Beer @ The Barn - The drinks you need to know about...

It's only a few weeks until Beer at the Barn kicks off at Woodend Barn and I don't know about you, but I'm very much looking forward to raising a glass to another year of awesome festivals in Aberdeen.

An avid lover of a good drinks selection, Beer at the Barn, which is organised my MFGF Events - the guys behind Banchory and Inverurie  - always boasts a pretty generous drinks offering. From Scottish beers, to English ciders, to everything in between, they cater for all tastes, and have even created their very own bespoke tonic with Summerhouse Drinks especially for the festival.

The event takes place over two days and runs from Friday 10 to Saturday 11 of February 2017. A scaled down version of the outdoor summer event, the indoor winter festival boasts three sessions with fantastic live music taking place throughout the sessions.

A Beer at the Barn first, this year will see the addition of prosecco to the drinks list which is a welcome addition for those who aren't the biggest beer fans I can imagine.

I've been lucky enough to get a sneaky peak into the drinks offering these guys will be serving up, and boy are you guys in for a treat...

All the beers (and ciders):
Local:

• Fierce Beer - if their Cranachan Killer is available, DEFINITELY try it out. Their newly launched Tropical Twist sour is also pretty bangin' too, but I'd highly recommend trying out these guys - love their pack-a-punch full of flavour brews!
• Six Degrees North - these guys do some pretty awesome Belgian beers, and they're from Stonehaven, what's not to love!?
• Deeside Brewery - handcrafted beer brewed in Royal Deeside.
• 7 Brewing - coming locally from Durris, these guys brew up small batch, traditional craft ales.

Not-so-local:

• Alchemy Brewing - an Edinburgh brewery turning grain into gold. I've heard their sour cherry black IPA is worth shouting about.
• Black Isle Brewery - all their beers are organic meaning they must be good for you, right? They'll also have a gluten free one for everyone to try too.
• Cromarty Brewery - highly recommend Rogue Wave and Happy Chappy 
• Top Out - a small independent Edinburgh based brewery brewing unconventional beers - sounds perfect for BATB.
• Beavertown - these guys have some pretty neat artwork on their cans - here's hoping they're beers are just as funky!
• Thistly Cross Cider - OH EM GEE, gimme all their ciders right here, right now...especially their strawberry and elderflower flavours!
• Pulp - an English cider company, I'm looking forward to trying their cider out - it's rhubarb flavoured!

All the gins:
Local:

• The Teasmith - an awesome new gin. If you're a fan of something a little different I'd definitely recommend this Aberdeenshire beauty.
• House of Elrick - this gin tastes delicious with a premium tonic and some orange peel and some zest on the rim of the glass. Might just have to go treat myself to one now...

Not-so-local:

• Steampunk - their pirate gin is rascal strength - now that could be dangerous!
• Whittakers - never tasted before, but the pink peppercorn botanical sounds delicious. May have to pair with some fresh strawberries and some cracked black pepper.

Rum:

Local rum distillers Dark Matter will be taking centre stage on all things rum. Delicious with ginger beer and a sprig of mint.

Prosecco:
A selection of prosecco will be available to try out.

Festival tonic:

The festival will also see a brand new tonic which has been specially created for the Beer at The Barn event. Partnering with soft drinks mastermind, Claire from Summerhouse Drinks, the team have created a Earl grey tea flavoured tonic. The tonic water is designed to go with all types of gins and is definitely worth checking out.

Tickets are now on sale here from £17.50.

Session times are below:
Session 1: Friday evening - 5.30pm - midnight
Session 2: Saturday afternoon - midday to 5.30pm
Session 3: Saturday evening - 6.30pm to midnight

For more information on the festival or future events, please visit their website here. And do let me know what drinks you're most looking forward to/try out at the festival once it's over!

  For Now...

Just Julia

Husky Haven: Aberdeen

My obsession for dogs sparked when I was a young girl. Disney obsessed it was the usual affair to find me glue to the screen on out TV, signing along to 101 Dalmatians and Lady and the Tramp. Those were the days...

Trolling the internet recently, I somehow stumbled upon a wee place called Husky Haven. Intrigued, I did some further research and found out the sanctuary was only a short drive away from where I lived. Getting in touch with the owner of Husky Haven, Wattie McDonald, I knew straight away we were going to have a great laugh catching up. One bitter afternoon, I headed out to interview Wattie and meet his charming dogs.

