And we have a winner!

 Over the past ten years, I've brewed countless pints of beer for LeeStock. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with local breweries to create a delightful ale for festival-goers to enjoy at the event. This year is no different. In early May, I spent a highly productive day at Nethergate, crafting an exclusive beer for this year's festival in Long Melford. Yesterday, I paid a visit to Head Brewer Ian Carson to sneak a taste of our new creation and ensure its quality. I'm thrilled to say it exceeded expectations.

Following my brewery visit, I once again asked the good people of South Suffolk to suggest a suitable name. The winner of this contest would receive weekend tickets to this year's LeeStock festival.

In the past, we've had winning names such as Golden Willow, Lee Stocked, Lee Stock, and Two Barrels, alongside countless suggestions of HoppyMcHopFace and BeeryMcBeerFace (seemingly every year!). This time, we received a staggering 135 entries with some truly outstanding suggestions. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who took the time to participate. However, there can only be one winner.

After careful consideration, both myself and the LeeStock organisers selected a name that was suggested a couple of times.

(Congratulations to Matt, the winner of the free tickets.)

I'm delighted to announce that this year's LeeStock beer will be called Postillion Ale.

Some of you might be wondering why we chose this particular name.

Well. it's been 15 years since the first LeeStock (originally known as LeeFest). The festival celebrates the life of Lee Dunford, who passed away at the age of 21. Lee was passionate about music and played bass in a local band. The name Postilion Ale serves as a quite nod to Lee's love for music and embodies the spirit of what LeeStock represents today.

If you're heading to LeeStock this weekend, be sure to visit the bar and ask for a Postillion Ale. It's a refreshing 4.4% hoppy pale ale, bursting with vibrant citrus and juicy American hops. The addition of flaked oats in the mash tun provides a perfect balance. So, enjoy a pint while soaking up the fantastic atmosphere of this year's festival.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ian and Rob at Nethergate for allowing me to brew another beer with them. Their generous donation of the beer to LeeStock ensures that all proceeds can go to the Willow Foundation.