We designed the brewing kit ourselves.
After many years of contemplation, extensive research of other similar sized breweries and a Start Up Commercial Brewing course at Sunderland University we decided to design and build the brewery ourselves. We worked closely with a local fabricator, Alphamace, utilizing their wealth of experience in food process fabrication to construct a very practical 5 barrel brewery. Our first brew - of Budding - was on May 22nd 2006. In June 2011, we moved production to a 20 barrel plant in a larger unit just across the loading bay.
Welding the new stainless steel pipework
|
Greg 'mashing in' on first brew day
|
The First Brew - 22nd May 2006
We brewed our first trial of Budding Pale Ale on Monday 22nd May 2006! With the capable assistance of Andy Jones, real ale connoisseur and Stroud Brewery supporter, we brewed the first batch of Budding Pale Ale. The day was stressfull but successful and by the end of the day we had 480 litres (845 pints) of freshly hopped wort. However, as they say, the proof will be in the drinking so we will all have to wait for a few more weeks whilst the beer sits maturing in the casks. All being well these first beers will be available from mid June. Check out 'Where to buy' to find out where you can try your first pints of Budding.
Moving In - December 2005
We moved into our site just before Christmas 2005, a neat little unit on the site of the former Phoenix Mill Foundries in Thrupp.
First job was to make the premises fit to house the brewery, skimming the main floor allowing it to drain, and improving access through the unit.
Stroud Country Show - July 15th 2006
What a pleasure it was to serve up the beer you have developed and brewed to hundreds of drinkers at the Stroud Country Show - 15th July 2006. The brewery, and the beer were well received with lots of appreciative faces and noises from the other side of the bar. It was a fantastic opportunity to introduce ourselves to the town!
Keith serves up a Budding
