Beers

Current : Auld Hemp, Nel’s Best, Matfen Magic, Ferocious Fred (Winter)

Planned : Lily Brewster was brewed and has sold out. Nettle Beer will be brewed in April when the nettles are ready. There are no plans to launch a new beer at Newcastle Beer Festival this year.

Capacity

Brewery is a 10-barrel plant. Currently brewing twice, sometimes three times, a week.

Outlets (no change from last report)

A brewery mini-fest is still probable in the Free Trade Inn. The contract to supply the Hotel du Vin in Newcastle is going very well – HHF is the only real ale available.

Distribution (no change from last report)

Currently on Sir John Fitzgerald, Flying Firkin, Beer Seller, and Wetherspoons lists.

Other

Steve Urwin is still heavily involved with Business Link. Michael Harker is still head brewer, and Sally Urwin is still managing the brewery. The Visitor Centre has only been open at weekends over Winter, and the brewery are still looking at recruiting a tenant for the Visitor Centre and running it as a separate concern.

The brewery has once again exceeded expectations as far as sales were concerned, sales in January were 35% up on last year. The brewery is still currently putting together plans to offer customers training in how real ale is produced, and the skills involved in looking after it.