Wye Valley Brewery

Wye Valley Brewery
Industry Alcoholic beverage
Founded 1985
Founder Peter Amor
Headquarters Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, UK
Products Beer
Production output
 180 bbl/day[1]
Website wyevalleybrewery.co.uk

Wye Valley Brewery is a brewery in the village of Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England. Founded in 1985 by Peter Amor, it has become "one of Britain's leading independent breweries".[2] In 2002 Peter Amor's son, Vernon Amor, became managing director.[3]

History and location

Wye Valley Brewery is a family business that takes great pride in brewing the best cask-conditioned beer possible and supporting local pubs as places to enjoy the perfect pint.[4] Wye Valley Brewery was started by former Guinness brewer, Peter Amor, in the summer of 1985! After brewing for Guinness, Peter Amor decided to branch out on his own. He began brewing from the back of a pub in Canon Pyon in Herefordshire but soon moved to the old stable block of The Barrels in Hereford – Wye Valley Brewery's very first and flagship pub![5]

Meanwhile, after studying at Young's brewery in London, Peter's son, Vernon Amor, joined the brewery to help with the demands of the growing business. By 2002, the brewery had well and truly outgrown its stable block at The Barrels and Peter and Vernon were on the look-out for bigger premises. Fortunately, a 9-acre former cider mill in Stoke Lacy was soon to become Wye Valley Brewery's new home.[6]

Installing a bottling line was another huge step for the brewery and definitely one worth celebrating… Following an official opening that was attended by local dignitaries and dedicated Wye Valley Brewery fans, with the bottling line in full swing, the brewery was for the first time able to brew and bottle under one roof.[7]

Brewery

The facade of Wye Valley Brewery

Wye Valley Brewery is located in the heart of Herefordshire – home to the best varieties of British hops, it also happens to be a rather beautiful part of the country. Taking great care of the environment and community it works in, Wye Valley Brewery finds that it is extremely important to support local farmers. Thus, over 80% of its hops and raw ingredients come directly from farms within 10 miles of the brewery.[8] Buying local supports the rural community and keeps carbon footprint to a minimum.

Green Brewing

Over the last decade, the Brewhouse and the way the brewery as a whole sources and uses energy, has been updated into a world leader for its green credentials. Examples of Wye Valley Brewery's innovative green brewhouse include using water vapour, created during the brewhouse boil, to heat water to clean its casks; and the roof and ground-mounted solar panels covering the equivalent of more than six tennis courts, providing over 41% of the brewery's total electricity.[9]

All of this has recently led the brewery to winning ‘Best Green Business’ at the SIBA Business Awards.

Beers

Core Range

Wye Valley Brewery's flagship beer is Butty Bach, which is a Welsh term meaning ‘little friend’. This 4.5% smooth, full-bodied, premium ale is burnished gold in colour, and has been crowned ‘Beer of the Festival’ at the Great Welsh Beer Festival on three occasions.[10] Alongside this:

  • HPA (Hereford Pale Ale) a 4.0% is the straw-coloured ale with a citrusy aroma.[11]
  • The Hopfather, a 3.9% smooth red ale featuring tropical citrus and grapefruit flavours.[12]
  • Golden Ale, a 4.2% a light gold coloured ale brewed using Fuggles and Goldings hops.[13]
  • Wholesome Stout, a 4.6% dark, full-bodied beer boasting roasted coffee notes and a dry, bitter finish.[14]
  • Wye Valley Bitter, a 3.7% chestnut coloured ale, with a malty flavour and a clean bitter finish.[15]

In addition to the core beer line, a rotation of monthly ales are also produced.[16]

1985

In 2016, Wye Vally Brewery launched its first ever lager, ‘1985’, which has since won an international award. The premium lager is a natural extension to the brewery's range of real ales.

The lager is preservative free and made using ingredients sourced within a 10-mile radius of the brewery. Locally grown Pilot hops give ‘1985’ an earthy bitterness, whilst traditional European hops provide a delicate fruity aroma. The result is a 4.5% abv premium lager with a crisp, clean taste perfect for summer drinking.

