No rest for the wicked this year. We usually pack down the farm and head for warmer climes for the winter. As I mentioned in the last issue, we headed over to Sweden hoping for a little sanctuary from the world shuddering to a standstill from covid. But by the time we got there it turned out that - like everywhere else - Sweden wasn’t immune to strict restrictions. Although we did manage to sample a fair few local ales on wintry beaches! Sadly, whilst we were there my Dad passed away, and so with borders closing around us we headed back to my fatherland, Wales. 

But out of the gloom of winter a new spark is born! Back at Dark Farm HQ we’ve been working with the manufacturers who build BrewTech boil and mash kettles to come up with our own All-In-One kettle and mash tun. We’re calling it ‘The Brew Tank’ - because she is a BEAST! The 40L pot constructed from 1.5mm stainless steel is almost double that of BrewZilla and Grainfather. As well as being fully insulated it will provide the foundation for our customers to build their own DIY brew system.

The concept means you’ll be able to pick and choose your own components so you can build your Brew Tank to your own specifications and budget. This will allow you to adapt, add and modify components as and when you want. All I can say is... watch this space! The Brew Tank will be hitting the homebrew scene later this year. We will be taking advance deposits for the first batch and our Hop Clubbers will get first refusal. 

So Wales is where I find myself writing this report. I have a deep affinity with Wales and its landscape and people. As you may or may not know, we are looking to expand our Hop Yard from our current spot in South Devon. Perhaps Wales is a place where I can renew my long dormant roots and rewalk my father’s footsteps?

We would like to take this chance to thank all our customers who have supported us, especially over the past few months. You have all been so supportive and understanding of the situation we face in getting stock in and orders out. Unsurprisingly, Brexit has created border delays and covid has raged havoc on supply chains and manufacturing; plus increased UK demand and general politics have disrupted freight and caused soaring prices. But thanks to you we’re still here and going strong! Cheers to that!