Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from 2012

Full Mash Brewery: Passion, Craft, and Doing Things Right With Hoxton Bonnet

Tucked away in Stapleford, Nottingham , Full Mash Brewery is a small independent operation driven by a simple philosophy, a passion for real ale and a commitment to 'doing things right.' Founded by brewer Karl Waring , the story begins back in 1994 , when he first started brewing using an all-grain method known as the full mash process. When introduced as a brewer, Karl was often met with the question: ' What, full mash?'  and from that repeated exchange, the name was born. What started as The Full Mash Brewery eventually became simply Full Mash , but the ethos has remained unchanged. From Homebrew to Commercial Success The brewery’s journey from hobby to business is a classic example of grassroots British brewing. Commercial production began in 2003 , using the original homebrew kit and producing just one 9-gallon cask per brew . Demand quickly outgrew capacity, leading to a steady expansion: A 1-barrel kit to keep up with orders Growth into a 2-barrel b...

Beer In Pictures Number 8 - Guiness Vs Beer Which Is Healthiest?

When it comes to choosing a pint, most of us think in terms of taste, tradition, or occasion—but what about health? This striking infographic puts Guinness head-to-head with standard beer, breaking down calories, alcohol content, and even how long it takes to burn off a pint. By the Numbers: Calories and Alcohol At first glance, the assumption might be that Guinness, dark, rich, and creamy, would be the heavier option. Surprisingly, that’s not entirely the case. A typical pint of Guinness contains fewer calories than many standard beers , often sitting closer to lighter lagers than expected. While 'lite' beers still come out lowest in calorie counts, Guinness holds its own as a relatively moderate option. Alcohol content also plays a role. Guinness is usually lower in ABV than many stronger ales, which contributes to its more balanced nutritional profile. Health Facts: More Than Just a Pint The infographic highlights how both Guinness and beer contribute small amounts ...

Everards Brewery Offer: Beer, Rewards, and a Taste of Something Special

If you ever needed an excuse to stock up on quality bottled ale, this fantastic offer from Everards Brewery might just be it. To celebrate a string of recent awards across their bottled range, Everards launched a limited-time promotion: purchase two cases of the same Everards ale online , and receive a free t-shirt or polo shirt . A perfect blend of beer and branded reward for loyal fans. Offer valid: 20th July – 19th August 2012 Not Just for Drinking: Cooking with Tiger Best Bitter So, you’ve got a case (or two) of Tiger Best Bitter, what next? Beyond the pint glass, Everards encouraged drinkers to get creative in the kitchen. As part of their Tiger Hero Recipe competition , they invited beer lovers to turn their ale into culinary inspiration. The result? A standout winning dish crowned the  Tiger Hero Recipe Masterchef of 2012 . Everards Tiger Beer Everards Brewery ’s Tiger Beer is a classic British bitter, celebrated for its balance, smoothness, and easy drinkability. ...

Patrick Anthony: Belgian Beer - The History and Background of the Beers of Belgium

Belgium is one of the true heartlands of beer culture. Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts around 125 breweries producing an astonishing 500 different varieties of beer . Few places in the world can rival such diversity. Brewing in Belgium dates back to the Middle Ages , when beer was primarily produced in monasteries. What began as a monastic craft has since evolved into a national identity, one where tradition, experimentation, and regional character all play a part in every glass. A Legacy of Monastic Brewing In medieval Belgium, brewing was largely the domain of monks, who produced beer within monastery walls. These early brews were not only safer to drink than water at the time, but also provided sustenance. Over centuries, this monastic influence shaped Belgian brewing into something deeply rooted in ritual, craftsmanship, and quality. Even today, that legacy continues, most famously through Trappist beers, which still follow strict traditional methods. S...

