Inspiring Days Out

What is it about beer that gets us excited? Is it the hoppy aromas, the clear golden colours, the smooth taste, the heritage, the magic of brewing or the community of brewers?

In 2024 we were lucky enough do a “Brew Day” with our local independent brewery Fell, based just five minutes down the road from where we live. There we met Imogen who led our group for the day. Imogen wasn’t the tour guide but the lead production brewer, full of knowledge and enthusiasm for brewing the perfect pint.  The whole Fell gang seemed to chip in throughout the day; their passion for beer, the brewery team and their place in the community clear for everyone to see. A truly inspiring day for so many reasons, and not just for enjoying a pint of Ghyll at the end of the day.

A holiday to Yorkshire later in 2024, took us to Masham and Leyburn amongst other places. A tour of Theakston’s filled us with an appreciation for a great brewing heritage, even with its ups and downs throughout the years. 

After a day’s walking we stopped off in Leyburn and called into the Wensleydale Brewery to buy some beer. This led to an impromptu tour around their brewery, sharing more knowledge, enthusiasm, as well as stories of brewing challenges and successes. It was completely unexpected but just as inspiring as our Fell day. 

We’ve done many a brewery tour over the years, some more memorable than others. However, nothing beats those personal connections with local breweries and their people, and the places to drink good beers, be that a sharp raspberry sour, a New Zealand pale or a twist on the traditional English ale. Sharing a hand-cooked pizza or some delicious street food over a couple of pints in a brewery tap, surrounded by shiny fermenters and brewing kettles is a great way to spend a Saturday evening.

Inspiration is found in many ways and in many places. As to what gets us excited about beers – it is everything and it is all encompassing.