real ale brewery tours near me

Multi-award-winning freelance writer and audio-maker, former British Beer Writer of the Year and current Chair of the British Guild of Beer Writers. She has written about beer and pubs for many national and international publications and produces creative audio and podcasts for the drinks trade.

Tiny Rebel Bars, Cardiff, South Wales

The great beers of Wales

Often the best way to get to know a country is through its food and drink, and Wales is no exception. We asked beer expert Emma Inch to share some of her favourite Welsh craft ales from across Wales.

From coast to mountain top, valley to city, Wales has more than enough beers to satisfy the thirst of even the most adventurous beer explorer!

There are currently around ninety Welsh breweries, some more than a century old, but many founded as part of the craft beer revolution of the past decade. Here are a few suggestions of how to get to the heart of the modern Welsh beer scene.

Welsh breweries in North Wales

One of the best places to drink Welsh beer is in the many micropubs that have sprung up around the country in the last few years. Micropubs are usually small places where you can expect to find friendly conversation, simple bar snacks and lots of local ale.

Mold Alehouse was recently crowned the best pub in Wales in the annual CAMRA Pub of the Year competition. Situated in the centre of the market town of Mold, in a Grade 2 listed building, this micropub serves a fantastic range of beer, much of which is brewed in Wales. Whilst there, look out for beers from local favourites, including Polly’s Brew Co. and Geipel Brewing . Known for their contemporary, hop-forward beers, Polly’s is the top-rated Welsh brewery on the influential rating site, Untappd , whilst Geipel specialises in the production of lagers using water drawn from its own borehole.

Beers from Polly's Brew Co, Mold, North Wales

The holiday town of Llandudno is home to Wild Horse Brewing Co ., a brewery lauded for its range of modern beers including Nokota New England IPA which has been described by beer writer, Adrian Tierney-Jones – himself born in Llandudno - as 'a beer that sings on the palate like a choir at an Eisteddfod'! You can buy the beer direct from the brewery shop, or you’re highly likely to come across some in the town’s award-winning micropub, Tapps .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wild Horse Brewing Co (@wildhorsebeer)

Purple Moose Brewery has been brewing traditional ales in the harbour town of Porthmadog since 2005. It’s named after the legend of the purple moose, fur dyed violet from eating heather, that apparently roamed the foothills of Eryri (Snowdonia) many centuries ago. You can drink Purple Moose beer in The Australia pub on Porthmadog High Street, which serves as the brewery taproom, or in Conwy’s Albion Ale House , a joint venture between Purple Moose and three other breweries: Snowdon Craft , Nant and Conwy . Its heritage interior maintains many of the original 1920s features and that, together with a great line-up of Welsh ales, make it well worth a visit.

Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, from Porthmadog, North Wales

Four miles from the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) you’ll find the Snowdonia Parc pub. The onsite microbrewery produces traditional cask ales which, due to its location right beside Waunfawr station, can be drunk whilst watching the narrow-gauge steam trains of the Welsh Highland Railway puffing by.

If you want to sample a number of different drinking holes without the need to drive, the Ale Trail Company offers a bus tour of Eryri (Snowdonia) pubs. Once you’ve booked your ticket, you can start and finish at any pub along the route by simply hopping on and off the buses that pass by regularly on tour days.

If you’re walking the coastal path around the Llŷn Peninsula , Cwrw Llŷn , in the attractive village of Nefyn makes a perfect stopping-off point. The tap room is open most days and has a viewing window through which you can watch the beer being made as you drink. Brewery tours are also available throughout the week.

Read more: Check out these great routes for pub walks for inspiration for walks with a decent pint at the end of it.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cwrw Llŷn (@cwrwllyn)

Welsh breweries in Mid Wales

The town of Montgomery , and the remains of its thirteenth century castle, sit around a mile from the Welsh-English border. It’s there that, in 2009, Monty’s Brewery was founded by husband-and-wife team, Russ and Pam Honeyman. The brewery produces a range of cask conditioned, bottled and kegged beers, and offers pre-arranged tours.

Monty's Brewery, Montgomery, Powys, Mid Wales

Just a few miles away in Newtown, Wilderness Brewery is producing some of the most interesting beers around. The beers – which are packaged in beautiful cans and sharing bottles - are modern ‘farmhouse’ beers, many of which are barrel-aged or sour, and some of which contain seasonal ingredients such as wild honey or locally-grown plums. Look out for their beers in bars and bottleshops, such as Cardiff’s Pop’n’Hops .

Welsh breweries in West Wales

Bluestone Brewing Co. is located on a working farm in the Preseli Hills, where the onsite taproom hosts regular live music and comedy events throughout the year. A mere five or so miles down the road, Gwaun Valley is a traditional microbrewery producing award-winning real ales. They also host regular acoustic music sessions.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bluestone Brewing Co (@bluestonebrewingco)

Felinfoel Brewery , near Llanelli, is the oldest brewery in Wales. Established in 1878, it’s known for its Double Dragon, a premium Welsh Ale, that the brewery proudly claims as the ‘National Ale of Wales’. In 1935, inspired by the Welsh tinplate industry, it became one of the first breweries in the world to package beer in cans. Felinfoel beer can be found in numerous pubs across southern and western Wales.

