CULTURE — microbreweries
SALCOMBE BREWERY Starting out of a place of love, founders John and Gerry realised their local brew of Shingle Bay was under threat of disappearing, so they took it upon themselves to acquire the recipe, create a brewery and keep the tradition going. Community is at the heart of what they do, with 5p of every sale going back to help the development of their local area. With just 20 barrels, this really is a micro-brewery, producing a variety of core-range and limited edition brews each year. Great story, great people, great beer.
SHINGLE BAY (4.2%, 500ml) Case of eight £17 Where it all began – this delightful golden ale has a touch of blackberry and spiced fruit, making it a really pleasant and quaffable brew. Pacific gem hops add a great texture and complexity. All round, it ticks many boxes.
LIFESAVER (4.8%, 500ml) Case of eight £18 You know those days where you just crave a beer? This really is a lifesaver. Bronze in colour, this malty ale hits you with a smack of citrus and orange peel before transforming into toffee, liquorice and a soothing floral finish.
This malty ale hits you with a smack of citrus and orange peel before transforming into toffee, liquorice and a soothing floral finish
HARBOUR BREWING CO
SPEY VALLEY BREWERY I first visited this brewery when filming the last series of the TV show and fell in love with it. The magic is that they’re using the same water source as many of the world-famous whiskies from this area. While the company was founded in 2007, they’ve had a slow and steady growth, with it producing some fantastic beers, including some whisky-finished expressions that will blow your mind. Local is everything in this place and their beers represent a true example of Scotland’s incredible beer scene.
From the heart of Cornwall, every ingredient that goes into these beers is local, whether it’s the unique blend of hops or water fresh from the nearby springs. Don’t let the happy-go-lucky millennial surfer vibe put you off – what’s in the glass is really good. From dark, warming stouts to citrus-forward IPAs – the quality speaks for itself.
BIG WEDNESDAY (5.6%, 330ml) Case of 12 £19.50 This stunningly hazy and natural IPA is oozing with ripe mango, grapefruit, nectarine and papaya. A soft start and mouthfeel turn into a bold and robust kick of flavour with each sip.
SUNSHINE ON KEITH (3.5%, 330ml) £2.19 from Brew Republic
BETWEEN LAND & SEA (6%, 330ml) Case of 12 £21.50
At just 3.5% we have another low-ABV wonder, but definitely not in character. This American session IPA is packed with a citrus twist, giving you a zesty and mouth-watering fruit-forward burst of flavour from the first sip. A grapefruit bitterness jumps out making this the perfect remedy for a long summer’s day.
I always love it when people do something a little different – here we have a modern take on the classic oatmeal porter, using 100-per-cent British malt and hops. Chocolate and smoked raisins hit your nose alongside bonfire, toffee, liquorice and lightly smoked tobacco on the finish.
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