IT has been quite noticeable in recent years how cask conditioned beer has become available in an increasing number of differing social drinking venues. Let’s be honest, it is not too long ago, venturing out for a pint or three, was a visit to the local pub or working men’s club.

However, in more recent times, discerning beer drinkers have a more diverse choice of where to enjoy cask beer and enjoy their social drinking experience which includes micro pubs and bars; pop-up bars; the brewery tap; the brewpub; sports clubs and virtually every restaurant.

Oops, I’ve omitted one; the beer festival - the ever-popular social drinking place, where a wide choice of cask conditioned beverages is paramount. There always appears to be one to descend upon in the locality.

One such beery gathering commences at Burnley Cricket Club tomorrow at 4pm. And continues over the weekend. It is an excellently organised festival, now in its third year.

The organising committee have asked me to select six of their cask beers for the festival - and sourcing them presented a beery conundrum. We have so many excellent beers to choose from.

However, it gave me an opportunity to profile a half-dozen excellent beers, from some of the best craft breweries in the local area.

Reedley Hallows, New Zealand Pale (4.5%): Golden coloured beer with lemons and a hint of lime in the aroma. Lemon and subtle lime flavours feature in the crisp, bittersweet taste. Lemon continues in the dry, refreshing finish.

Rivington (Chorley), Chillen (4%): A session IPA, hazy golden ale in appearance. Floral and piney aroma. Floral flavours continue along with lemon, melon and piney notes. More lemon and floral flavours in the dry, tangy finish.

Brewsmith (Ramsbottom) Brown Ale (4.2%): Roasted malt and piney aroma. Toffee, nutty and dark berry fruit flavours. Caramel malt is identified in the pleasant bittersweet finish.

Northern Whisper (Rawtenstall), Yammerhouse (4.5%): A full-flavoured, golden, American style Pale Ale. Aroma bursting with mango and peach hops. Juicy mango, peach and grapefruit flavours. Dry, fruity, bittersweet finish.

Blackedge (Horwich), Pike (4%): CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain Silver 2017. Winner of the Best Bitter category. Caramel malt and ripe fruit aroma and flavours. Malty, dry, bittersweet finish. Enough said!

Bank Top, Pavilion Pale Ale (4.5%): Light golden presentation. Biscuit malt and grassy aroma. Tangy orange, sweet pale malt and subtle peppery spice flavours. Dry, refreshing and malty finish.

If in attendance, I hope you will enjoy my selections and the rest of the beers on the menu. Opens Friday at 4pm. Saturday from noon with T20 match commencing 2pm. On Sunday it’s open from 1pm and includes a family fun day. Festival entry is free on all days.