Gower Brewery produces a core range of traditional beers and a newer, more ‘craft’ focused range called ‘Gower Brews’. Tours are available and finish with beer tastings in the brewery tap. You can sign up to a UK Brewery Tours walking tour of some of the best independent craft beer venues the city has to offer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gower Brewery (@gowerbrewery)

Welsh breweries in South Wales

S.A. Brain is a name long associated with the nation’s capital. Founded in 1882, Brains Brewery is now located in the purpose-built Dragon Brewery in Cardiff Bay, a site capable of producing 20 million pints a year. You can find Brains beers right across the city, including at the traditional City Arms , a pub described as a ‘beer lover’s paradise’. And if you fancy exploring more good beer haunts, UK Brewery Tours offer a Cardiff Beer Tasting walking tour that takes in some of the city’s craft beer bars and taprooms, providing time for sampling at each one.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brains Brewery (@brainsbrewery)

The Ale Trail Company offer real ale pub tours by bus through the Vale of Glamorgan . The trail allows drinkers to sample up to ten specially selected pubs and microbreweries without the need to drive. It’s a great way to get a flavour of both Welsh beer and the Welsh landscape.

Rhymney Brewery is in Blaenavon , a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Blaenavon Iron Works and the Big Pit National Coal Museum. The brewery has its own visitor centre where you can have a beer or even see live comedy, whilst at Kingstone Brewery in Tintern you can take a tour, join in a tasting, or even become a brewer for a day.

Over in Newport , the first Welsh brewery to claim the coveted title of Champion Beer of Britain, Tiny Rebel , has been brewing up its imaginative beers since 2012. You can taste brews such as their Jam Doughnut Pale, Marshmallow Porter, or their award-winning Cwtch red ale at the brewery, and at Tiny Rebel bars in Newport and Cardiff .

Tiny Rebel bar, Cardiff, South Wales

Beer festivals in Wales

The Mid Wales Beer Festival is held each November in the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells . There are more than 100 ales on offer during the 10-day festival. The Real Ale Wobble (for mountain bikers) takes place during festival week with trails of differing lengths, with checkpoints featuring food and, of course, real ale.

A ‘festival within a festival’, the Welsh Beer & Cider Festival forms part of the Green Man Festival which takes place every August near the small town of Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons. As well as more than 100 Welsh beers, visitors can enjoy music and arts at this very popular event.

The Cwrw ar y Cledrau / Rail Ale Festival takes place in early summer at the historic Dinas railway station near Caernarfon on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Part of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, visitors can enjoy the steam trains whilst sampling some of the very best in Welsh beer.

In a land that effortlessly combines legend with innovation, it’s no surprise that a beer scene rooted in both is positively thriving. From small brewpubs making beer solely for their customers, to internationally recognised brands, through to modern, creative brewers pushing the boundaries of what beer can be, Welsh beer has never been so varied, so exciting, and so very tasty!

Pubs for pups: Enjoy a round with your hound

Here are a selection of pubs that are cosy dog-friendly Welsh boozers.

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Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Craft Brewery Trail

Located midway between Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., the BWI area is a great place for exploring. If you’re looking for a reason to roam, check out the BWI Craft Brewery trail , with four great breweries all within a 30-minute drive.

Guinness Brewery

Start at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe. The iconic Irish brewer opened its U.S. brewery here in 2018 on the former site of the historic Calvert distillery. The 62-acre site includes a taproom, restaurant, store, and expansive beer garden with fire pits and food truck eats. The beer list showcases classics (including Guinness Blonde, only brewed here ) as well as seasonal brews and experiments they debut locally before rolling out internationally.

Crooked Crab Brewing Co.

Crooked Crab Brewing Co. began in 2015 with the dream of bringing craft beer to Anne Arundel County. Their 16 rotating taps features seasonal brews alongside regular favorites like Haze for Days, a New England pale ale that’s been on menu since opening day. Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company provides coffee for their Joltage coffee stouts, and local restaurant The Hideaway supplies the roasted pumpkin for their seasonal pumpkin ale. At the 2,200-square-foot tap room in Odenton, kids can draw on the chalk wall, leashed dogs are welcome, and the big screens show local sports. Thursday can drops feature art by Chris Bishop, a local artist, and illustrator for PBS Kids.

Chessie’s Wharf

Welcome to Chessie's Wharf of Annapolis. Located at 609 Melvin Ave in West Annapolis. Come experience our new taproom room, featuring 38 Draft selections from our Brewery in Cambridge, Md. Along with a rotating guest selection from some of our favorite breweries across the country.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House

Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House is located on the Anne Arundel County/Baltimore County line in Halethorpe Maryland, it will be the first operational Guinness Brewery in the United States since 1954. It’s located on the site of the old Calvert Distillery, originally Maryland Distilling...

Crooked Crab Brewing Company

Crooked Crab Brewing Company is the brain child of three Maryland natives and University of Maryland graduates: Earl Holman, Alex Josephs and Daniel Messeca. Active participants (ahem) in the craft beer scene for years, they have traveled near and far visiting breweries and festivals and have done...

