I haven’t done a top 10 breweries list for a couple of years now, so I thought it would be interesting to see how the landscape had changed since the last one (2017) This year we have five newcomers (including #1) four fallers and one riser, a statement about the rude health of the British craft beer scene, long may it continue!
1. Beak (Lewes, Sussex) – Wonderful discovery of the last 18 months, I was lucky enough to get down to visit them in June. Just an embarrassment of unreasonably flavorsome NEIPAs and pales, their Nelson Sauvin showcase “Locals” was to die for.
2. Verdant – These guys from Falmouth, Cornwall are probably gonna be in my top 10 for eternity, still as good as ever in 2021, hazy IPA’s and Pale’s that are hard to beat or resist.
3. Siren – My “local” brewery (although not the closest these days) absolutely rock solid, a continual kaleidoscope of different styles and flavours, constant innovation, and experimentation, we love them around these parts!
4. Yonder - Visited in the Summer down in Somerset (near Wells) had some really different and exciting brews tasted really fresh from source. Wonderfully funky, natural ferment beers that go fabulously with food and provide real talking points for even the most hardened beer geek.
5. Northern Monk – Leeds based producer that’s been around for ages, had a pint of “Faith” in the Farringdon Tap during the Autumn and it was fabulous a real stand-out beer this year, must seek out more of their brews next year!
6. Lost and Grounded – Another permanent fixture on my top 10 list, Bristol based L&G produce (IMO) the best lagers in the country, slightly different (than the typical German varieties) but so good!
7. Burning Sky – Sussex wizards, masters of blending and natural ferments. Had a beer this year called “Recusant” and it was a revelation, so different and an absolute eye opener.
8. Pilot – Leith based brewery (Scotland) undisputed masters of social media and pretty good at brewing beer too! Had some great examples this year while visiting my Son, who’s studying up there.
9. Cloudwater – Manchester based brewery, visited their London tap room for the first time in December, it won’t be the last time!
10. Dolphin – Tried this Reading based producers’ wares for the first time this year, they specialize in sour and fruited beers, a revelation, so balanced and so flavorsome, the French would probably label these guys “Garagistes” not least because they actually brew in a residential garage in Woodley! Looking forward to more examples in 2022!
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