Brew61

Farming family brew up a business that’s growing strong

Here at Completely Bromsgrove we’re proud to support local, independent businesses that are putting the town on the map.

Brew 61 certainly fall into this category. With an inspiring back story (as they say on reality TV), eyecatching new branding and an ethos to provide local beer for local people – maybe we should add ‘with taste’ to that line.

The brewery’s founder Tim Dunkley took a rare break from his delivery round to explain how it all began.

“We’ve got a farm just outside Bromsgrove and when my mum died of cancer 30 years ago I took over, continuing to farm until foot and mouth disease hit the industry in 2001,” he said.

“Following that, we got planning permission to build industrial and self-storage units but over the last five years we missed the farming side so we bought some Highland cattle and Pole Dorset sheep. I also bought a 100 litre home brew kit then progressed to 300 litre and 1,200 litre kits, which gives 25 barrels.”

Brew 61 now offer a range of four fab beers and the cattle heartily approve of this new venture as they can now munch contentedly on the by-product, brewer’s grains, which Tim previously bought for them in Kidderminster. Waste hops are also put to good use as compost in the vegetable garden.

The four beers currently available are: Spring Meadow – a clean tasting session IPA with a berry sweetness and aroma; Greenfields Gold - a lovely light golden session IPA; Grazing Girls – a light, golden ale and Hop On - a yellow-gold English pale ale.

Like many businesses, Brew 61 was forced to change its focus during lockdown. The brewery moved into a new building and before Christmas decided to go into bottling. Tim’s daughter Jess designed some labels and a small market at Droitwich Rugby Club when restrictions allowed was a sell-out success.

There has also been a new addition to the team, as Tim explained.

“Jake Hioms is a 29-year-old chemistry graduate who was working in water management in Reading. Through a family friend, we found out that he was interested in brewing and he decided to change his life and career by coming to work with us.

“Having Jake and all of his experience on board means that I can devote more time to marketing and that we can grow together. We also moved into online sales in March which we’re excited about.”

Tim is optimistic that more local pubs and shops will follow Decanter Spirit in Bromsgrove High Street in stocking Brew 61 products and plans for 2021 and beyond include more festival appearances when lockdown restrictions are eased.

Head to the website: www.brew61.co.uk to find out more and to place an order. You can also catch up with the brewery’s latest news on its Facebook and Instagram feeds.