Husky Haven is home to 16 husky dogs, two of which are five month old puppies, and Iditarod musher, Wattie McDonald. A lover of Siberian husky dogs and sled dog adventures, Wattie has taken part in the Great Iditarod Trail twice now, competing against many other dog sled teams to win the race which is over 1,000 miles. Throughout the race temperatures can plummet to below -55 degrees celcius. On his second expedition he was the only musher to return with all eight of his dogs (dogs can sometimes get injured so end up being taken out of the race to be looked over by a vet immediately - some dogs have even been evacuated from the race via a helicopter which is on standby throrughout the challenging race).

Located on the outskirts of Stonehaven, the small kennel of pure-breed Siberian huskies offers the ultimate husky experience. Offering a full-on hands-on dog sled tour, Husky Haven gives individuals the opportunity to lead their very own dog team on some stunning tracks across Aberdeenshire.

On arrival, we parked at the designated car park and waited for Wattie and his team to let us in the complex. Due to the safety of the dogs, these doors need to be locked at all times. We were then taken up to the hut next to the dogs kennels and introduced to the business' concept.

To begin, Wattie taught us all about how to harness the dogs, challenging us to put our new found knowledge to the test. Stepping out, the Husky Haven team had already got the dogs out of their kennels and hooked them up to their outdoor wires. Saddled up with their harnesses in hand, we made a go at putting them on the dogs. Having a border collie who wears a harness I was no stranger to this process and managed to harness up three dogs pretty quickly, lending a helping hand when needed to the others.

I couldn't believe how excited these guys got. Realising they were going for a run, the dogs gradually got even more and more hyper. It was a little overwhelming and if you're not used to hyper dogs, may have been a little nerve wracking, but knowing how much these animals love to run, I knew they just wanted to get on the road. Boys first, the team strapped them up and took them for a run, allowing them to let off some steam. On the boys departure, the ladies seemed to calm down. We fixed everyone a bowl of water, ensuring the dogs could replenish their thirst once home.

Boys back, it was time for the girls to trot off. The dogs are only able to go out for a run when temperatures drop below 11 degrees celcius. Once temperatures get below this they can then begin their training and get their fitness levels up for the Winter. On the ladies return, everyone seemed a little more relaxed - phew. With the chance to spend some quality time with these gorgeous creatures, I took full advantage, cuddling and caressing them. Wattie then invited us back inside to hear more about the dogs, his experiences and the equipment he's used throughout his trips away.

It was so insightful finding out the hardships this man has faced over the years. Not only did he lose his late wife to cancer, he also survived a heart attack earlier this year after he was brought back to life. Battling with numerous implications and heartaches, he has worked tirelessly to ensure Husky Haven is a success. The health and wellbeing of his dogs is of the highest of standards and is of great importance to Wattie. His dogs mean the world to him and their wellbeing is the only thing he cares about. With regular visits to the vets, high quality food, and outstanding exercise regimes, his dogs are fit and well cared for. The Husky Haven team are always on hand and eager to answer any questions anyone has about the dogs.

Wattie also showed us videos of his expeditions and told us stories of his incredible experiences. I would have killed to have walked, or sled a mile in this man's shoes.

Exhausted after all the excitement, we were treated to a fine cuppa and a biscuit, and allowed to browse around the hut which replicated the lodges of which Wattie stayed in when embracing the Alaskan outback. After an exhilarating afternoon, it was time to say our farewells. With a short meander through the gift shop and a few cuddles, we waved goodbye to our new four-legged friends.

A brilliant afternoon out, and perfect for birthday parties, corporate days out, or just something different to do in Aberdeen, Husky Haven was surreal.

Although we only participated in the summer experience, the winter experience is much more hands-on. With your own dog sled team hand picked to fit your personality, and physique, Wattie takes you out on a real Siberian husky adventure, showing you just how outstanding these magnificent creatures truly are.

I would like to extrend a huge thanks to Wattie for allowing me to embrace these kind-natured, remarkable dogs. These animals love to be out running, and it's great to see them be able to enjoy doing something they instinctively want to do whilst being able educating the public about Siberain huskies.

Please double check with Husky Haven when they are open and remember to book in advance as tours get booked up very quickly. Visit www.huskyhaven.co.uk or call Wattie on 07752309953. The experience is suitable for all ages and tailors to those with diabilities too.

  For Now...

Just Julia

Go Ape review: Monkeying around

Monkeying around is what I do best, so when I was invited to swing around in the trees last week at Go Ape Crathes Castle, there was no chance I was saying no...