In creating ‘1985’, the family-run brewery is fulfilling long-held ambition of father and son, Peter and Vernon Amor, who are passionate about offering customers a lager of the same high quality as the brewery's cask ales.

Head Brewer, Gareth Bateman, explains, "This is a big moment for us as it's our first lager and we have already won a silver medal at the International Brewing Awards 2017. After a great response to the regional launch last summer, we are excited to now see ‘1985’ grow on a national level".[17]

Pubs

As well as supplying our beers to free houses throughout the West Midlands, South-West and South Wales, the brewery has 8 of its own pubs, building on one of its core principles – bringing the pub to the heart of the community.[18]

The Barrels

The Barrels is an 18th Century coaching inn that is formed partly from the old city wall and is one of the last multi-roomed pubs in Hereford. The Barrels was the brewery's home for many years. It attracts an eclectic clientele and boasts a large, partially covered, walled and flag-stoned brewery yard, providing year-round 'alfresco' drinking and every August Bank Holiday weekend, The Barrels hosts a hugely popular beer festival in aid of local charities.[19]

The Black Star

With a lovely garden overlooking the canal and just a short walk from the canal basin and Stourport town centre, The Black Star reopened as a Wye Valley Brewery pub in October 2014 and now provides all the comforts of a traditional pub in a truly beautiful setting – an extensive food menu and a selection of Wye Valley Brewery ales.[20]

The Britannia

Just a short walk from the centre of Hereford, The Britannia has a large beer garden and recently refurbished spacious bar. Like all of Wye Valley Brewery's pubs, you can expect a good choice of our ales, as well as a selection of freshly made sandwiches and pork pies.[21]

The Chequers

Located in the historic market town, Leominster, The Chequers is a timber-framed inn, and Wye Valley Brewery's oldest pub, thanks to its 16th Century origins. With its two bars, outside seating area and The Stable room available for private hire, The Chequers is a favourite of locals and visitors alike.[22]

The Morgan

Situated just up the road in Malvern, the Morgan Motor Company was originally based in Stoke Lacy – next door to the brewery's current home. So, with such strong links, it's no surprise memorabilia of the two British brands adorn The Morgan's walls. A comfortable interior and a popular food menu mean that even when it's too cold or wet to enjoy the garden, The Morgan is a great place to sup a pint all year round.[23]

The Pelican

The Pelican Inn is a historic real-ale pub located between Gloucester Cathedral and Kingsholm rugby stadium. As one of Gloucester's oldest pubs, its history can be traced back to 1679. Landlord, Mike Hall (a regular in the Good Beer Guide) is the winner of CAMRA's Gloucester City Pub of the Year 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 and Cider Pub of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017. The Pelican serves Wye Valley Brewery's full range of beers together with guest ales from other local brewers. Nine real ales are always available on the bar, as well as at least 8 proper ciders and perries. No draught lager is sold.[24]

The Rose and Lion

The Rose & Lion, with its pretty beer garden and cosy interior, quickly feels like home from home... In fact, according to a recent CAMRA guide, it sets the standard for the town's pubs, which is in no small part down to Landlord Antony and his friendly team, who always give a warm welcome.[25]

The Vaga Tavern

The Vaga Tavern in Hereford is a pub well known for being the centre of the community. With a large beer garden ideal for families, regular live music, as well as weekly skittles and darts matches, The Vaga always has plenty going on.[26]

References

  1. ↑ Protz, Roger (September 2007). Good Beer Guide 2007. CAMRA Books. ISBN 1-85249-224-4.
  2. ↑ "The key for brewing success". Retrieved 12 February 2007.
  3. ↑ "About Us". Archived from the original on 6 February 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2007.
  4. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  5. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  6. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  7. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  8. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  9. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  10. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  11. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  12. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  13. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  14. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  15. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  16. ↑ "Beer of the Month". Archived from the original on 6 February 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2007.
  17. ↑ "Release / Wye Valley Brewery Launches '1985'". The Seed Group. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  18. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  19. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  20. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  21. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  22. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  23. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  24. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  25. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  26. ↑ www.media52.com, Media52 – Internet, Marketing & PR —. "Wye Valley Brewery". wyevalleybrewery.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
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