Somerset
Exmoor Ales
Somerset
Founded in 1979, Exmoor Ales was one of the pioneer ‘Micro Breweries’ to stand against the onslaught of keg ale flooding the market from the ‘Big Brewers’. We concentrated on crafting ales of character and flavour which gained the support of the public and helped lead to the cask ale revival of the early eighties. That we were following the right path was confirmed when, with only our 13th ever brew, our 3.8% session bitter simply know as Exmoor Ale, was named Champion Best Bitter in the 1980 Great British Beer Festival
Exmoor Ales reputation for producing innovative ale was cemented when, in 1986, we produced the first ever single malt Golden Ale. Lambasted by critics at the time, it found favour amongst the public and this style of beer is now the most popular with ale drinkers. Existing cask ale drinkers and others moving into cask ale for the first time are attracted by its colour, flavour and refreshing taste
This innovative style is continued today by our Head Brewerand his team who continue to push the boundaries and produce ales with distinctive characteristics and the renowned, long Exmoor aftertaste … Exmoor Beast, the strong porter with the cult following, Exmoor Stag (our Head Brewers favourite), the serious premium bitter produced initially as the ‘Centenary Ale’ for Somerset County Cricket Club in 1990 but made available permanently due to consumer demand and Exmoor XPA, a limited run produced using only American hops are examples amongst others
Our beers are produced using the finest ingredients available, crafted with great care and attention to detail. We care about the environment and pride ourselves on recycling all the by-products of the brewing process, including the bags in which the malts arrive at the brewery! Local cattle enjoy our brewer’s grains (what is left of the malting barley after the mashing process), local pigs are happy devouring our excess yeast and local nurseries and gardeners use our spent hops which make excellent leaf mulch.
Current owner and Managing Director, Jonathan Price, has overseen significant investment and progressive expansion which included moving into a new purpose built brewery in April 2015. In addition to delivering to over 300 independent outlets in our heartland, Exmoor Ales beers are represented strongly nationally being available in both Wetherspoon’s & Enterprise Inns outlets as well as being carried by Carlsberg and Molson Coors amongst others. Jonathan is committed to maintaining the style and ethics of the business, investing to continue to grow the brand and building on Exmoor Ales current status as the largest brewer in Somerset
This innovative style is continued today by our Head Brewerand his team who continue to push the boundaries and produce ales with distinctive characteristics and the renowned, long Exmoor aftertaste … Exmoor Beast, the strong porter with the cult following, Exmoor Stag (our Head Brewers favourite), the serious premium bitter produced initially as the ‘Centenary Ale’ for Somerset County Cricket Club in 1990 but made available permanently due to consumer demand and Exmoor XPA, a limited run produced using only American hops are examples amongst others
Our beers are produced using the finest ingredients available, crafted with great care and attention to detail. We care about the environment and pride ourselves on recycling all the by-products of the brewing process, including the bags in which the malts arrive at the brewery! Local cattle enjoy our brewer’s grains (what is left of the malting barley after the mashing process), local pigs are happy devouring our excess yeast and local nurseries and gardeners use our spent hops which make excellent leaf mulch.
Current owner and Managing Director, Jonathan Price, has overseen significant investment and progressive expansion which included moving into a new purpose built brewery in April 2015. In addition to delivering to over 300 independent outlets in our heartland, Exmoor Ales beers are represented strongly nationally being available in both Wetherspoon’s & Enterprise Inns outlets as well as being carried by Carlsberg and Molson Coors amongst others. Jonathan is committed to maintaining the style and ethics of the business, investing to continue to grow the brand and building on Exmoor Ales current status as the largest brewer in Somerset