20 minute read
Brewery news The latest from our Brewing Members around the UK
Hepworth Brewery launches organic S USTAINABILIT Y beer range IN BREWING
West Sussex-based Hepworth Brewery is proud to now offer a range of organic beers in a variety of styles, from a non-alcoholic lager to an award-winning ale.
Hepworth’s organic ales, lagers and stouts are not only better for you, but also help take care of the environment. By buying organic, you are supporting sustainable farming practises by ensuring the hops, malt and yeast in the beers are high quality and in sufficient quantity using processes that do not harm the environment, human health, plant health or animal health and welfare and work within natural systems and cycles at all levels, from the soil to plants and animals, maintaining the long-term fertility and biological activity of soils.
The approach is both kinder on the planet, leaving the earth to manage its own biodiversity, and makes sure that we don’t consume any unnecessary harmful chemicals The team at the West Sussex brewery strongly believes that creating organic beer is one of the main contributions they can make to improving the current state of the climate but also wants to make sure flavour and traditional techniques always come first. Evidence for its quality has recently been demonstrated at The Great British Food Awards, with Hepworth’s organic ale The Right Stuff winning the title of best beer. Head Brewer and MD of Hepworth Brewery Andy Hepworth said: “We knew that The Right Stuff was ‘The Right Stuff’ and now it is officially confirmed. It is the first Organic beer to win The Great British Food Awards. An American style Pale Ale (APA) 5% ABV, brewed from organically grown barley at Goodwood on the Sussex Downs and bottle conditioned, it makes a great beer that improves with age.”
Find out more at www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk
Skinner’s sets corporate gifting on fire with ‘Brew Flame’
Hand Brewing Company introduces new beers
Skinner’s Brewery has collaborated with heating solutions experts Blue Flame to set a new bar in corporate gifting, crafting 80 cases of personalised beer ‘Brew Flame’ exclusively for the Penrynbased company.
Following the successful collaboration, Skinner’s is now offering a personalised beer service to companies searching for unique corporate gifts, as well as pubs, bars and hotels keen to create high quality own-brand beers using the expertise of an award-winning, independent brewery. Brewery Co-Owner Elaine Skinner explained: “Following the Blue Flame project, we now have a great model for producing exclusive, own-branded beers for other companies and organisations. We’re already receiving enquiries from some really exciting brands who love the idea of working with an independent Cornish brewer to create unique corporate gifts.” Delivered last year in plenty of time for Christmas, the Brew Flame collaboration was the result of Skinner’s successful crowdfunder campaign earlier this year; Blue Flame pledged generously to the campaign in return for the creation of their own-branded beer.
Find out more at www.skinnersbrewery.com
Worthing-based Hand Brewing Co is following up on the success of its big, bold, double dry hopped IPA, by introducing a new Jukebox series.
Each Jukebox beer will have a different take on it, but it will always be dank, it will always be juicy, and it will always be 6% ABV. Available in both keg and can - with stunning artwork by brand partner Hello Marine - this new series is bursting with juicy notes of pineapple, mango and bubblegum all wrapped up in a soft and luscious mouthfeel thanks to a load of wheat and oats in the grist. Hand Brewing is also bringing back an old cask favourite - its coffee stout, Tamper (née Tamper Man), first brewed in the Hand in Hand Brew Pub with coffee pals at Twin Pines back in 2017. kicked and a new brew schedule for 2022. This is where Hand’s specials, seasonals and pilot brews happen. And at the Worthing brewery’s temporary taproom work continues on a new fit-out, installation of the back bar and jukebox, and work on the main bar and other furnishings. The outdoor marquee is being replaced with a permanent and inviting space for customers later in the year.
Find out more at www.handbrewco.com
Purity Brewing toasts an International Beer Challenge Gold Medal for Organic Pure Helles
Purity Brewing Company is once again celebrating international success with one of the top accolades from this year’s International Beer Challenge for their Organic Pure Helles Lager.