I've got a confession, I'm scared of heights. There is nothing more daunting than that awful feeling in your stomach when you look down from a great height - it makes me queasy just thinking about it. Climbing ladders or being off the ground at high levels is not my cup of tea, so thankfully I had previously visited Go Ape just over a year ago with my boyfriend and knew exactly what to expect.

Go Ape is the UK's number one forest adventure, which put participants through a test of challenging, but extremely fun activities, showcasing the countryside in a completely new light. With rope bridges, Tarzan swings, zip wires and a number of other tree-top obstacles, this is one activity all ages and fitness capabilities can enjoy. With a variation of hard and easy pathways to follow in the trees, and an instructor always on hand to give you guidance and support when needed, everyone can feel at ease climbing around in the trees.

Taking about two to three hours the Tree Top Adventure is not something you want to rush through. The longer it takes the more fun it is! As always, a safety induction is very important and its vital you listen up at this point, you'll be reminded that this is a high risk activity and with primarily yourself being the only person responsible for your safety, I advise you listen up.

Arriving ten minutes before our slot we were introduced to a number of the staff, including the cutest member, Fergus, a beautiful border collie. Prepped in our safety induction by the talented and enthusiastic, Matt, we set off to course one, the trial run.

I was well aware what I was getting myself into so obviously killed it on the trial run (this is basically when they advise if you're going to keep yourself safe or not - nine times out of 10 everyone passes this stage) but it was good to be reminded about the different rules and regulations you need to abide by when out on the course.

Once everyone had completed stage one, a mini version of what's to come, we were let loose in the forest to monkey around in the treetops. Met by a long, slightly wobbly wooden rope ladder at the start of every stage in the course, stage two pretty much forces you to jump straight into the swing of things, which is probably for the best. With a Tarzan Jump, a number of rope bridges, and a zip line all in the space of one stage, it's every man for himself up in the trees.

Of the 29 Go Ape adventures set in some of Britain's most popular forests, three are based in Scotland. Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire, Glentress Forest, Peebles and Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire - this is where you come face-to-face with two of Britain's longest zip wires, both stretching over 400m long, flying you 150 feet above the ground and over a 90 foot waterfall - sound daunting!? Every Go Ape Adventure across the region is a little different to the last, so it means you can go to every course and still find it completely individual which is great.

My favourite part of the course has to be the zip wires. Last time we participated in Go Ape I managed to land forward every single time. However, the same cannot be said for this time round...

Onto stage three which consists of a lot of tree top obstacles, panel crossings, rope bridges which is great for your core, and a great deal of balancing work - this section really works those abs. Of course zooming down the zip wire I was ever so graceful, to only end up landing right on my backside. Classy.

At stage four I came face-to-face with my arch nemesis of the course, the skateboard zip wire. After a prior incident last time, which resulted in me 'falling off' the skate board seconds after stepping on the last time I was at Go Ape, I was determined not to fall off this time. However, after battling a tough rope wall, as well as some insanely difficult rope hoops and other ridiculous obstacles, to say I was broken before the skateboard zip wire was an understatement. 

Not the greatest of skateboarders it was no surprise that I fell off within a few seconds again - pathetic I know...

With the final stage now in my grasp I was ready to face the biggest Tarzan jump, and the longest zip wire of the course, which is 125m long. Physical challenges always look easier when someone else is doing it, and it's not until you're faced with a pretty big jump into a cargo net that you start to feel a little uneasy - even if you're not scared of heights it's ok to feel a little apprehensive at this point! Determined not to make a fool of myself I lunged forward (after checking I was attached securely to the safety catch numerous times) and hit the net full force. Victory was mine and I even managed to let out a Tarzan call, well sort of...

As the course was coming to an end, I was delighted to finish on a high and go out with a bang on the longest zip line of the course, travelling over one of the roads of the Crathes Castle estate. The estate itself is stunning, and the castle views are breathtakingly beautiful. A scenic home for Go Ape indeed with a fantastic forest to walk around after.

Anyway, back to the zip line, and what a heck of a ride it was. If you fancy experiencing it with me, then you need to check out my video of Go Ape at the bottom of the post!

Alas, the fun morning was brought to an end and after a few hours of action-packed fun exercise, it was time to hang up my safety harness and go roam around the castle. If you're looking for something a little different, Go Ape is definitely the place for you...a stone's throw away from Aberdeen, you'd be crazy not to give it a go.

If you'd like more information on Go Ape Crathes Castle then Click here. Thanks again to Lesley from The Big Partnership (BIG) for inviting me along to put my upper arm strength to the test. The gloves were definitely needed and a great suggestion!

  For now...