Pherm Brewing Company

A shared love of beer and live music is at the heart of Pherm Brewing Company , which opened in December 2020 in Gambrills. The tasting room holds up to 225 people, with a generous 20 seats at the bar. The stage and sound system comes into play on Saturday night band nights and Sunday's acoustic brunch. Their walls are a gallery space where artists can exhibit and sell their work. They partnered with the Baltimore band Damn Right! on their Summer in the 90s sour ale, and collaborated with Annapolis’ Forward Brewing for their Phorward Saison farmhouse ale.

Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery

At Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery in Crofton, which opened in 2018, the tagline is Small Batches, Big Variety. They are all about experimentation, putting twists on traditional genres or, as they say, brewing “to see what may happen.” This means their offerings are always changing, via 16 taps and 8 beer engines. You can even be a guest brewer and make your own variety via their Brewer for a Day program. Events include ever-popular trivia nights, but also corn hole tournaments with cash prizes, karaoke, movies on the lawn and music bingo. As for the name, it’s one of the oldest spellings of the word Chesapeake. It doesn’t get much more local than that.

Forward Brewing in the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis

Forward Brewing (Annapolis-Eastport)

While you are in downtown Annapolis, be sure to head to Eastport for a visit to local nano-brewery, Forward Brewing . The beer selection is as varied and special as their food. Being a nanobrewery means they have a very small amount of barrels, typically seven or less, which allows Forward’s two-person brewing team to truly focus on small-batch craft beers that reflect the “rebellious spirit” and creativity of the community. Be sure to stop by and visit them on your next trek through Annapolis.

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Brewery Tour Experiences & Activities

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Frequently asked questions about Brewery Tour Experiences & Activities

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Brewery tours last between one and three hours.

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Brewery Tours & Experiences

Brewery tours are available in a selection of the best cities across the UK and Europe. Beer lovers rejoice; these informative and entertaining tours will teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the amber nectar! Learn how the biggest beer brands make your favourite drink with insights into the brewing process, exhibitions, demonstrations and, best of all, lots of samples to tempt your taste buds. Who wouldn’t love this combination of a museum and a bar?

You can even learn how to pour the perfect pint and how to drink a beer properly. Now they sound like important life skills to us! You’ll come away with an even greater appreciation of beer than you had before. Learn how iconic beers are made with our range of guided and self-guided brewery tours in some of the best cities in the UK and Europe.

A brewery tour is the perfect activity to warm you up before a big night out. Alternatively, it’s a great way to spend some time together over a shared interest. You’ll be showing off your new-found knowledge for ages after, sure to impress your friends and family back home. If you’re looking for a href="https://www.fizzbox.com/team-building" target="_blank">team building , London birthday party , Amsterdam hen party or Prague stag do ideas or just want to get your friends together for a giggle, a brewery tour is a guaranteed group-pleaser and provides a great opportunity for you to toast your special occasion with your favourite drink.

Enjoy the taste of the Dutch capital’s greatest export and explore its legendary home with the Heineken brewery tour in Amsterdam. Here you’ll enjoy a self-guided, interactive tour around the brewery where Heineken was made for a century, plus two delicious beers in the Heineken Bar.

Find a U.S. Craft Brewery

Craft beer near me.

One of the great things about the independent beer scene is the variety of craft beer options you can enjoy. Whether it’s a brew pub down the street, a microbrewery that’s getting a lot of buzz, or a nano brewery that just opened, there is always a new craft brewery to try, and we want to make finding those places easy. We’ve given you the option to search by state, click on the “breweries near me” button or search for a brewery or brew pub by name, city or state. Not only will you get directions to craft breweries, but also the ability to connect with the brewery itself to learn more. Rather than keep looking for "craft breweries near me" on a search engine, seek them out quickly and easily here!

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Brewery Tours and Information

Love beer? Find your nearest brewery.

Search the best British breweries below, or switch to the map view by pressing the icon in the bottom-right. See where your favourite beers come from, or book a tour today!

Adnams Brewery

Behind the walls of our Victorian-looking brewery, we’ve got some of the most advanced and energy-efficient brewing equipment in Europe.

Andwell Brewing Co.

Andwell Brewing Co, Hampshire Join us on a guided tour of the Brewery, meet the Andwell’s Team and learn how we craft our quality real

Arkell’s Brewery

Kingsdown Brewery, Swindon Arkell’s Brewery is one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery anywhere in the world.But if this magnificent site looks

Belhaven Brewery

Belhaven Brewery, Dunbar If you would you like to learn more about Scotland’s Oldest Working Brewery and taste Scotland’s favourite ales & stouts, book your

Bishop Nick

Bishop Nick, Essex Ever wanted to try your hand at brewing? Want to treat someone to an unforgettable experience? This is a unique opportunity to

Black Sheep Brewery

Black Sheep Brewery, Masham This is your chance to join one of our experienced tour guides and take a look behind the scenes of our

Bowland Brewery

Bowland Brewery, Clitheroe Our Ales Of Outstanding Natural Beauty are brewed right here beneath the chimney at Holmes Mill – just behind our famous Beer

Brewpoint, Bedford Well’s & Co’s new home, Brewpoint is a state-of-the-art brewing facility with the flexibility to produce the styles of beer that consumers are

Butcombe Brewing Co.

