The Ale Archive

 The brewery:  " 1995 5 barrel brewery founded behind The Pot Kiln pub 1999 Expansion to 10 barrel brewery in the old village bakery 2005 Expansion to 25 barrel brewery close to the old dairy 2007 Current Head Brewer Will Twomey joins as a trainee 2017 Expansion to 36 barrel brewhouse & packaging line 2018 Shop, Taproom & Kitchen open 2021 Brewery acquired by Yattendon Group 2022 We’re re-born as Renegade" The beer: " A multi award winning classic English Bitter with a silky-smooth mouth feel. Good Old Boy is brewed with a blend of rich malted barley and fruity hops to produce an exceptionally well-balanced and full-flavoured beer." Another delicious no nonsense best bitter, very tasty. 4.0% A.B.V. January 2023

  The brewery: "Brewhouse & Kitchen is the perfect place to eat and enjoy freshly brewed, hyper local, award-winning craft beers in Hoxton. There’s so much going on at your local B&K, such as weekly Masterclasses on brewing, beer, whisky & gin, and much more…….." The beer: "Traditional, Caramel, Bitter. In tribute to the first recorded land owner of where the brewpub now stands is Sir Humphrey Starkey – a British Justice who practised during the time of King Henry VI, the 100 year war and when beer drinking was considered mandatory…" Another good honest bitter, brewed just a few yards from where I was drinking it. 3.6% A.B.V. Brewhouse & Kitchen Hoxton , February 2023  

The brewery: "We are Mad Squirrel; a forward thinking, contemporary brewery based just outside of London at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. Since 2010 we have continuously grown and evolved, often in unexpected ways, but always with a boundless enthusiasm for quality, an inquisitive approach to flavour, and a restless desire to better ourselves." The beer: "An old school bitter for the 21st century, Mister Squirrel is classy liquid. It is a balanced and respectable brew, with vintage notes of toffee, vanilla, and nuts. A beer like they used to be, Mister Squirrel is proof that these are the good old days." It's always nice to try a beer from a 'new' brewery and this did not disappoint. A good old fashioned best bitter - very tasty. The Ice Wharf , London, February 2023

  The brewery:  "Immortalised in the name of one of Fuller’s famous ales, 1845 is a year that will forever be synonymous with Fuller, Smith & Turner. It was then that the partnership papers between the three families were officially signed, marking the start of something very special for London’s pub and beer scene." The beer: "London Porter is a smooth and satisfying beer and this example of an historic style of beer derives its rich, chocolatey character from a blend of brown and chocolate malts in the brew. Its coffee notes and creamy finish make it a wonderful accompaniment to many sweet foods ...." Another fine ale from Fuller's. A lovely combination of flavours - very tasty indeed. 5.4% A.B.V. February 2023  

The brewery (from Wikipedia) :  Daleside Brewery was established in the mid 1980s in Harrogate. It moved to Starbeck in 1992 and went through periods of enlargement up until 1999. The company was founded by Bill Witty and in 1991, his son, Craig Witty became head brewer. Craig took over running the company when his father died in 2007 and continues to be the driving force of this very popular micro brewery. The beer: Looks like a new website under construction so no 'official' description. Sampled after a late breakfast with a couple of colleagues in a 'Spoons'. Not as fruity as many Christmas ales but it was pleasant enough although not particularly clear. No complaints though at £2.59/pint. January 2023. Related entries.  

The brewery: "The original brewery in Ilkley was founded in 1873 but was swallowed by Bass in the 1920s. We draw inspiration from our roots but maintain a focus on the future; our unique interpretation of what beer should, and can be." The beer: "The Sauvignon Blanc of beer....Crisp and dry with a zesty finish and fresh-cut grass aroma. Powerfully hopped for a floral finish." Yeah, not a favourite style of mine. Meant more for a warm summers day outside rather than indoors in front of a fire perhaps. Crystal clear though  and a lovely colour.