Following the Reinheitsgebot Purity laws of 1516, Purity has taken its brewing expertise to a new level with its Organic and Gluten Free Pure Helles. Using entirely organic ingredients Pure Helles is brewed with the finest English malt, Pilgrim hops from Worcestershire and a blend of classic noble hops from Bavaria, delivering a clean, refreshing finish with that unmistakable Purity character. Originally produced as a limited run, in partnership with long standing partners Bayreuther Brauhaus; part of the Maisel’s family. Pure Helles follows a traditional Helles brewing process ensuring this exceptional Bavarian style pale lagered beer, delivers the characteristics of underlying malt sweetness, easy drinkability and refreshment expected from any classic Germanic Helles lager. No stranger to international awards Pure Helles previously has been awarded with Gold at the 2020 and 2021 International Organic Awards. Following hot in the footsteps of Pure Helles, Purity’s JIMBO Very Best Bitter, Session IPA and Pure Gold were all awarded silver medals in their respective categories. This is the first award JIMBO has received since its launch in autumn of 2020 following the passing of Purity’s Co-Founder Jim Minkin. Brewed in celebration of Jim’s life and legacy his has left at Purity, 5p of every can and pint sold has been donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund raising over £2,000 for the charity in the past year.
For more information visit www.puritybrewing.com
A new data-led poll has put Devon’s Powderkeg brewery in the top 10 UK independent breweries.
Powderkeg named in top 10 list of independent UK breweries
The session-craft specialists from Exeter have been ranked alongside the likes of Cloudwater, The Kernel, Siren and Arbor in the recent survey. Founder and Head Brewer John Magill said: “It’s amazing recognition for the work that the team has put in off the back of a tough couple of years for the industry. We’ll be having a couple of Speak Easy’s tonight to celebrate.” Having just celebrated their 7th birthday, it has been a remarkable two years for Powderkeg after collecting a World Beer Awards Gold, a European Beer Challenge Gold and a muchlauded 3-Star Great Taste Award.
“We work so hard and put so much care into the beers we produce, it’s awesome to see that being appreciated - not just by industry experts but by regular drinkers as well,” said Dan Poulson, Head of Sales at Powderkeg. “We always try to produce beers that are accessible to everyone. Craft beer can polarise opinions but Powderkeg beer is all about bringing people together over a pint or two. It’s not all about bells and whistles, supreme quality beer you can enjoy day in day out is still the true essence of craft for us.”
Find out more at www.powderkegbeer.co.uk
Hogs Back Brewery takes CAMRA's top bottled beer award with ‘A over T'
Surrey based Hogs Back Brewery is adding to its trophy cabinet after being presented with CAMRA's Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award by members of its local branch.
The accolade was given to Hogs Back for A over T, its 9% ABV bottle-conditioned barley wine, which was judged the best bottleconditioned beer in the country after a rigorous judging process by a panel of beer experts. The beer won judges' votes for its rich, complex flavours and wonderful aromas, which give the beer its full name of Aromas over Tongham, after the village near Farnham where Hogs Back is based.
Rupert Thompson, Hogs Back Brewery’s managing director, said: "We're delighted to receive this lovely trophy which will take pride of place at the brewery, for A over T's many loyal fans to enjoy. It's a wonderful beer and it's great to have won CAMRA's top bottled beer award, after taking a number of medals in previous competitions over the years. A over T drinkers tend to buy a couple of bottles as a new vintage is released - one to enjoy straight away and one to mature further in the bottle.
Kevin Travers, CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain Competition Coordinator, said: "One of the most rewarding parts of my role is giving trophies to our winning brewers. CAMRA's competitions schedule has been disrupted by Covid, so we were only able to judge bottled beers rather than the usual cask ale. That makes this presentation to Hogs Back for A over T a ‘one off' this year, and all the more enjoyable for that." A over T is brewed in small batches and matured in the brewery cellar, like a fine wine. Made from high quality English malted barley, Kent Goldings hops are added for bitterness and aroma and Bramling Cross to further enhance the character, resulting in complex flavours of sultanas, orange peel and plums. It's best enjoyed in a wine glass or a brandy balloon, to concentrate its aromas, and is a wonderful match with blue cheese, such as a well-aged Stilton, and with rich desserts.
