Much like in the rest of the UK, the tradition of brewing in Wales goes back a long way; though the brews of the time didn’t exactly resemble our modern beer. In the Middle Ages Bragawd (braggot) - a heady ale made from spices and honey - was often brewed in monasteries and considered quite the luxury. Fast forward a few centuries and Welsh brewing has evolved in line with other beer producing nations, adopting hops as a key ingredient.
Despite being known for its ale, one Welsh town become home to one of the first lager breweries in the UK when in 1882 two German immigrants founded Wrexham Lager Brewing Company. Interestingly, this competition forced local breweries to drastically improve the quality of their pale ales, which at half the price of the lager became a more accessible beverage favoured by the working and merchant classes, thus forcing Wrexham Lager Brewing Co to find its success overseas within the British Empire.
More recently, Wales secured its spot in the brewing history books when in 1931 Felinfoel Brewery near Llanelli became the first brewery outside the USA to commercially can beer. And like its neighbours Wales has been enjoying a craft beer revolution since the turn of this century.
Wales’s leading brewery with over 200 pubs across the country is Brains. Founded in 1882 it’s still owned by the family of Samuel Arthur Brain. Their legendary Welsh Ale, ‘SA’, is the favourite mainstream beer of MASHED! Founder, Gareth; so we’re well acquainted with it here at MASHED! HQ. The mystery of the name alone makes this ale a good discussion topic while propping up the bar. But Brains themselves are unable to confirm what the ‘SA’ stands for. Is it Special Ale? Samuel Arthur? Or is it Skull Attack? “To be honest,†they say on their website, “its true meaning is so lost in myth and mystery that we aren’t quite sure anymore.†So you may as well come up with your own meaning!
You’ll know, of course, Tiny Rebel, based in Newport, South Wales. They’re the multi award-winning brewery with medals that include Champion Beer of Britain 2015 for its Cwtch Welsh Red Ale. Brews in their core range include the likes of Clwb Tropica - 5.5% Tropical IPA; Stay Puft - 5.2% Marshmallow Porter and Electric Boogaloo, their 4.5% Passion Fruit Lil’ NEIPA. Perhaps you’ve brewed your own clone or used their ‘Cwtch’ extract kit. Boss Brewing Co in Swansea are also an exciting brewery who have picked up multiple awards since their launch in 2014. Check them out at bossbrewing.co.uk.
We moved back to Wales earlier this year and our attention was caught by Bluestone Brewing Co, based in Pembrokeshire. We chat Emily Hutchinson from Bluestone on pg 6 where she agrees that there are some fantastic beers coming out of the country. “There are a lot of amazing breweries in Walesâ€, she says, “and some that are leading the way for Craft Beer in the UK (Polly’s & Wild Horse to name just two).†Take a look for yourself at all the other great breweries Wales has to offer. The Brewery Bible has a comprehensive list of Welsh breweries over on their website:
www.thebrewerybible.com/posts/wales-breweries
Welsh Beer Tour!
You can order lots of lovely beer direct from the breweries, but if, like us, you centre your holidays and days off around beer and food then a beer tour of Wales is highly recommended. Depending on restrictions etc, you might even be able to book yourself on some brewery tours. The Brewery Bible has a great online map with loads of brilliant breweries to plan your visit around. See: thebrewerybible.com/posts/wales-breweries
Handy Beery Welsh Phrases
Obviously, you don’t need to know Welsh to get yourself a pint in Wales, but if you do like to pick up a bit of the local lingo, here are some handy phrases for you.
Cwrw - beer
Iechyd da! - Cheers!
Ga i beint o [insert name of beer]? - can I have a pint of …?
Nid rownd fi yw e! - it’s not my round!
Ti’n mynd i’r dafarn? - are you going to the pub?
Beer Events in Wales
With restrictions easing, dates are being announced for some some events this year. Here are a few to look out for:
Welsh National Homebrew Competition, Date TBC.
homebrewcompetition.wales
Great Welsh Beer Festival, Cardiff
No news as yet if this is going ahead this year, but well worth keeping on your radar. See: gwbf.org.uk
Real Ale Wobble, Llanwrtyd Wells, 21 Nov 2021. One for you cyclists! Hop on your two-wheeled steed for a 28 mile or 15 mile ride followed by lovely beer. More info on: green-events.co.uk
Real Ale Ramble, Llanwrtyd Wells, 27 - 28 Nov 2021. Enjoy a beery ramble following marked routes of 12 or 20 miles, or 2 guided routes of 5 and 8 miles with free real ales available at the checkpoints.
www.green-events.co.uk