Moorhouse’s Pendle Witches Brew: Lancashire Heritage, Myth, and Modern Cask Ale

Moorhouse’s Brewery is one of Lancashire’s most enduring independent breweries, with a heritage dating back to 1865 , when it was founded by William Moorhouse in Burnley, Lancashire, UK . Originally established as a producer of mineral waters and low-alcohol 'hop bitters,' the business evolved over time into a respected name in British cask ale production. Today, Moorhouse’s stands as a brewery that blends deep regional history, strong local identity, and a distinctive connection to one of England’s most famous historical legends, the Pendle Witches . Origins: From Mineral Waters to Cask Ale When Moorhouse’s was founded in the mid-19th century, its production focused on mineral waters and lightly alcoholic hop bitters, reflecting the drinking preferences and industrial realities of Victorian England. It was not until 1978 that the brewery began producing cask ales , marking a significant turning point in its development. This shift aligned Moorhouse’s more closely with ...

Attwoods Pale Ale From Hartlebury Brewery: A Modern Independent in the Heart of Worcestershire

The Hartlebury brewery is a proudly independent British brewery founded in 2011 by entrepreneur and businessman Gary Attwood . Combining commercial experience with a long-standing passion for brewing, Attwood established the brewery as a purpose-built facility designed to produce high-quality, characterful ales with both tradition and innovation in mind. Located in the village of Hartlebury, Worcestershire , the brewery sits in a region with a rich brewing and agricultural heritage. Worcestershire’s access to fine water sources, barley-growing land, and historic pub culture makes it an ideal setting for a modern craft brewery rooted in classic British styles. From its rural base, Attwoods Brewery has developed a strong local identity while also appealing to a wider audience of cask ale drinkers across the UK. The Brewery and Its Philosophy Attwoods Brewery was established with a clear vision, to create consistently well-crafted beers that balance drinkability with flavour complex...

Paul Rone-Clarke: Does Tradition Hold You Back When You Look To Buy Beer Online?

It is often surprising that more people do not consider the option of buying beer online. After all, beer is a bulky product, and carrying it home, or even out to a car, can be at least a minor inconvenience. Despite this, there are both practical concerns and deeply rooted traditions that explain the cautious attitude many still have toward ordering ale over the internet. Beer and Tradition: A Long-Standing Relationship Real ale and bitter are closely tied to ideas of heritage and tradition. In fact, brewing and distribution have evolved significantly over the centuries. Dating back almost 400 years, early breweries often delivered beer directly to workers such as farmhands. In many cases, beer was not something consumed socially in pubs, but rather distributed as part of daily labour arrangements. Medieval Drinking Habits: Not What We Expect It is a common misconception that medieval British villages revolved around pubs and taverns in the modern sense. While inns did exist, ...

Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout: A Rich and Divisive Classic

Titanic Brewery is well known for its strong reputation in stout production. Over the years, the brewery has earned numerous awards for its interpretation of a traditional dry stout, while also experimenting with sweeter, more indulgent variations. At 4.5% ABV, this stout sits in a comfortable middle ground, neither too heavy nor too light, making it accessible while still offering depth and complexity. Brewing the Body: Malt, Roast Barley, and Hops The foundation of this stout is built on a carefully selected malt bill. It is brewed using roast barley and Maris Otter pale malt , both of which contribute significantly to its rich, full-bodied character. To balance the malt sweetness, a generous addition of English North Down hops introduces a firm bitter edge. This creates a contrast between roasted depth and hop-driven sharpness, giving the beer structure and bite. The Sweet Twist: Chocolate and Madagascan Vanilla What sets this stout apart is its distinctive flavouring. Alo...

Dipika Patel: The Great British Beer Festival is Great Fun on a Hostel Break to the Capital

The summer months are one of the best times to visit the capital. As the weather warms up, London transforms into a vibrant hub of festivals, outdoor events, and cultural celebrations. Streets feel livelier, parks are busier, and there is always something happening just around the corner. If you are planning a trip in August, it is the perfect opportunity to explore the city, and perhaps experience one of its most iconic seasonal events. The Great British Beer Festival This August, beer lovers should look no further than the Great British Beer Festival , one of the UK’s largest and most celebrated beer events. Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the festival is a true showcase of malt, hops, and brewing craftsmanship. Running for four days from 7th August , it brings together some of the biggest names in the industry, including JD Wetherspoon, Greene King, Marston’s, Theakston’s, and Thwaites. Whether you are a casual drinker or a dedicated enthusiast, the scale and v...