FestYmalt blows out its fourth candle

Microbrewery Fridays - Max Moeschler

Since its inception in 2016, the Yverdon-based FestYmalt association has worked tirelessly to promote the Swiss brewing scene, with the ambition of delighting both confirmed enthusiasts and curious neophytes alike «who, after this day, will never drink a beer in the same way again».», announced the organizers. Here's a look back at the 2019 edition.

On this beautiful Saturday afternoon, September 21, September, everything seems to be coming together for the success of this highly anticipated 2019 vintage: the weather is mild, and spirits are high as connoisseurs and passersby make their way to the bandstand, where the much-coveted beverage awaits them. Sound checks by a rock band coming from the stage that had been set up earlier accompany this joyful procession, already heralding the best to come.

This fourth anniversary is also an opportunity to think bigger: the festival has moved to a new venue—the garden of the Benno Besson Theater—to improve accessibility and attract a wider audience. And it’s clear that the move has been a success: the venue is pleasant, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Nothing has been left to chance: a stage hosts musical performances starting in the afternoon, taps for rinsing glasses have been installed, and an appetizing aroma signals the presence of the must-try dishes. food trucks.

Read also: At the heart of the first Sour Ale Congregation in Saignelégier

As for the participating breweries, there are thirteen of them, hailing from (almost) all over Switzerland, and they’re sure to make any self-respecting beer lover’s head spin: the variety of beers available for tasting is impressive, and there are far too many for a liver of average strength. Specialty beers, limited editions, and other hoppy creations take center stage here, though there’s obviously something for every taste—from reimagined versions of traditional lagers, wheat beers, stouts, and amber ales to pale ales from the most experimental to the most powerful stouts and the amazing sour beers—it’s easier to get lost in them than to not find something you like.

From this day filled with surprises and good cheer, spiced up with a touch of excess, we’ll especially remember the New England IPA from Dystopian Brewing—a true explosion of fruit and hops—the very surprising Sour from Sirius Beer, and the impressive Albinos, a white stout unique recipe created by the Brasserie du Dzô. That should give us plenty to reflect on and look forward to the surprises in store for the next edition.

Write to the author: max.moeschler@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: ©️ FestYmalt