Brewing Something Special for this years Lager Fest
Celebrating 15 years with lager, bratwurst, and a very special collab…
Each year, our Macclesfield bar transforms into a haven for lager lovers and sausage enthusiasts alike. Lager Fest has become one of our favourite traditions — a joyous celebration of crisp beers, bratwurst, and the unmistakable energy of a live Oompah band. There’s just something about a stein in hand and brass in the air that marks the start of something good.
But this year, Lager Fest means even more to us.
As part of RedWillow’s 15th anniversary, we wanted to do something a little special. So back in May, we invited our good friends from Lost & Grounded to join us for a collaboration brew – and together, we created a Märzen. True to style, it’s now resting quietly in tank, lagering patiently until it’s ready to pour in September.
What made this collab even more exciting was the chance to blend in a bit of Lost & Grounded’s brewing personality. At their Bristol brewery, they use a custom-built lactic acid bioreactor – a piece of kit that allows them to precisely control mash pH with their own house-produced acid. It’s a subtle but significant part of their process, and for this brew, they brought a sample with them to add directly to the copper. A small gesture, but one that gave the beer a little extra of their signature finesse.
The recipe itself leans traditional, built entirely on Weyermann malt from Bamberg
- Vienna Malt – 49%
- Munich Malt – 23%
- Bohemian Pilsner Malt – 26%
- Melanoidin Malt – 2%
It’s a malt bill designed for richness, depth, and drinkability — perfect for a festival stein.
We’ll be pouring this Märzen for the first time at Lager Fest in September, alongside over 15 other lagers, plenty of bratwurst, and a raucous Oompah band to bring the whole thing to life.
Whether you’re a regular or have yet to visit, this is the weekend to mark on your calendar. Good beer, good company, and a celebration 15 years in the making.
See you in September. Prost!