The Ale Archive

The brewery: "Based in the heart of Stockport for over 185 years, owning a collection of around 260 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, Robinsons is one of the most respected names in British brewing and innkeeping. A proud family of independent brewers, we operate one of the most advanced and sophisticated breweries in the UK (home to the largest Hopnik in the world) with a global reputation for producing traditional real ale. From here we apply decades of experience to create exciting new varieties and choices of flavours that always lead us towards the next Robinsons’ award-winning beer." The beer: "A dark mysterious, ebony coloured stout with beautiful roasted malts that give rise to delicious coffee and chocolate aromas, a well balanced bittersweet flavour and smooth creamy finish." 4.5% A.B.V. November 2023

The brewery: "Siren Craft Brew was born in 2013 with a simple idea in mind: to introduce exciting, full-flavoured and forward-thinking beers to as many people as possible.....We're a modern brewery based in Berkshire, creating flavour-forward beers designed to excite and intrigue. We brew beers for everyone, producing a whole host of aromas, flavours, colours and textures. Our mission is to get everyone on that journey of discovery into what beer can be. Temptation is calling..." The beer: "Reviver is a hearty ale which takes our modern approach to a Best Bitter and embellishes in strength, flavour and body. Expect a rich colour, citrus and floral aromas, toasty malts and delicate, cask-like carbonation." October 2023.

The brewery: "In 2008, Sam embarked on a ride that got out of hand, turning into a two year odyssey that took him around the world. His journey began with a coast-to-coast adventure across the United States, where he stumbled upon small taprooms and breweries that left an indelible mark.....Upon returning home, Sam delved headfirst into the world of beer, honing his craft in London before returning home to the North West, and nestled in an arch beneath Piccadilly Station, Track was born." The beer: "Made in the shade is our robust, warming porter. Brewed with a classic malt bill of pale malt with roasted barley, chocolate and brown malt, crystal and Vienna malts bringing the deep inky blackness. Fermented with English ale yeast to bring some fruitiness to the party alongside notes of hot chocolate, cacao nibs, coffee and a candied plum finish. Smooth and satisfying to the last drop. " The Magdala , Hampstead, London. October 2023

The brewery: "Adnams has a long and colourful history. We're proud of our Southwold roots, which help give us the strength and confidence to grow and evolve, keeping us fresh and innovative....Beer has been brewed on the same site in Southwold for at least 670 years. Our long history gives us firm foundations and we look forward to an exciting and sustainable future." The beer: "Evening Gleams is brewed using Red Rye Crystal and Chocolate malts, and Talus, Simcoe and HBC 586 hops. You’ll unearth complex, woody aromatics, with lots of cedar and pine upfront. This develops into pineapple, bready notes and crunchy rye spice, and revisiting whips up a touch of autumnal red apples and blueberries. On the palate, it is full bodied with flavours of orange pith zest, and its upfront sweetness broadens out to a long, lingering bitterness." The Flask , Highgate, London. October 2023

The brewery: ""From humble beginnings in a tired old shed located on the outskirts of Lancaster, the brewery grew rapidly and reached production capacity in 2009. The new premises boasts a shop, bar, restaurant, function space and regular brewery tours..... Lancaster Brewery has four popular beers that form our core range - Lancaster Blonde, Amber, Red and Black and we also produce monthly specials and seasonal beers from our purpose built brewery located on the outskirts of Lancaster." The beer: "A vivid golden bitter, designed to offer pale beer with real taste and aromatic impact. The initial bitterness is followed by a surprising sweetness culminating with a long dry finish. Related entries

The brewery: "Our brewing plant capacity has been upgraded over the years and now is now 100 brewer’s barrels (28,800 pints) per week, which allows us to meet demand during peak periods. It consists of second hand vessels customised to form our liquor tanks and copper. Our fermenters and mash tun were custom built by a local company – Fabdec in Ellesmere. Most of the brewery parts and accessories, such as the sparge-arm, condenser and automated cask-washer, were designed and built by our very own on-site engineer, Iain. We have also invested in our bottling line and do all our own bottling on site.In 2013 we constructed a purpose built, energy efficient brew house, and we’re always looking for ways to improve our environmental impact by saving water and energy." The beer: "Pale gold ale. Cascade and First Gold give bright citrus, light honey & marmalade backed by some soft floral and spice. Named to celebrate the long history of livestock droving on the Welsh/English...