Butcombe Brewing Co. Bristol Bristol born and made to stand out, Butcombe Brewing Co. began life at a time of cultural, social and political change,

Fuller’s Brewery

Griffin Brewery, Chiswick What goes into making Fuller’s ales taste so good? Just how much has brewing changed? How do we continue to thrive in

Gower Brewery

Gower Brewing Company Here at Gower Brewery we’ve been crafting ales of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of Gower since 2011. As the Gower

Greene King Brewery

Westgate Brewery, Bury St Edmunds Come and see the brewery for yourself, learn about its history and taste the beers in our home town? On

Harvey’s Brewery

Harvey’s Brewery, Lewes We pride ourselves on providing a relaxed opportunity for customers to gain an appreciation of the brewing process and our heritage –

Hogs Back Brewery

Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham The Hogs Back is a small family-owned brewery with big plans to make our beer genuinely local and our brewing more

Hook Norton

Hook Norton Brewery Co Ltd Book onto a brewery tour and experience first hand the sights, sounds and smells of brewing beer the Hooky way

Lancaster Brewery

Lancaster Brewery Join us for a relaxed drink in the Brewhouse and Tap or book a Brewery Tour and learn the processes of state-of-the-art brewing

Langham Brewery

Langham Brewery Come and see our Brewery. If you love Craft Ale and want to know a bit more about how it’s done, why not

Long Man Brewery

Long Man Brewery, South DownsBook a Brewery Tour & Tasting to learn more about how we produce Naturally Excellent Beer in the heart of the

Moorhouse’s

Moorhouse’s Brewery, Burnley Discover the mystical secrets and recipes of our exceptional beers with a look behind the scenes. We take you through the heart

Okell’s

Okell’s Brewery Here, amidst the pure shores and rolling glens of the Isle of Man, Okell’s has been defined by our beautiful island for over

Ossett Brewery

Ossett Brewery, West Yorkshire We’re extremely proud of what we do and are keen to share our passion for making our meticulously crafted beer. Our

Palmers Brewery, Dorset You’ll go behind the scenes in the historic brewery buildings, to watch every stage of the centuries-old brewing process. The tour ends

Purity Brewing Co.

Purity Brewing Co. Purity Brewing Co have been producing amazing beers in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside since 2005. Join us on our award

Rebellion Beer Co.

Rebellion Beer Co. Our monthly social nights are a fantastic evening of great beer, great food and great atmosphere. The events offer a chance to

Robinsons Brewery

Robinsons Brewery, Stockport See the old with the new as you explore the brewing process…Our Visit England accredited Visitors Centre, based in the historic town

Sambrook’s

Sambrook’s Brewery, Wandsworth It’s a big claim, but we believe our tours are the best in town! First off, they’re only £15 and that includes

Shepherd Neame

Faversham Brewery Our award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation

Stewart Brewing

Stewart Brewing, Loanhead Whether you’re a self-proclaimed beer geek or an eager beer novice, Stewart Brewing would love to invite you to one of our

Theakston’s Brewery

Theakston’s Brewery, Masham While we’d like to think Theakston ales are legendary in their own right, many other factors contribute to our company’s reputation. To

Windsor & Eton Brewery

Windsor & Eton Brewery Our brewery tours are a delight for the beer drinker and non-beer drinker alike. You will enjoy a fun, informative and

Wold Top Brewery

Wold Top Brewery Learn all about our story and how we create our wonderful beers, including an insight into the day-to-day workings of a brewery.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

Beer tastings & tours in moscow.

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180 Celebration.
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Brewery Tour

Book a brewery tour.

To celebrate our 180th anniversary in 2023, we threw open the doors of our historical brewery and invited the public in for official tours every week! Following the success, we’re thrilled to continue sharing the charm of our traditional tower brewery in 2024.

Please click on the button below for full details and to book online.

We look forward to welcoming you to Arkell's Brewery.

BUY A TOUR GIFT VOUCHER

Gift your friends and loved ones to a unique trip around our historic brewery.

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Virtual Tour

One of the oldest steam breweries still in existence and brewing beer every week.

The 'virtual tour' below will guide you through our historic brewery and explain the main elements of the process. Just click on the numbers to find out more.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 & 7 Stage 7 --> Stage 8 Stage 9 Stage 10

Just click on the numbers to play a video explaining each process.

Click on the logos to find out more about the house and seasonal beers we brew:

Welcome to Our Brewery

Arkell's Brewery is one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery anywhere in the world.

But if this magnificent site looks like a museum, the visitor has to remind himself that it is still a fully-functioning brewery. Driving power in the building is supplied through a system that was first used here in 1910, though the belts are now powered by electricity rather than steam.

Countless original features remain from the day that John Arkell first moved his brewing business here in 1861 and generations of brewers have discovered that there is little scope for improvement to a time-honoured process.

Arkell's is a tower brewery (see the picture, left) which works on the principle that raw materials are fed into the top of the building and beer comes out in casks at the bottom.

