Two of the longest-established independent businesses in the Northumberland market town of Alnwick have come together to brew their own beer.
Alnwick Brewery and butchers Turnbull's Northumbrian Food both date back to the 19th century and are collaborating to launch their '1880 Golden Ale'. The companies have been trading for more than 140 years and have combined to make what they describe as a 'traditional English golden ale with a medium hop bitterness'.
The 1880 refers to the year that Turnbull's was founded, while the brewery's origins can be traced even further back to around 1840 to the then Thompsons & Davison's. They were appointed as brewers to Algernon George Percy, 6th Duke of Northumberland on the site, which is now called The Maltings.
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They became incorporated in 1890 and took on the name The Alnwick Brewery Company, however it was shut down in the late 1900s. Brought back by Ian Linsley, son of the former director and moved to its current location at Hawkhill, the brewery continues to produce traditional recipes such as the Alnwick IPA, along with newer and more modern beers.
Phil Bell, Head Brewer at the Alnwick Brewery said: " This particular Beer makes use of the Pilgrim and Golding Hops which are British in origin, and I know from first-hand experience it goes very well with Turnbull’s produce. We are so delighted to be working with another local company to produce this beer and Turnbull’s have been great supporters of ours by stocking our beers for a number of years."
The beer is said to be a medium-bodied session ale for any season, which is recommended cold. It will also be used in Turnbull's award winning steak and ale pies.
Matthew Slack, Sales & Marketing Manager at Turnbull’s said: “We have always dreamt of having our own Beer to complement our range of Food here at Turnbull’s, but have obviously lacked the capacity to branch out into brewing it ourselves. I approached Phil Bell at the Alnwick Brewery at the start of last year and asked if it would be possible for the Alnwick Brewery to work with us to produce a beer. I was so shocked when Phil said it was an immediate yes."
Turnbull's 1880 Gold is available from the Turnbull's Northumbrian Food Hall at their recently updated "Beer Wall" which showcases beers, wines and spirits from across the North East from Wednesday June 15, which coincides with Beer Day Britain. The annual festival for beer fans honours all types of beer including traditional ales, mainstream lagers, limited-edition artisan beer and everything in between.
The date is also significant because it's when the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. The great charter mentions ale in Article 35, saying: " Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn."
In 1215, ale was so important in England that it was mentioned in one of the most important legal documents ever written. Beer accounts for seven out of ten drinks sold in a pub.
What's your favourite beer brewed in the North East? Let us know!
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