The Ale Archive

  The brewery:  "In 2003 Robert and Debra Evans had a carefully prepared plan – sell the house, uproot their family, leave secure jobs and set up a microbrewery in the Peak District…..Chatsworth suggested he took a look at Cunnery Barn on the Chatsworth Estate, the barn buildings were in disrepair but the potential was obvious; the perfect location for a microbrewery had been discovered. Two years later and after many hurdles including planning, electricity, drainage, renovation, finance and resident barn owls, the first beer had been brewed and the owls had a purpose built nesting box – no other barn owls in Derbyshire have accommodation so grand!” The beer: "Delicious British Bramling Cross & Target Hops combined with seven different malts producing a roasted coffee and chocolate base, with a spicy blackcurrant and liquorice finish. If you like a moorish velvet stout then Black Stag is for you!" Another tasty Peak Ale, and quite possible my favourite so far - delic

  The brewery: "Bowland Brewery started life as a microbrewery on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making a selection of beers named after the scenery and wildlife of this picturesque corner of Lancashire.......As the reputation of Bowland Brewery cask and bottled beers spread, demand increased from further afield requiring a relocation to larger premises at Holmes Mill." The beer: "Our top flight ale! A stunningly refreshing beer filled with soft citrus and peach flavours. A delight on its own and a great companion for chicken and pork dishes." Nice drop this, I didn't find the citrus incursion too overpowering. One for warmer days. 4.5% A.B.V. October 2022 

The brewery: " "In 2003 Robert and Debra Evans had a carefully prepared plan – sell the house, uproot their family, leave secure jobs and set up a microbrewery in the Peak District…..Chatsworth suggested he took a look at Cunnery Barn on the Chatsworth Estate, the barn buildings were in disrepair but the potential was obvious; the perfect location for a microbrewery had been discovered. Two years later and after many hurdles including planning, electricity, drainage, renovation, finance and resident barn owls, the first beer had been brewed and the owls had a purpose built nesting box – no other barn owls in Derbyshire have accommodation so grand!” The beer: "....is a bold and hoppy IPA, similar in strength to the original beers exported to India with a modern citrus twist." Bold it certainly was, not my favourite style of beer but quite enjoyable on a warm day. October 2022.

The brewery: " In the heart of Shropshire, our 17th Century brewery holds tradition in the highest regard, which is why our legendary ales are made the traditional way, using only the finest ingredients to give each one its own unique Three Tuns Brewery flavour." The beer: "A most traditional brown ale, Best is richly hopped and smooth throughout. Crafted with all English hop varieties, enjoy a pleasing bitter-sweet finish from one of our signature ales. Authentically brewed, this distinctive velvety beer is one to remember." A nice enough drop this though having got used to stronger ales it didn't taste that rich. A good session beer though and one I'd like to try on hand pump. August 2022.