Ingredients

Arkell's beer is made from only natural ingredients - malted barley, water, hops and yeast are the base for the most of our beers with some exciting flavours added to our speciality beers such as honey or ginger.

John Arkell grew his own barley in his own fields in the early days of Arkell's and for many years it was turned into malt on the premises but it is now bought in from maltsters in East Anglia where harvested barley is spread on a floor and soaked in water to encourage germination. Almost as soon as it is begun, however, germination is stopped by heating the barley in a kiln. This process breaks down the sugars in the barley ready for brewing.

Also necessary to produce beer is a good supply of water or, as brewers always refer to it, liquor. The brewery has its own well but these days water is drawn off the local supply and mixed with minerals which add flavour and will later help the yeast to grow.

The third ingredient is hops, which we add in at two different points in the process, for two different roles. Firstly, hops preserve the beer and add bitterness. The later addition then adds aroma and flavour to the beer. Although for some of our newer beers we use hops from all over the world, the majority of our hops come from the UK.

The ingredient that has most effect on the process, however, is yeast, a strange, almost magical organism which grows by consuming natural sugars. The yeast multiplies by around five times its volume and when it is later removed from the top of the beer during fermentation, most will be recycled and will be used to begin the whole fermentation process all over again.

As well as this reproduction, yeast also creates our alcohol when the sugars are consumed and a bi-product of this fermentation is a selection of unique flavours that give each beer and it's individual flavour.

Before the malt can be mixed with the liquor it first has to be ground and through our mill, which once used to be driven by steam, this crushes the grains into a coarse flour which brewers call grist.

The next part of the brewing process begins around 6am when the grist passes through a device called a steels masher where it is mixed with hot liquor and turns into a porridge-like mixture called mash. Next it is run into the mash tun (see picture, below left), a large drum-like vessel where further liquor will be added and where it will settle for just over an hour. As in all parts of the process, timing to the minute is crucial even though it takes around a week to brew each batch of beer.

The amount of beer produced varies for each individual product. 3B - the biggest seller - is made in batches of 120 barrels (34,000 pints), whereas other beers can be as little as 25 barrels (7100 pints).

Another important element in brewing is the regulation of the flow of the beer at each stage and the sugary mixture in the mash tun - now called the wort - is carefuly passed through a device called a valentine (pic. below) into a small trough-like vessel called an underback before it is pumped up to the copper, a large, round vessel. Though of no further use in the brewing process, the grains that remain in the mash tun make excellent animal feed.

The sugar content of the wort will define the final alcoholic strength of the beer and needs to be carefully controlled at this stage. To ensure that all the sugar solution gets through to the copper, the wort is sprayed with hot liquor in a process called sparging. It is also time to add the hops and boil up the whole mixture for a further hour in the copper. Now it is called hopped wort and is ready for the next stage of the process.

The hopped wort needs to be filtered and cooled before the yeast can be added so it is drained into another vessel, similar to the mash tun, called a hopback. As the name suggests, this is where the hops are held back and after the liquid has moved on to the next stage, the hops can be removed from the hopback to be used as fertilizer - yet another by-product of brewing.

Cooling down to 17°C is achieved by passing the hopped wort through a paraflow and when this is complete it is time for the hopped wort to be run into large, square, copper-lined or stainless steel tanks called fermenting vessels.

This is when the yeast, which turns the sugar into alcohol and produces carbon dioxide in the process, can be added. CO2 rises to the top and at first causes the beer to form a rocky head. But this soon turns creamy and the beer continues to ferment for up to five days before it is pumped into casks.

Temperature control is crucial during fermentation to obtain the right balance between alcohol and the desired flavour. The brewer achieves this by passing chilled water through coils in the fermenter and preventing excessive heat which could damage the yeast and spoil the beer.

Racking, Bottling and Distribution

Removing the beer from the fermenting vessels and pumping it into casks is known as racking and takes place in the cellar, six feet below ground level. Casks typically hold 9 gallons, though 18 and 4.5 gallon casks are also used by Arkell's.

Down in the cellar it is even cooler than in the rest of the building and metal casks are lined up to receive the beer before they are rolled along tracks to despatch. The only alteration to the layout of the brew house in its history was made in 1982 when an extension was added to the rear of the cellar to allow for increased production.

The brewer's last job before the casks leave the brewery is to add finings, which come from the bladders of sturgeon and are the best method for clarifying the beer.

But the brewing process is still going on. 'Real ale' is cask conditioned, which means it is still fermenting when it is in the cask and will continue to do so, long after it was been delivered to the pub. The fermentation process, in fact, takes around two weeks in all, so the quality of the beer that is dispensed by the pub calls for significant skills from the landlord who has to ensure that it is properly settled and ready for consumption before he connects the cask to his pumps.

We also fill some of our beers into kegs. For these we gently micro-filter the beer for added shelf life and pressure fill our kegs to be sent out to our pubs.

Because nearly all of Arkell's pubs are within a 45-mile radius of the brewery and most are much closer, a regular, fresh supply of beer can be maintained and, unlike larger breweries, production can be varied from day to day, according to consumption.

This is yet another reason why Arkell's beer is not only of a high quality, but of a consistently high quality.

