The Ale Archive

The brewery: "The history of the brewery dates back to 2003 when the Loweswater Brewery was set up using a small 3 barrel kit. It was sited in an outbuilding at the Kirkstile Inn and initially just supplied the pub in Loweswater. Demand grew dramatically from other pubs and for festivals.....In 2009, following negotiations, the Loweswater Brewery, acquired Cumbrian Legendary Ales. This 10 barrel brewery had been established on the shores of Esthwaite Water near Hawskshead in 2006 and all brewing was transferred to Hawkshead." The beer: "Lovely bitter with the amazing aroma and taste of English fruit and marmalade. Brewed with Maris Otter and lager malts, in cask version the beer won silver in the Champion Golden Ale of Britain." May 2024. Related entries

The brewery: "The history of the brewery dates back to 2003 when the Loweswater Brewery was set up using a small 3 barrel kit. It was sited in an outbuilding at the Kirkstile Inn and initially just supplied the pub in Loweswater. Demand grew dramatically from other pubs and for festivals. In 2009, following negotiations, the Loweswater Brewery, acquired Cumbrian Legendary Ales. This 10 barrel brewery had been established on the shores of Esthwaite Water near Hawskshead in 2006 and all brewing was transferred to Hawkshead." The beer: "Delicious amber bitter with a distinctive flavour from the combination of malts and American Cascade hops." May 2024. Related entries

The brewery: " The history of the brewery dates back to 2003 when the Loweswater Brewery was set up using a small 3 barrel kit. It was sited in an outbuilding at the Kirkstile Inn and initially just supplied the pub in Loweswater. Demand grew dramatically from other pubs and for festivals.....In 2009, following negotiations, the Loweswater Brewery, acquired Cumbrian Legendary Ales. This 10 barrel brewery had been established on the shores of Esthwaite Water near Hawskshead in 2006 and all brewing was transferred to Hawkshead." The beer: "World famous Golden Ale with a tropical fruit flavour." May 2024. Related entries

The brewery: "We are a small, co-operatively owned micro-brewery based in the beautiful village of Hesket Newmarket in the north of the Lake District National Park. We have been producing fine real ale ever since we started in 1988; we are now Cumbria’s oldest surviving micro-brewery. Most of our beers are named after the Lakeland Fells that attract visitors from all over the world and make our home such a special place to be.....Our brews are loved by locals and visitors alike; to such an extent that the brewery became co- operatively owned in 1999 to prevent its closure or sale to a larger enterprise." The beer: "A Gold Medal winning, strong, ruby ale. Brewed with a smooth blend of dark, crystal and pale malts; moderately bittered in the copper with the addition of gentle aromatic hops to give a classic flavour. This beer is rich, deep in flavour and should be treated with respect!" May 2024. 6.0% A.B.V.

The beer: " Dark Arts blends four malts and bags of English & German hops to deliver a decadently deep and indulgent experience. A luxuriously smooth mouthfeel is followed by spicy hop notes and full flavours of chocolate, liquorice, blackberries and figs. The finish is rich and satisfying with a lingering roasted bitterness. Our stout will convert you to the dark side." May 2024

The brewery: "A Badger beer is more than just a beer. It’s rich in history. Deep in character. Full of expertise. Crafted with the finest ingredients. And passionately made in our independent, family-owned brewery.....Each one is inspired by the beautiful county we call home - Dorset. Be it a mythical legend, a colourful tale or the stunning countryside that surrounds our riverside brewery.....And although a couple of our tales are mythical, you can always rely on every Badger beer to be distinctive, unique and packed with flavour.....Seven generations and nearly two-and-a-half centuries later, we’re still independent and brewing the finest, characterful beers" The beer: "Our delicious stout brings together the rich, roasted notes from chocolate and crystal malts, combined with a perfectly pulled espresso....Dark and brooding with a sweet side, toffee meets coffee in a brew that's sure to tantalise the most discerning of palates." May 2024. Related entries

The beer: "Hobgoblin Stout is 4.1% in ABV and jet black in colour. With aromas of roasted malts and chocolate, enjoy the earthy bitterness balanced by hints of coffee, cocoa and sweet treacle flavours. This Stout is a deceptively dark, yet smooth and easy drinking beer."