Just Julia

Banchory Beer Festival: Beer @ the Barn

After working alongside a craft beer festival last year you'd think my tatsebuds would have succumbed to enjoying a beer on the odd occasion. Unfortunately not. So when I was invited along to review the Winter Banchory Beer Festival at Woodend Barn in Banchory of all places (how would you have guessed!?) to enjoy some beery banter, I decided it would only be fair to drag my beer-loving boyfriend along to ensure I could give a honest, well-rounded view on the festival's offering.

Running over Friday and Saturday (12-13 Feb), we decided to attend the Saturday evening session which kicked off around 6.30pm, although, we didn't arrive until nearer 8pm. Met by two friendly door staff who quickly explained the token system and handed over our festival programme, we immediately set off on a hunt to purchase our tokens and get stuck into the shenanigans. Already pretty busy - with no seats available - we were off to a good start attendance wise. Now, to find the bar...

Of course my first tipple was going to be gin, and who other than local gin distillery, Porter's Gin. Accompanied with an artisan lemonade, the drinks offering was something I was very much looking forward to indulging in heavily. My date for the night opted for Cromarty Brewing Co's Brewed Awakening 4.7% ABV coffee stout, a very positive start from the drinks game.

Local band, The Funcy Pieces, played some pretty soulful and chilled out music, consisting of a number of different covers which the crowds seemed to enjoy.

On to the next brew...Isle of Harris gin accompanied by Walter Gregor Tonic (Scotland's first ever tonic) with pieces of grapefruit to garnish. Sweet yet crisp, this delicious gin was a major highlight of my evening, and a gin I will most definitely be purchasing in the very near future.

A major foodie, I was expecting a little more variety for the food offering. Although I love a curry, well I'm a korma gal actually, I've started to become accustomed to adding hot sauce to my homemade dishes. However, when drinking gin, cider and rum, I'm unsure if it was just me, but curry was not on my mind...

A few hours later, with rumbling bellies, we decided to take the plunge and ordered some chicken pakora as it was as close to something stodgy, (which I was craving badly) that I was going to get. The pakora was nice, and the mint and lime dip, as well the hot sauces on the side were also pretty tasty, however, sadly the same couldn't be said for the naan. Stale and a little too dry for my liking, we decided to leave the naan to drown in its saucy sorrows. Sorry naan!

Back to the important stuff, the drinks. I've been a big fan of the lads at Dark Matter and everything they've achieved over the past year. Scotland's only rum distillery, the spicy liquid gold Dark Matter produces consists of a little bit of spice and all things nice. This stuff is definitely worth a try if you haven't got your lips around it yet. My date decided to opt for a number of different stouts and beers consisting of Six Degrees North's Honey Bee Good 6% ABV belgian style brew, Alchemy's 4% ABV IPA, Citra Burst, Cromarty Brewing Co's  4% ABV blonde, Happy Chappy, and many other delicious tipples.

Oh, and we can't forget Farmer Jim's Rootin Tootin 4% ABV raspberry and ginger cider. Beer fanatic I am not, however, this flavoured cider was right up my street. A grand winter warmer, and the perfect fit for the beer festival. I also rated their cute branding with Farmer Jim and his pig, adorable.

Spotted: We even made a guest appearance in the festival programme from the Inverurie Beer Festival, which we attended back in September last year!

The set up in the main room, where the live acts were performing, was decorated well with hay bales and fairy lights adding to the festival's ambiance. All of the bars were well staffed and we didn't have to wait long for a drink, which I think a lot of individuals appreciated greatly. The only thing I would say is that the second room, which is usually used as an art gallery throughout the day, was a little too clinical for me, making me feel like I was in some sort of wacky hospital room with hay bales as beds, and a gin and beer bar to keep you sane. To be honest, that doesn't sound so bad...However, with regards to the second room I think it may have been difficult for the guys to do much more with it due to its original purpose at the venue, who knows, just some food for thought I guess...

Taking refuge from the busy dance floor in the main room, we sat in the moment jiving away to the final act of the evening, The Mad Ferret Band, before our taxi whisked us away from the Beer @ the Barn madness. And what beery Banchory madness it was.

All in all the festival was a great success and I've heard many a good review from others who attended. I've also heard the Summer festival is AWESOME and a must attend.

Big thanks to the festival organisers, Mungo and Guy Finlayson for their hospitality at the festival and for inviting me along. A grand festival showcasing some great Scottish and international produce.  Looking forward to the summer festival and some serious out-doors fun. Keep an eye on the festival website for updates on future events.

  For Now...

Just Julia