766: Hambleton | Nightmare

The brewery: “Hambleton Brewery was born in 1991, when Nick Stafford decided to start a brewery at the bottom of his in-laws’ garden. Armed with nothing more than a pair of wellies, some old steel tanks and a rusty Peugeot 205, Nick built his brewery with blood, sweat and tears……Today’s demand has meant we have moved out of the garden, and we also have some slightly shinier tanks, but Nick’s original ambition still stands. We love making great beer. That’s what we do best. And everything we do at Hambleton Brewery revolves around this fact.”

The beer: “The result of a ‘Nightmare’ brew day that turned out awesome and went on to win CAMRA Champion Winter Beer of Britain!…Massively flavoured four malt Porter”

Procured from the Local Co-Op on Mytholmroyd on the last leg of my Easter caravanning trip - and another quality porter that really hit the spot. Top stuff. April 2022. Related entries.

765: Saltaire | Triple Choc

The brewery: "At Saltaire we’re passionate about how we make our beer – it’s the only way we know how. We don’t compromise on quality. Truly independent, we’ve been making internationally award-winning beer this way since 2006."

The beer: "Internationally acclaimed, this moreish dark beer complements English Fuggle hops with rich chocolate decadence."

Very tasty this - an award winner and I'm not surprised. Really rich despite it's not particularly high A.B.V.

April 2022. Related entries.

764: Hadrian Border | Ouseburn Porter

The brewery: "Established in 1994 and based on the banks of the Tyne, Hadrian Border Brewery are experts in creating the finest locally brewed cask and bottled ales.......we took over the Border Brewery Company in Berwick upon Tweed.......A new home was identified in April 2009 in the former Ross’s pickle factory in Newburn, West of the city (of Newcastle)....The first brew was mashed in April 2011. Newburn No1. We also partially rebranded to coincide with the move."

The beer: "This traditional robust and satisfying porter uses the best quality ingredients including rolled oats to produce a smooth, rich and dark creamy drink."

Another fine Porter from the North-East. Not quite my favourite but not far off.

April 2022. Related entries

763: Alnwick | Alnwick Brown

The brewery: "The Alnwick Brewery Company Limited initially started to brew beer in Alnwick from around 1750’s from a site in the town’s Dispensary Street. Sadly, in the 1960’s the buildings were pulled down before they could be listed, and the brewery temporarily closed only to be relaunched again in 2005 by the son of the original brewery’s last managing director. In 2013 the business was acquired by the Harry Hotspur group who also merged into it the significant brewing skills and brewery of another local brewer (namely the former VIP Brewery at Hawkhill)."

The beer: "An old classic tweaked to be fuller bodied, with hugely satisfying results. It is brewed in the tradition of historic Tyne & Wear brown ales.  A beautiful deep reddish-brown, the flavour is complex with hints of dried fruit, and a lovely hoppy balance."

I liked the fact that this was fuller bodied. Not my favourite of the Alnwick ales but still very drinkable. April 2022. Related entries.

762: Wickwar | The Night Train

The brewery: "A pub company and a brand owner, Wickwar Wessex Pub Company is proud to stock its very own range of exclusive own brand ales....Using time-honoured traditions and the finest raw ingredients we work with carefully chosen brewing partners to produce a selection of well-balanced award-winning ales that are available within all of our pubs."

The beer: Nothing on the official website - I wish I'd kept the bottle now - however it was a largely typical Milk Stout and, as the previous Wickwar offering, quite potent at 6.1% A.B.V. It was ok but didn't enjoy it as much as the first. April 2022. Related entries.

761: Wickwar | Station Porter.

The brewery: "A pub company and a brand owner, Wickwar Wessex Pub Company is proud to stock its very own range of exclusive own brand ales....Using time-honoured traditions and the finest raw ingredients we work with carefully chosen brewing partners to produce a selection of well-balanced award-winning ales that are available within all of our pubs."

The beer: "Our multi-award winning Premium Ebony Ale. 6.1% ABV. A truly spectacular ale. The aromas of roasted malt, coffee, chocolate and rich fruits are produced from a subtle blend of 3 malts and Fuggle hops. This impeccable Porter is to be savoured and delivers a smooth and warming roast finish."

It won't surprise regulars to learn that I liked this a lot. Definitely one to savour rather than slosh back in a session though.  April 2022. Related entries

760: Settle Brewery | Old Smithy Porter

The brewery: "Born in 2012, Settle Brewery has been using traditional brewing methods coupled with local and seasonal ingredients to produce an arsenal of SiBA award winning beers."

The beer: "...black and creamy, with a heady mix of rich caramel and coffee. This is light on the hops in order to allow the malt to take charge."

A day out on the Settle-Carlisle railway saw me in Settle on a rather wet day. After a quick wander around the town Plan B was executed - namely a pub. Sadly my car was waiting for me back in Carlisle or I would happily have stayed there all afternoon as this was a truly delicious pint.

The Talbot Arms, Settle. April 2022