Bedford-based brewer, Charles Wells has partnered with London’s Fourpure Brewing Co. as part of its Wandering Brewer Project, a two-year initiative between Charles Wells and some of Britain’s top breweries to create small-batch beers. The project marks Charles Wells’ journey leading up to the opening of its new £13 million brewery in Bedford, which is set to be operational by summer 2019.
This new collaboration with Fourpure will span 12 months and see four different limited-edition keg beers.
Both Charles Wells and Fourpure are family-run businesses, counting beer as one of life’s great passions. The partnership with Fourpure plays on the theme of adventure and discovery, which embodies what both Fourpure and the Wandering Brewer Project stand for.
The first keg beer is called ‘Rucksack Pale Ale’ – a crisp, easy drinking 4% Pale Ale that packs a flavour punch with spicy and citrus notes. From June, Rucksack can be enjoyed at select Charles Wells pubs in the UK and is also available for free trade customers through selected wholesale partners.
Over the course of the year, three further keg beers from the collaboration with Fourpure will be released; Appalachian IPA 4.7%, Bavarian Helles 4.0% and Rhine Pilsner 4.7%. Each one will follow the travelling theme and be supplied on a limited run.
The Wandering Brewer Project
Since selling its brewery last year, Charles Wells has been on a journey to navigate the UK, partnering with different breweries along the way to explore different styles, flavours and methods. The Wandering Brewer Project gives beer lovers the opportunity to vote on each collaboration, helping to influence the range of cask and keg beers made at its new brewery.
Further information about Charles Wells, its new brewery and the Wandering Brewer Project can be found at www.charleswells.co.uk.
ENDS
Note to editors:
For all media enquiries, please contact Anneka Balham at Storm Communications on 020 7240 2444 or email charleswells@stormcom.co.uk.
Wandering Brewer Project
- Archive of the beer partnerships so far:
October 2017: XT Brewing – Wet Pale Ale + Wild Special Ale
November 2017: Bristol Beer Factory – Another Special Ale
December 2017: Castle Rock – Nick’s Christmas Ale
January 2018: Titanic Brewery – Drink Pale Ale
February 2018: Mauldons Brewery – Extra Golden Ale
March 2018: Black Sheep – Rambler Special Ale
April 2018: Hop Stuff Brewery – I Love Pale Ale
Now pouring: Woodforde’s – Nomad Special Ale
Charles Wells
- Charles Wells has been crafting ales in the heart of Bedfordshire as a family brewery since 1876, using its own certified natural mineral water well for all the beers it has produced since 1902.
- It owns and operates 186 leased and tenanted pubs and 23 managed houses across its Pizza, Pots & Pints, Apostrophe and Charles Wells France brands.
- In May 2017, Charles Wells sold its brewery on Havelock Street and most of its brands to Marston’s. It retained its Charlie Wells and John Bull beer brands.
- Planning permission for its new £13m brewery complex (including bar, restaurant and conference facilities) has been granted, due to open to the public in the summer of 2019.
Fourpure
- Fourpure Brewing Co. is one of London’s fastest growing and most exciting breweries.
- The brewery won this year’s Brewery Business of the Year at the prestigious SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) Awards and their current momentum places them at the forefront of British breweries.
- Founded in 2013 by brothers Dan and Tom Lowe, the independent craft brewery has gone from an empty warehouse to producing more than 1.2 million litres in just four years.