Artisan brewers flourish at the Jardin d'Anglès in Draguignan for the 3rd beer fair

"This year, there's a change of scenery; the show is taking place at the Jardin d'Anglès and not at the Saint-Exupéry complex, which is considered too far out of the way and, if the weather is good, people don't want to come and stay indoors," said Robert Di Grande, president of the Draguignan Doyen Lions Club, the event's organizer, and Brice Pichot, the show's manager.

The sun (sometimes shy) was indeed there yesterday. At the Jardin d'Anglès, there was a buzz of activity from 10 a.m. The stalls came alive with beer taps and hoppy aromas.

On this market day, the first visitors were quick to come and taste the craft brewers' liquid specialties.

A good ten local producers showcased their expertise.

Some could display beautiful labels and medals, like those awarded at the international competition in Lyon or Frankfurt in Germany: Varaï from Luc but residing in Lorgues, l'Eclat in Carnoules, Bozzzale (with three "z") from Figanières, Tarvos from Salernes, and l'Aréna from Fréjus.

Gekko, with its beers in cans to protect them from the light (from the Pays de Fayence and originally from Scotland), also attracted crowds.

Distinguishing the wheat from the chaff

No resellers, that was the show's promise.

The choice was very wide because each brewer is master of his recipe: it's all a question of choosing the hops, the type of water used, the yeasts and the malt.

Blondes, browns, whites, ambers, or tinged with a slight bitterness... the foamy beers took the taste buds on a journey. Some were even outdone in ingenuity! With lemon and rosemary, infused with quince, or... with bread.

Bread is the specialty of Olivier Dauphin of Bozzzale, who incorporates 15 to 30% of unsold bread into his production. Transparency, authenticity, and public information are essential values ​​for the Figaniérois committed to responsible consumption. "There has been too much opacity in the past. Some brewers here have suffered as a result," he assures.

Labeled "independent brewer," it invites you to check the APE (Main Activity Exercised) code of the producers: the one beginning with 1105Z is a guarantee of an activity truly focused on beer production. "Otherwise, it's disguised buying and selling."

A brewer with character, just like his alcoholic beverages. "They can be very colorful, strong, or delicious."

A supportive foam

Julien Pierrot, from La Gaudinette in Sillans-la-Cascade, offers seven different recipes at a bottle's throw. "With organic ingredients, but without the label because I'm not looking to sell in organic stores." His small quantity (4 hl) is sold through his restaurant in Sillans and via very short supply chains.

In the land of winegrowing, beers are thus making "an increasingly important place for themselves," comments the Lions Club. And here for a good cause! The proceeds from the sales of tasting cups as well as raffle tickets are entirely donated to the Vacances Plein Air association to finance stays for disadvantaged children in the Dracénie region. "Last year, fifteen children were able to go on a trip with the Odel Var," conclude the organizers.