Recognition in the beer world comes in many forms, awards, loyal followings, word of mouth, but there is something particularly satisfying about seeing a brewery acknowledged beyond its usual circles.
So, congratulations are due to Thornbridge Brewery for achieving just that.
To be featured in The Guardian’s Saturday supplement is no small thing. To be written about by Matthew Fort, whose Around Britain With A Fork series combines insight, wit, and a genuine appreciation for British food and drink, is something else entirely.
A Voice That Carries Weight
Matthew Fort is not a writer given to empty praise. His work is measured, informed, and rooted in experience, making his endorsements all the more meaningful.
When a beer appears in his column, it is not by accident. It reflects something worth noticing, something that stands out not just within brewing circles, but within the broader landscape of British food and drink.
That Jaipur has found its way into that conversation speaks volumes.
Thornbridge and the Rise of Jaipur
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Since its release, Jaipur has built a reputation as one of the defining modern British IPAs.
Brewed by Thornbridge Brewery in the heart of the Peak District, it combines bold hop character with clarity and balance, helping to reshape expectations of what British pale ales and IPAs could be.
Bright, aromatic, and unapologetically hop-forward, Jaipur has become a benchmark, not just for Thornbridge, but for the wider craft beer movement in the UK.
It is no surprise, then, to see its fan base continuing to grow.
A Beer Worth Writing About
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Part of Jaipur’s appeal lies in its ability to bridge worlds. It is a beer that satisfies seasoned drinkers while remaining accessible to those newer to hop-forward styles.
Tasting profile:
- Appearance: Bright golden with a persistent white head
- Aroma: Intense citrus and tropical fruit notes
- Flavour: Grapefruit, lemon, and a balanced bitterness
- Mouthfeel: Crisp, lively, and refreshing
- Finish: Clean, dry, and lingeringly hoppy
It is a beer that invites attention, but never feels overwhelming.
“With a Fork?”
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There is, of course, a certain humour in the context.
Around Britain With A Fork is, as the name suggests, rooted in food. And yet here we are, discussing a beer, one that perhaps defies easy categorisation within the traditional boundaries of dining.
How exactly one manages to tackle Jaipur 'with a fork' is open to interpretation.
But perhaps that is the point.
Beer, particularly one of this quality, does not need strict rules of engagement. It can sit alongside food, complement it, or simply stand on its own.
A Growing Following
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What is most encouraging is not just the recognition itself, but what it represents.
A beer like Jaipur moving into mainstream food writing signals a broader shift, one in which craft beer is no longer niche, but part of the wider conversation about British taste, quality, and culture.
And yes, it is good to see that Matthew Fort is now among the growing number of Jaipur admirers.
A Well-Earned Moment
For Thornbridge Brewery, this moment feels well earned.
From its beginnings in the Peak District to its current reputation, the brewery has consistently produced beers that balance innovation with drinkability, beers that people return to, recommend, and now, write about.
Jaipur is at the centre of that story.
And whether approached with a pint glass or, improbably, a fork, it remains one of the standout beers of its kind.
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