The brewery: "Our brewing plant capacity has been upgraded over the years and now is now 100 brewer’s barrels (28,800 pints) per week, which allows us to meet demand during peak periods. It consists of second hand vessels customised to form our liquor tanks and copper. Our fermenters and mash tun were custom built by a local company – Fabdec in Ellesmere. Most of the brewery parts and accessories, such as the sparge-arm, condenser and automated cask-washer, were designed and built by our very own on-site engineer, Iain. We have also invested in our bottling line and do all our own bottling on site.In 2013 we constructed a purpose built, energy efficient brew house, and we’re always looking for ways to improve our environmental impact by saving water and energy." The beer: "Introducing the Stonehouse Brewery Wrangler, a Session IPA that is a true celebration of hops. This beer is a delightful blend of citrus and passionfruit notes from the classic cascade hop, complemente...

The brewery: "The brewery is still a small family run operation and currently employs over 20 people. The business was set up by Shane and Alison Parr, with lots of help from Iain and Anne Reid (Alison’s parents) and Innes Reid (Alison’s brother), but we survive and thrive on the great crew we have working with us. The beer: "Pale & hoppy sesher brewed with Salvo Trident, a hop extract that enhances hop uptake without adding bitterness. Fruity, herby, lemony." Related entries

The brewery: "Our brewing plant capacity has been upgraded over the years and now is now 100 brewer’s barrels (28,800 pints) per week, which allows us to meet demand during peak periods. It consists of second hand vessels customised to form our liquor tanks and copper. Our fermenters and mash tun were custom built by a local company – Fabdec in Ellesmere. Most of the brewery parts and accessories, such as the sparge-arm, condenser and automated cask-washer, were designed and built by our very own on-site engineer, Iain. We have also invested in our bottling line and do all our own bottling on site.In 2013 we constructed a purpose built, energy efficient brew house, and we’re always looking for ways to improve our environmental impact by saving water and energy" The beer: "A traditional, amber coloured bitter. Full bodied, very drinkable session beer with a perfect balance of fruity hops and roasted malt." Related entries

The brewery: "We love beer! Brains beers have been brewed in the heart of Cardiff since 1882. We brew using the finest locally sourced ingredients. Classic beers such as the Rev James, Dark and SA are joined by our more modern brands such as Bayside Lager and Barry Island IPA." The beer: "A true classic, Brains Dark has been brewed continuously since the 1920s and is still winning awards today. Chocolate malts help create this treacle-coloured yet easy-drinking ale with its distinctive creamy head. With a deep intense flavour containing hints of liquorice and freshly ground coffee, Brains Dark goes well with traditional chocolate desserts. Yep, enjoyed this, hardly surprisingly! Very tasty.  

The brewery: "Our story began in 1851 when founder Walter Hicks mortgaged his farm for £1,500 to set up a new family business in St Austell......Walter started out as a modest wine merchant and maltster before buying the local Seven Stars Inn in 1863. Nestled on East Hill in St Austell, it was here where he learned the art of brewing. The business rapidly outgrew its original site, leading to relocation on Tregonissey Lane in 1893, where St Austell Brewery remains to this day." The beer: "A clash of old and new. Black as night, but close your eyes and you're drinking a zesty IPA. Controversial? Of course not, just a wonderful beer! This didn't really work for me, but then I don't go mad on IPA's anyway. Just didn't seem right. Each to their own though.

  The brewery: "Our story began in 1851 when founder Walter Hicks mortgaged his farm for £1,500 to set up a new family business in St Austell......Walter started out as a modest wine merchant and maltster before buying the local Seven Stars Inn in 1863. Nestled on East Hill in St Austell, it was here where he learned the art of brewing. The business rapidly outgrew its original site, leading to relocation on Tregonissey Lane in 1893, where St Austell Brewery remains to this day." The beer: "A subtle oak smoked aroma sets the scene for a delicious flavour profile that entices with a hint of dark chocolate, followed by a delicate touch of liquorice on the finish." Could not agree more, this was delicious. September 2023