involved behind the bar gives me a great opportunity to speak to people with real passion for good beer.

"Mind you, I might stop working for five minutes to enjoy a half of my favourite Brains tipple The Rev James!"

Simon has become Europe's largest craft beer reviewer on YouTube during the last three years, having reviewed hundreds of beers from all over the world.

"I'm a huge Brains fan and was honoured to have been asked to do this," he added.

"My grandfather, who has been drinking Brains for 62 years, has loved drinking the Barry Island IPA at our local the Tynewydd."

After deciding on an American style IPA, and having chosen malts and American hops Summit, Zeus and Cascade, Simon collaborated with Brains' head brewer Bill Dobson to create the Barry Island IPA, a pale coloured ale bursting with citrus aromas.

It was unveiled at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival in Cardiff in June and sold out.

To view Simon's reviews, visit www.youtube.com/realaleguide You can also find him on Facebook (Real Ale Guide) and Twitter @RealAleToday.