The brewery: "A story that's been brewing for some time. Immortalised in the name of one of our famous ales, 1845 is a year that will forever be Fuller's. It was then that the partnership papers of Fuller, Smith & Turner were officially signed, marking the start of something special for London's brewery scene." The beer: "Brewed in 1995 to celebrate our 150th anniversary. A bottle conditioned recipe inspired by the original Fuller's brewing books. The Amber malts and Goldings hops combine to create a superb fruitcake aroma along with the biscuity & nutmeg malt."  

The brewery: "Established in 1994, in the cellar of Brighton’s Evening Star pub, Dark Star is a hobby that got out of control....Planned on the back of a beer mat before craft was cool, Dark Star was built by grit, graft, grey matter (and the Grateful Dead). Plus an unapologetic ‘brew (and do) what we want’ attitude." The beer: "It’s cold outside and we're coming in hot with a little IPA with BIG flavour! This 3.4% brew explodes with red fruit, caramel, citrus and pine notes." March 2024. Related entries

The brewery: "1730: The first drop of bona fide Allsopp family beer is brewed in Burton-on-Trent – the beer capital of Britain – by Benjamin Wilson Sr.......1934: Ind Coope & Allsopp is formed from the merger of the two breweries, most famous for its bottles of Double Diamond pale ale......2021: Jamie Allsopp, great-great-great-great- great-grandson of Samuel, finds the only remaining ledger containing the original recipes. It’s a red letter day. So he sets about resurrecting the original Allsopp’s yeast and – in-keeping with the Allsopp family knack for exceptional timing – begins brewing again in the middle of a global pandemic." The beer: "The Original India Pale Ale. Samuel Allsopp was the first to perfect Burton India Pale Ale in 1822. Some 200 years later, Allsopp & Sons invite you to savour this faithful recreation of the complex, beguiling, original IPA." March 2024

The brewery: "Founded in Oakham (Rutland) in 1993 and based in Peterborough since 1998, Craft Brew Legends Oakham Ales celebrate 30 years of brewing in 2023." The beer: "A smooth, dark and sumptuous stout brewed with no less than 8 different types of malt. With as you’d expect, a liberal dash of moreish Oakham hoppiness from plenty of Centennial and Olicana hops. March 2024. Related entries

The brewery: "Northern Monkey Brew Co is an award winning Micro Brewery based in Bolton.  We started trading in 2016 and like to brew both traditional cask ales alongside more adventurous, hop forward craft keg beers." The beer: " Citrusy, light and refreshing. To Eternity." The Lady Ottoline , London. March 2024

The brewery: It appears the Brodie's brewery closed in 2020 but beer bearing the name is now brewed by Rhymney. The beer: from CAMRA "A brown refreshing but full bodied bitter with a malty sweetness and plenty of American hops. Finish is dry with balanced bitterness 

The brewery: " Southwark Brewing Company was founded in 2014 by Peter Jackson and lifelong friend Andy Nichol. Peter had worked in the brewing industry since leaving university in 1981. There was only one problem.... he hadn't brewed a pint of beer in all that time, spending his time in sales and marketing. Enter master brewer Sean Franklin, a friend of over 25 years, and former owner of the award winning Roosters Brewery in Harrogate and pioneer of Hoppy Pale Ales. Via a complete home brew kit in his garage, Peter learnt the art of brewing to complement his knowledge of the theory!  The beer: "A traditional session London Porter based on an old recipe using English Pale, Crystal and Chocolate Malts, Fuggles and Goldings Hops. These produce a dark beer with malty body and bitterness balanced with a hint of coffee and liquorice." March 2024. Related entries.

The brewery: "............n innovative, contemporary brewery based just outside of London at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. Since our launch in 2010, we have continually grown and evolved. We pride ourselves on this continued evolution, with a focus on quality, innovation and exploration.    The beer: "Savor the allure of Arabica, where rich coffee meets classic porter. With its deep black hue and enticing aroma, this cask-aged gem delivers a harmonious blend of bold coffee, gentle bitterness, and velvety texture." March 2024

The brewery: "Emerson’s Brewery was founded by Richard Emerson in 1992. A Dunedin institution offering a vibrant atmosphere and outdoor beer garden, matched with delicious craft beer and a menu that caters for all tastes." The beer: "This English ale was born mature. Because even when it was new, it was old 95. Full body, but delicious toffee malty sweetness, and a lingering balanced bitterness, it's a recipe that gives new beers a run for their money. So, sit down in your favourite old chair, put on your favourite old slippers, and pull your favourite old 95."