The Brewery Site

Arkell's Brewery is Swindon's oldest established company, and fittingly, its home is a major landmark at Kingsdown on the outskirts of the town. The brewery was established here in 1861 on a ten-acre site behind the original Kingsdown Inn.

Arkell's Brewery chimney

Only six years after the brewery was built, expansion of the business made it necessary to convert the original Kingsdown Inn - across the courtyard from the brewhouse - into brewery offices, whilst The Kingsdown Inn was relocated in a new building across the road.

Behind the brewhouse stands one of Stratton's most familiar landmarks, the brewery chimney (pic. left), which was built in 1937.

We hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour of our brewery and hope that it has given you an insight into a traditional brewer. We regret that actual tours of the site are very limited and usually by invitation only.

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Bombay Sapphire Distillery

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Hampshire Breweries & Distilleries

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Hampshire is home to a multitude of breweries and some very famous distilleries too including the world-famous Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery .

Hampshire microbreweries

Come and try the real ales brewed up at the different Hampshire microbreweries. Some of Hampshire’s breweries offer tap rooms; where you can sample the different flavours and seasonal offerings.

Brewery shops will sell bottles, cans and often casks (if you have a big party or special occasion). Look out for those that run brewery tours or guided tasting sessions and get to know more about the brewing process and what makes that particular brewery’s beer so distinctive. Steam Town Brew Co in Eastleigh also regularly combines its railway-themed beers with music nights and other events.

For a more unusual experience go on board the real ale train on the Watercress Line which serves ale from a restored bar carriage pulled by a steam locomotive.

Hampshire distilleries

For all you gin lovers, explore the world-famous Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery and go behind the scenes and learn how to make the perfect gin cocktail in one of their cocktail making master classes. The beautiful Laverstoke Mill makes the perfect setting for this distillery and whether you choose a guided or self-guided tour – you will find out lots about how this gin in its iconic bottles is produced.

You will also find several smaller distilleries here in Hampshire. Choose to book onto a gin experience or distillery tour or find bottles for sale in local farm shops or off licenses.

Book a microbreweries or distilleries break to Hampshire

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Steam Town Brew Co

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Dancing Man Brewery

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Kildare Road, Bordon

Bowman Ales Limited

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The Portsmouth Distillery Co.

Pig Beer Brewery Hampshire

Irving & Co. Brewery Tour

Walton Road, Portsmouth

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Walking and Beer Tour with Igor

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Hello guys! I'm not a professional guide but I love my city, to meet new people and share amazing experience and our rich culture with them. I do not offer a guide service, but I offer to have fun and spend time in Moscow with me as a friend. We can visit any main reference point of yours or my choice. I prefer walking tours and bar-hopping. My other goal is to improve my English so we will help each other! There is no fee for the tour and I don’t take tips. If you want a professional service - please choose another company! If you want to get unique impressions - contact me!

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Whether you are a stag or hen party or a business looking for a team building event, we have a range of Manchester beer tasting experiences available for you to choose from.

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Discover a number of beer styles from lager to IPA on our educational tours at multiple venues.

Please kindly note we don’t operate a drink as much as you like pub crawl however you’ll taste third or half pint measures at various stops.

No fancy dress permitted but good times guaranteed.

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Entertaining clients or looking for a team building day out then look no further.

Our beer tasting experiences will have your team or clients enjoying a number of different types of beer whilst learning about the story behind them.

Visit multiple Manchester craft beer venues on a bespoke tour for your company.

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Manchester is home to a fantastic range of craft beer venues and microbrewery taprooms. We visit a range of venues on our craft beer tours in Manchester and whilst most are city centre based we can accommodate tours or tasting experiences in most areas of the city.

Some of the venues that we visit on our tours include Beer Nouveau, Cloudwater, Track, Alphabet, Beatnikz Republic but if there is somewhere on your ‘must visit’ list please let us know and we’ll see if we can include this.

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Daily at 2pm – Liquid History Tours Explore some of the city’s most historic pubs, taverns, and alehouses. Follow in the footsteps of Dickens and others. Drink some of the city’s finest brews as you walk from historic Southwark to the bright lights of the West End.

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Fri, 17 May Crossways VINYL VAN DJ AND FISH N CHIPS 17 May 2024, 16:00 – 23:00 Crossways, The Jurassic Brewhouse, Hybris Business Park, Crossways, Dorchester DT2 8BF, UK Taproom open at 4pm It's Vinyl Van's debut in the taproom bringing us the perfect vinyl sounds from all different decades The Fish n Chip van will be on site too More Information

In 1996 we re-booted an old 12th century brewing tradition in Weymouth Harbour, and in 2011 we upgraded to a state-of-the-art spring water fed brewhouse on the Jurassic coast, capable of crafting 2 million pints a year.

2018 brought some significant changes for DBC. No new limited editions but we've brought back the best of our previous six years .

DBC also sports an established tap room and shop on site to cater for the numerous requests we get for tours and and just general chat about what the brewery is up to. There will be a tour a week (Fridays @ 3 pm) and the tap room is open on Fridays from 4 pm until late plus extra days for big sporting events and live music and food nights. Opening times will be advertised from time to time. Keep an eye on us @dbcales for more news on this and, of course, our Facebook page!

