THE beer flowed freely as West Fifers raised a glass and toasted Abbot Brew House’s first birthday at the weekend.

Abbot House’s heritage brewery celebrated the occasion by throwing a beer festival on Saturday, and didn’t bottle it by laying on cask beers, medieval-themed food, music, re-enactors and even a ‘Home Brew’ competition.

The only thing dry about the day was the weather as around 100 revellers turned up to sample the specially brewed Birthday Suit, award-winning Kingdom 10:4, Pot Stirrer, perennial favourite Scottish Heather Honey, as well as a cask from Beeches Brewery in Lochgelly.

For nibbles, there were sausages, pasties, Scotch eggs and beef stew, and entertainment was provided by re-enactors Medieval Realm and historic music specialists Galloway Consort.

The ‘Home Brew’ competition was won by Gavin Young’s Golden Ale (5.3 per cent), with second prize going to Jonathan Santa Maria Bouquet’s Stout (six per cent) and Bill Tarvet taking third with his Old Ale (5.5 per cent).

Abbot House director Dr Devon McHugh said, “The day went really well.

“We had a good number of folk and ended up popping open an extra cask of beer, which is always a good sign – and not much ended down the drain either.

“Everybody was happy, there were lots of smiling faces and the beer was very well-received.

“Our brewer, John Reade, was really impressed by the home brews – we had about 10 or 12 entries and the quality was absolutely amazing.

“We would also love to get other small breweries involved in the future and maybe have a summer beer festival next year.”