Beer and cycling. A good pairing (when done in the right order), don’t you think? And two of the passions that fuelled the launch of Fixed Wheel Brewery in the West Midlands seven years ago. Whether you’re a committed cyclist or not, you have to admit that it’s hard to beat a bit of physical grunt followed by a great pint (or two). Especially if it’s one of Fixed Wheel’s medal winning brews.

The cycling inspiration behind the name comes from head brewer and co-founder Scott Povey who has raced in the UK scene for many years. While the brewery and their two micro pubs, Wheelie Thirsty in Cradley and The Handle Bar in Cradley Heath, haven’t left much time for competitive cycling, Scott’s love for the sport hasn’t waned and is still carried through to the Fixed Wheel beers. 

Take their award winning No Brakes IPA (5.9%), for example - inspired by the fixed wheel couriers of the US west coast, full of classic American hops delivering upfront fruity citrus flavours. Then there’s Coup de Chacal a French Coriander Saison (5.2%) named after the surprise attack some riders spring upon their opponents in the last few kilometres of a race. On keg throughout summer/autumn as part of their Pro Season Special range, this punchy saison is infused with the zest of 600 oranges, complimented perfectly with the peppery, floral character of Indian coriander seeds.

Bucking the pattern of cycling associations, but no less important, is their full bodied, multi award winning Blackheath Stout (5%) brewed with New Zealand and English hops to give an oaky bitterness and a dark fruits finish. Amongst other awards, this black beauty of a stout has been crowned Champion, Winter Beer of Britain 2020 by CAMRA. Beer writer Roger Protz described it as ‘a very fine example of a stout’ and was ‘impressed by its rich malty flavour, its fruity hop aroma and the overall flavour of the beer.’ The stout is the first beer Fixed Wheel brewed and is named after their location, so it must have felt quite a special win for the Fixed Wheel team. Keen to discover more, I catch up with Scott to talk beer and bikes and their champion stout.

How did you get into brewing, Scott?

I think I started to get really inspired about brewing after several trips to Belgium with the cycling club to watch the Ghent Six Days. We usually drank more beer than watched cycling on those trips, but I loved they way the Belgians appreciated and served their beers - great times!

Congrats on winning Supreme Champion, Winter Beer of Britain 2020 for your Blackheath Stout! What makes an award winning stout?

Thank you, Blackheath Stout is a special beer for us celebrating the home of our brewery and was also the very first beer we brewed. When brewing our stouts we like to concentrate on producing a beer which has a great body, big roast flavours with a nice balance so you get the drinkability. 

What yeast would you recommend for a great stout?

We would usually pick a strain with a low attenuation, leaving some sweetness at the end of fermentation unless we are brewing a big imperial then we might look at a strain which will go a bit further so we don’t end up with a beer that is too heavy and overly sweet.

Do you still have time to race competitively? Where do you enjoy cycling for pleasure?

Well it has been tricky to keep in good shape over the years we’ve been running the brewery, but over the last couple of years I have managed to get going again and have been competing in time trials around the country, not quite at the level I once was but really enjoying it again. I really enjoy riding my bike over into the Shropshire hills, it’s a lovely part of the world but also has pretty tough roads to ride on so you get a great workout.

Low ABV brews: yes or no? 

Yes, because you can enjoy the company of your friends for longer - who doesn’t enjoy a nice session with friends? Plus you may be planning a bike ride early next day.

What can we look forward to this winter from Fixed Wheel?

Well, we love brewing dark beers, so will be looking forward to brewing Mild Concussion which is our dark ruby mild at 5.5% and Alright Bab at 3.9%, two nice winter warmers to sit alongside our Blackheath Stout. Great beers for this time of year.

What is your dream location to enjoy a Fixed Wheel brew, and which one would you be drinking?

Probably Blackheath Stout in Jamaica with some fresh lobster. Enjoying a stout in Jamaica sounds ideal! But if like me that’s just a dream at the moment, Scott has passed on a nice all grain recipe for a smoked stout on page 10. One that’s bound to bring solace this season.

Get your Fixed Wheel  fix in person

Fixed Wheel Brewery & Taphouse, Blackheath, B62 9LD

They’re open to the public every Friday & Saturday. Cyclists, dogs and kids very welcome!

Wheelie Thirsty Micropub, 215 Halesowen Road, Cradley B64 6HE 

@wheeliethirstyoldhill

The Handle Bar, 95 A High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5HE

Read more at: fixedwheelbrewery.co.uk @fixedwheelbrewery