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Paloma-Inspired Beer

Bright and flavorful, with an acidic pop from Texas grapefruit, this beer doesn't drink like a beer. It's a beautifully creative interpretation of the classic tequila based cocktail. We use special techniques to create a light and dry beverage, not unlike a West Texas wind, that lifts you up and carries you away to your own island in the sky.

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Shikoku Mule (Yuzu Moscow Mule)

This Shikoku Mule is a creation based on the popular Moscow Mule cocktail. It’s technically a Yuzu Moscow Mule but I also used Japanese shochu instead of vodka to make this new refreshing cocktail drink.

While I used Japanese ingredients to make this recipe, I didn’t simply want to name this “Japan Mule” (which just sounds odd) or something meaningless like “Tokyo Mule” just because that’s the city in Japan that everyone knows. I named this Shikoku Mule because Shikoku in Japan is where yuzu is predominately produced.

What is yuzu?

Yuzu is a citrus fruit that can be explained as “not quite a lemon, not quite a tangerine” but the flavor of it has been described as “a cross between a grapefruit and a lime.” It’s very fragrant and has an elegant tart flavor that yuzu can be found in many cooking ingredients as well as in beauty and bath products.

Where in Japan is Shikoku?

Shikoku is smallest of the four major islands of Japan. The name directly translates as “four countries” and true to its name, the island is made up of four prefectures. Just so that you have a better idea of where Shikoku is, here is the map:

Map of Japan showing where Shikoku island is located

Shikoku, incidentally, is also a Japanese breed of dogs , a lesser known cousin to Akita or Shiba Inu . That’s not why I named this drink Shikoku although, now that I’m thinking about it, I also made a Salty Shiba cocktail drink recently. Hmm…I see a trend. But there’s nothing wrong with combining my two favorite things: dogs and cocktails!

What is Shochu?

Shochu (pronounced show-chew ) that I used as the base alcohol for this cocktail, is a Japanese alcoholic beverage distilled typically from sweet potatoes, barley, buckwheat, brown sugar or rice. Shochu works great for this recipe since, unlike vodka, it doesn’t overpower the flavors of other ingredients in the drink. So that you can enjoy the natural, vibrant flavors of yuzu and ginger beer.

Related article: Lean all the basics about Japanese shochu

Ginger beer

So, what exactly is ginger beer? It’s a carbonated drink, with spicy ginger flavor, that is usually non-alcoholic.

Since also I found alcoholic ginger beer, I made them two different ways – one using alcoholic ginger beer Wild Ginger and another one using the non-alcoholic version, Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer. They are equally refreshing. The alcoholic version just has a little more boost.

Shikoku Mule made with alcoholic ginger beer

Shikoku Mule (Yuzu Moscow Mule) Recipe

Ingredients:

1 oz yuzu juice or yuzu syrup
1 oz shochu
4 oz ginger beer

Glass: Copper mule mug or old-fashioned

Garnish : One or a combination of:

Lemon wedge

Instructions :

Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Add shochu and yuzu juice.
Fill the glass to the top with ginger beer.
Gently mix, garnish and serve.

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Melon Soda Cocktail

If you visit Japan, there is no question Japan is in love with the fruity…

Salty Shiba (Shiba Dog) Cocktail Recipe

Not every dog owner can say that they have a cocktail drink named after the…

Jane | 27th Aug 19

As I was reading your post, I was salivating. LOL. I love this kind of drink because it has citrus in it. And I love anything with citrus, lime..

I will copy your recipe for when we have a gathering.

admin | 28th Aug 19

Citrus does have that effect on your taste buds! lol I love anything with citrus, too. Let me know how it turns out, Jane! Thanks!

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Moscow Muled

Top 4 mexican mule recipes.

Nov 07, 2019

For nearly 80 years, one of the most iconic cocktails in the world has been the Moscow Mule. With the resurgence of cocktail culture in the last ten years, this delicious drink has once again made its way into the hearts, and bellies, of many. People seem captivated by the vodka drink that balances ginger beer and lime juice, and comes in a distinguished copper mug .

Recently, mixologists have tinkered with the original recipe, and expanded the possibilities to include just about every liquor base, and a number of complementary garnishes. Of all the mule variations that exist, few are more appealing and refreshing than the Tequila Mule, also known as the Mexican Mule.

What is a Mexican Mule, and why is it so amazing? In this article, we will...

Investigate the origins of the Mexican Mule cocktail
Explore its diverse flavor profile
Learn about how it's prepared
Present the most comprehensive list of easy Tequila Mule recipes

Origins of the Mexican Mule Drink

The classic Moscow Mule was created in 1941, and the first tequila ginger cocktail can be traced as far back as 1946. In those days, both vodka and tequila were quite rare and unfamiliar to the American palette, and were considered quite "exotic."

One of the earliest examples of the Tequila Mule can be found in the 1946 edition of Trader Vic's Book of Food and Drink . This essential cocktail guide describes a tasty cocktail called "El Diablo," which was a refined example of a "Buck". A Buck is any spirit served with either ginger ale or ginger beer, lime and creme de cassis (a sweet, dark red liqueur made from black currants).

