and cider too…

The beer list and cider list for the 17th Colchester Winter Ale Festival are available. Or you might like to download a copy of the festival programme

A few highlights…

Look out for Omega from Watsons Brewery—this is confirmed to be the LAST EVER CASK of beer from Watsons. Once it’s gone, it’s history.

Another rare find is Ampersand – Experiments in Evil #9 (10.5% – Sip slowly!). Only four pins made of this rare stunner (that’s 144 pints). Remarkably half of them have found their way to Colchester, one was poured in the Victoria a few weeks ago and one is going to be here for your enjoyment.

A beer that travels well is Clootie Dumpling (4.3%) all the way from Orkney. Tastes like a traditional Scottish spiced pudding. Perfect for a January evening in a church.

Just a reminder that not every real ale will be available all the time – they come on when they’re ready and go when you’ve drunk them – making room for the next one! There’s a live beer list that will be updated during the festival with what’s on, what’s gone and what’s new.

📍 Venue: Colchester Arts Centre (CO1 1NF)

📅 Dates: Wed Jan 28 – Sat Jan 31, 2026 12 noon-10:30pm. Special early opening on Saturday 31st – 11am.

🕒 Entry Fee: Free before 3:00 PM (or all day for CAMRA members). £3 for non-members after 3:00 PM.