Front row (l-r): Miles Chesterman, Hogs Back head brewer; Kevin Travers, Champion Beer of Britain Competition Coordinator; Rupert Thompson, Hogs Back managing director Back row: Ian Johnson, CAMRA Surrey Hants Borders Branch Chairman; Rosie Robinson, Hogs Back bar manager; Mark Frogley, Hogs Back operations manager; Gordon Thompson, Hogs Back sales director.]
For more information go to www.hogsback.co.uk
Cornish brewery Driftwood Spars pushes the boundaries with 14.4% ABV beer
St Agnes brewery Driftwood Spars has released what it believes to be the highest ABV beer ever brewed for sale in Cornwall in its latest small batch experiment.
The beer - which is called Hygge in reference to its comforting aroma and taste - is intended to be enjoyed instead of wine or port and goes perfectly with a cheeseboard, according to its creator Head Brewer Mike Mason.
Mike said: “I didn’t set out to brew a really high ABV beer just for the sake of it, but the flavours just called for it. When it was ready, I did some research and I think it’s the highest ABV beer ever made by a brewery here in Cornwall, although I’m sure someone out there will correct me!” Hygge is a Cognac & Marshmallow Imperial Stout which is described as “rich and thick, oozing silky marshmallow flavours and finishing with a spicy, subtle Cognac bite from maturation on Cognac barrel chips”. Imperial Stouts are often around 11% ABV; sweet malts have to be perfectly balanced with bitter hops in a rich and complex style that has many layers of flavour – it’s an extremely difficult style of beer to master. At The Driftwood, Mike and Brewery Assistant Tim have a Pilot Brew Kit at their disposal, with the 70 litre capacity set-up allowing them to experiment and push the boundaries with beers like Hygge.
For more information go to www.driftwoodsparsbrewery.com
Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery launches Devil’s Bridge IPA
Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery has unveiled a brand-new beer, Devil’s Bridge IPA, available in can, cask and keg.
The beer comes in at 5.2% ABV and is brewed with new world hops, giving it a mouthful of citrus notes, combined with a lasting bitter end. Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery MD, Stu, said: “We’re really excited to launch Devil’s Bridge. It’s a true IPA and something that’s been missing from our range, so it’s a perfect addition. It’s a bit different, and it fits in with the current trend for hoppy IPAs.” Speaking of the branding, Stu added: “We’ve opted for a really funky design as opposed to our classic designs, so it’ll stand out and look very cool among the other beers available on the shelves. There’s an interesting nod to local folklore too, as we’ve featured the tale of Devil’s Bridge on the can.” The iconic three-arched ‘Devil’s Bridge’ in Kirkby Lonsdale is thought to date back to the 12th or 13th century and is a scheduled ancient monument.
Local legend tells the following tale… Once upon a time, an old woman lived on the banks of the Lune. One night her cow strayed across the river and couldn’t be tempted back. The devil appeared and offered to build a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first body to cross it. He constructed the Bridge himself and left a print in the wet stone. The woman met him at the Bridge, took a bun from her bag and threw it across the Bridge. Her small dog went to retrieve it. The devil howled in anger at being tricked before vanishing forever.
Find out more at www.klbrewery.com
Salt Beer Factory lands in London
Craft brewery Salt Beer Factory is expanding and has extensive plans to continue this growth on a national scale, after acquiring a brewery in London.
Known for its Yorkshire roots and award winning beers, Salt’s plans for expansion follow on from three years of unprecedented success for the brand.
Newly acquired brewery, Salt London, is based on White Hart Avenue in Greenwich, and will more than double the production capacity of Salt, preparing for the next phase of growth and reinforcing its mission statement that the purpose of beer is to create pleasure. Speaking about the significant plans to expand in the South, the Managing Director of Salt Nadir Zairi said: “This is a really exciting move for Salt. We have maxed out our capacity at Salt Beer Factory North so the addition of a Southern production site will enable us to continue growing the distribution of our core range. Not only that, but it gives us the freedom to explore the limits of beer through our experimental Hexagon Project range. We have always had a desire to drive the brand forward, taking it nationally in order to do more of what we do best – bringing people together through beer.” The acquisition includes two taprooms in the capital which will be rebranded as Salt Craft + Pizza, forming part of their ongoing commitment to investing in the area. The taprooms, based at Market Yard and Royal Arsenal, will have a specially curated menu of wood fired pizzas that visitors can enjoy whilst sipping on Salt’s latest beers, core range and carefully selected guest ales. There will also be cocktails, wines and spirits available.