Most easy Mexican Mule recipes omit creme de cassis, and instead focus on increasing the spiciness or sweetness by adding different fruits, vegetables and herbs.

There is no one person credited for officially inventing the Mexican Mule, or any of the Moscow Mule variations. Bartenders like to get creative, and quickly discovered the versatility of the "Mule" part of the drink (the ginger beer). When paired with lime juice, ginger can compliment just about whatever spirit you like the most. And with the overwhelming popularity of the Margarita, adding ginger beer to create a Tequila Mule seemed destined to be a hit.

Although particularly fashionable on Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican Mule can always be found at most Mexican restaurants and tequila bars year round. And if it's not on your favorite bar menu, provided they have ginger beer, your bartender won't have any problem making one for you.

What Does a Mexican Mule Taste Like?

Simply put, a Mexican Mule is absolutely delicious. In its most simplistic form, it is almost identical to its cousin, the Moscow Mule. The cocktail's distinct flavors are a balance of ginger and lime, that together are both refreshing and bold.

Perhaps due to its origins in the desert, tequila is often identified as a summer drink. However, the Mexican Mule is definitely a year-round drink, defying seasonal exclusivity. Its spice will warm your soul on a brisk winter night, or refresh you to the core on a scorching summer afternoon.

Sometimes referred to as a Jalisco Mule, this cocktail brilliantly balances the fizziness and spice of a great ginger beer with a citrus counterpoint of freshly squeezed limes. Many variations of the Tequila Mule also focus on sweetness by adding muddled pineapple, strawberry or peach.

A great mixed drink should always be balanced, with contrasting flavors that compliment the spirit and excite the taste buds. The carbonation of the ginger beer creates a soothing texture not commonly found in most cocktails and, depending on the strength of the ginger beer used, the earthy spice can be a nice departure from the overwhelming sweetness of many cocktails. The lime juice offers a tartness, and keeps the ginger's potency in check. There's nothing quite like it.

Another element that makes the Tequila Moscow Mule unique is the garnishes. Whereas a traditional Moscow Mule is garnished with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint, a Mexican Mule often adds jalapeno slices, pineapple chunks, or cilantro.

Jalapeno will certainly increase the heat, and pronounce certain musky notes of the tequila. The acidity of pineapple is a great substitute for fresh limes, but also pairs quite well with any fresh citrus. And, if you love coriander, you know how refreshing it can be - its notes of citrus enhance the natural flavors of the lime juice, and create a robust bouquet for the nose.

Whether you're in the mood for something a bit spicy, or cool and sweet, the Tequila Mule has exactly what you're looking for.

Pro Tips on How to Prepare a Mexican Mule

Unlike some fancy cocktails, the Moscow Mule and all its variations (like the Tequila Mule) are pretty easy to make. In fact, the only specialized equipment needed is the copper mug it's served in (and, although purists may cringe, truth be told, any cup or glass will do).

Here are some important things to remember when making your Mexican Moscow Mules:

1. Use high quality ingredients. A mixed drink is only as good as what you put in it and, the higher the quality, the better the end result. This means using your favorite brand of tequila, and ice made from purified water.

2. Use ginger beer, and not ginger ale! Sure, they are both ginger beverages, and ginger ale is far easier to obtain. However, it is no substitute for the body and intense flavor of a quality ginger beer. Ginger beer itself can vary in both quality and strength, so do some research, and only use the best. Another option is to make your own ginger beer, which can be fun, but will require planning a few days in advance. However, if you really want to impress your guests, and save some money, brewing your own batch can be pretty easy.

3. Use fresh lime juice from fresh limes. As tempting as it may be to use the little green plastic fruit-shaped bottle available at any supermarket, this drink absolutely insists on the real thing. The flavor of a fresh lime is brighter and more intense than any bottled juice, and cannot be substituted. Also, you ought to garnish your drink with a lime wedge, so don't be lazy, and only use fresh limes when making your mule.

4. If adding additional fruit to your Tequila Mule, be sure to not only use them as a garnish, but also be sure to muddle it in the bottom of your mug before adding the tequila and ginger beer. If your recipe calls for strawberry puree, or pineapple chunks, take a moment to crush the fruit with a spoon to unleash its full potential. Just placing a pineapple in a drink will do little to the overall flavor profile- you gotta smash it up!

5. Garnish like a champion. Presentation is a crucial element when making a mixed drink, and the right garnish can do a lot for your Mexican Mule. Not only does it add a pop of color and personality to the cocktail, it helps tell a story. Plus, they can be a nice snack to munch as you leisurely sip your mule. A fruit wedge is essential, and your choices range from lime to pineapple to strawberry. If you appreciate spicy, a jalapeno slice (minus the seeds) is a great touch. And either you love or you hate cilantro/coriander, but a sprig of some variety of fresh herb is never a bad idea.

Easy Mexican Mule Recipes

Part of the genius of the Mexican Mule is the simplicity. It is typically just three or four ingredients, and only takes a couple minutes to prepare. Here are some great, easy recipes for how to make a Mexican Mule, but feel free to get creative and make something unique.

Simple Tequila Mule Recipe

three Moscow Muled copper mugs one mug filled with crushed and sliced lime