Wales has seen an explosion in craft and microbreweries of late. Gareth Mitchell takes a look at some of the best brewing operations to have sprung up recently. Cheers!
TOMOS A LILFORD
With the motto “adventures in beer”, Tomos A Lilford’s range of understated, unique beers includes some outright bangers which make use of unexpected and strange ingredients. There’s Annwyl, a blonde ale brewed with rose petals, and Cwrwgl, a seaweed stout, to name just two.
Vale Business Park, Llandow
Info: 01446 677757 / www.tomosalilford.com
BANG-ON BREWERY
Opened in late 2016, Bang-On Brewery has gained an extensive following in their hometown of Bridgend. Sporting an extensive range of beers – including Mel V1, a collaboration with Cardiff University professors – the site at Bang-On hosts an impressive looking microbrewery alongside a small bar to enjoy their wares.
George St, Bridgend
Info: 01656 760790 / www.bangonbrewery.beer
MAD DOG BREWING CO
Founded in 2014 from a home kitchen, Mad Dog Brewing Co has come a long way from its early days. Having moved from the kitchen to a full business premises, Mad Dog has found its stride with its aptly mad beers. From, Third Eye Blind, a delicious Pale Ale made with hops from both New Zealand and America, to a personal favourite, Stouty McStoutFace, Mad Dog are smashing it.
Park Farm, Plough Road, Pontypool
Info: 07703 731197 / www.maddogbrew.co.uk
VOG BREWERY
Sporting a beer, Dark Matter, that won Champion Beer Of Wales in 2015, VOG (standing for Vale Of Glamorgan and no relation to the – also fine – Glamorgan Brewing Co.) are no stranger to making their mark. The brewery’s range of beers includes Miami Weiss, a dry-hopped American weissbier, and South Island, a New Zealand pale ale which is very much on the pale side.
Atlantic Trading Estate, Barry
Info: 01446 730757 / www.vogbrewery.co.uk
GREY TREES
As brewers, Grey Trees pride themselves on using the finest ingredients and immense skill. A personal favourite is the Black Road Stout, with its smooth-roasted intensity. Other highlights include Caradog’s Bitter with its crispness, and golden ale, Digger’s Gold. Aesthetically pleasing as well as tasty.
Gasworks Road, Aberdare
Info: 01685 267077 / www.greytreesbrewery.co.uk