February 2009

It's a joy to feel the temperatures return from the polar depths of January...the brewhouse is not well insulated from the cold, and low night-time temperatures mean a close eye must be kept on temperature of the beers in the fermenters -in a couple of the coldest spells we had, they've had their own electric heater in the brewery to keep them cosy through the night!



But it has been impossible to notice that this week has brought about milder weather -the birds are noisily going about their business below my window, and the snowdrop has been joined by the celandine beneath the hedgerow. And so brewing goes on apace -Lakeland Bitter in FV 3 has been chilled, to bring about precipitation of yeast from suspension, before racking to cask this week...



...And a day of steam and bustle in the brewery today, sees FV 4 occupied by another gyle of the well hopped Best Gold, such is the demand for this beer by the ever-thirsty populace...



...I shall endevour to bring you more news of seasonl brews when there is such. In the meantime allow me to whet your appetite with the news that plans might just be afoot for a rather special blended beer, in the tradition of the porters of the 19th century...watch this space!