James Lawson, founder, said: “It's always been an ambition to take our beers to London, and what better way than having our own branded outlets in the capital. Our London venues will cater to everyone, whether you are a craft beer connoisseur or are completely new to the scene and want to try something new. We’ve done some great collabs and tap takeovers with London breweries and bars over the years and have built great relationships. There is such a huge craft beer presence in London that it feels like it’s the perfect time to be branching out and putting our stamp on the city. Our aim is to break the traditional mould and make great craft beer accessible to all.” Salt prides itself on doing good through beer and, as well as regular charity work, they believe in creativity and outside the box thinking, working with artists, designers and creatives countrywide to ensure every ingredient counts. The move facilitates a huge leap forward for the brand to stake its claim in the capital.
Read more about Salt in our Business Profile on pages 32-39 or go to www.saltbeerfactory.co.uk
S USTAINABILIT Y IN BREWING
Wold Top Brewery wins sustainable business award
The team at a Yorkshire Wolds brewery is celebrating after winning a prestigious regional business award.
Wold Top Brewery won the ‘Environmental and Sustainability Award' at the 22nd annual HullLive Business Awards that took place at Hull's DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in November last year. Receiving the award, Wold Top's Director Kate Balchin said: "We live, work and play in a wonderful area of Yorkshire and want to maintain this balance for future generations. We're over the moon to be rewarded for our environmental initiatives."
Wold Top faced competition from Hull based O&E Services Ltd. and Timloc Building Products from Howden. The winners were announced at an awards dinner that was hosted by ITV News anchor Lucrezia Millerini and included a keynote speech from Green & Black's co-founder and leading entrepreneur Jo Fairley. Wold Top Brewery was founded by in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange. The team use home grown barley and water from the farm's borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.
For more information go to www.woldtopbrewery.co.uk
Gipsy Hill celebrates anniversary of employee ownership
London’s Gipsy Hill Brewing Co has celebrated one year since the launch of its employee-ownership scheme, whereby 2% of the business will be transferred to its employees annually in the form of share options.
The South London brewery, with 43 staff currently, also stated that its aim was to list the business on the stock market, at which point employees would see their options convert to shares that they could then hold or trade. All staff participate in the governmentapproved Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme, with options awarded each February and pro-rated depending on the date that new staff began during each 12-month period. In conjunction with the roll out, Gipsy Hill has launched an Employee Council, to ensure an open forum in which staff can communicate with each other and with management. Founders Sam McMeekin and Charlie Shaw said they were proud to announce the scheme, adding that it had always been their intention for all staff to be co-owners.
“Everyone is integral,” said McMeekin, “and anything good that happens at Gipsy Hill is down to our collective efforts. Everyone will benefit directly through ownership.” Gipsy Hill, which celebrates its eighth birthday this summer, is one of London’s largest independent breweries, with a target output of 15,000 hectolitres in 2022. Brands such as flagship Hepcat session IPA enjoy a wide presence in the London on-trade, as well as nationally in the off-trade. Its active specials program sees it release more than 50 new beers each year. The company exports to 16 countries.
The company’s slogan is “Brewing a Better Life”, a message it says encapsulates three pillars: • People – Be fair to your team. Look after your community. Be the change you want to see in society • Product – Quality is our bedrock. Innovation never stops. Be efficient and offer fair value. • Planet – Net zero by 2023. Minimise our footprint. Regenerate where possible.
Find out more at www.gipsyhillbrew.com
Battle Brewery adds to its bottled beer range
Battle Brewery has expanded its bottled beer range and now offer 10 varieties, with the recent addition of 1066, a 4.5% ABV German-inspired lager, Tostig Extra Pale (3.9% ABV), a light and hoppy pale ale, and rich and complex Senlac Imperial Stout (10.5% ABV).
The brewery has also recently added 5L and 10L 'Cask Beer in a Box' options which are delivered fresh and cold from the brewery by the Beer Bus and include a serving tap - perfect for a weekend at home or small garden gathering. Plus the box fits nicely in the fridge! Offering a delivery service is just one of the ways that Battle Brewery has adapted during the pandemic. The service runs three times per week to loyal trade and retail customers and delivers Battle Brewery's award winning locally produced ales (and a Lager too!) in all packaging types to retail and trade customers alike. In October 2020 the brewery also opened a small bottle shop, and this quickly proved to be a great success which allowed Battle to expand to the adjoining unit and open a taproom offering local guest products such as wine, gin, cider and soft drinks plus a selection of snacks. Battle Brewery specialises in creating natural, vegan-friendly beers with no additives, filtration or chemicals and takes inspiration from the beautiful historic surroundings of its heartland in 1066 country.
For more information go to www.battlebrewery.co.uk
Thames Side Brewery and taproom to re-locate
The multi award winning Thames Side Brewery in Staines upon Thames will relocate this Spring to an exciting and newly refurbished location.
The team is delighted to announce that it will be able to stay on its beloved riverside and remain next to Staines Bridge, moving merely 100 metres downstream from its current home to a unit in Thames Edge Court. Thames Side was first set up almost seven years ago in a tiny industrial unit, which was part of an old boatyard. This was a quarter of a mile, and just across the river, from the current premises. The current site is sadly earmarked for a large development, so the brewery has to move for a second time. Thankfully Thames Side has found another building which is being converted into a showcase for the brewery and taproom. The new site will be much bigger than the current premises and allows for some great opportunities for growth and continued experimentation, with many exciting new beers planned. It will also allow Thames Side to make more use of the riverside and will provide a new venue for the people of Staines and surrounding areas to enjoy. Having won several awards recently, including Food & Drink Magazine 2021 ‘Best Riverside Brewery – SE England’; Spelthorne Business Awards ‘Best Creative/Innovative Business in Spelthorne’ and CAMRA North Surrey ‘Pub of The Year’, this will allow the brewery to showcase its products and bar to a wider customer base.
With full support from founder Andrew Hayward’s partner Michele and the dedicated brew team of Mike, Clive and Glen, and in conjunction with Anthony Platt of The Last Hop, the new larger venue will not only be the next Thames Side Brewery Taproom showcasing the beers, but will also incorporate a full bar, kitchen, and coffee shop to enhance the offering.
Find out more at www.thamessidebrewery.co.uk
S USTAINABILIT Y IN BREWING
The first 10 people to come into the brewery shop with an
original copy of this article will receive a free 1 litre growler!*
Isle of Arran Brewery goes green with a grant for growlers
Using grant funding administered by Zero Waste Scotland and provided by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund, the Isle of Arran Brewery has introduced a new growler filler to its shop in Cladach.
Growlers are large, re-usable bottles, although originally they were covered pails used for people to take beer home from pubs at closing time. The name “Growler” comes from the sound made by the carbon dioxide rattling the lid when it escaped from the beer as it sloshed around inside the pail. In March 2020 Isle of Arran was awarded a grant by the Island Green Recovery Programme, funded by Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government, for two projects, one of which was the growler filler. The brewery took the decision to install one as an environmental initiative, to reduce packaging usage. Growlers are larger than standard beer bottles and are re-usable, so growler owners/ renters are able to have their growler filled multiple times without the need to recycle glass, which, although better than producing virgin glass, is still a high energy process. As a business which is always trying to reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint, Arran Brewery finds this very appealing. Customers bring their growler to the Isle of Arran Brewery shop (or rent one from the brewery), and the brewery then washes it then refills it. The whole process only takes a few minutes and the customer doesn’t pay for the glass bottle, the labels or the crown caps which are normally part of the price of bottled beer.
Isle of Arran is looking to expand this service to two further outlets on the island and is looking for recommendations from islanders as to where these might be located.
