Independent South West brewer and pub operator, Bath Ales, has taken delivery of two new fermenting vessels to increase its brewing capacity by almost 40 per cent.
Each new vessel will produce around 30,000 extra pints of Bath Ales cask beers, including its flagship brand Gem, taking overall production to just over 25,000 brewer’s barrels a year.
The new equipment is evidence of the planned continued growth for the Warmley-based brewer, which expanded its operations to new premises, Hare House, last autumn.
Bath Ales has also opened two new pubs – The Grapes in Oxford and Graze Bar, Brasserie and Chophouse in Cirencester in recent months, while Beerd, the brewer’s first craft beer bar launched this January in Bristol
Commenting on the new investment, Gerry Condell head brewer at Bath Ales, said: “This is an exciting time to be at the brewery. The new vessels mean we can brew more beer, build up stock, and sell it further afield as we widen our customer base and continue to grow the business.”
A busier brewing schedule means that Bath Ales will be taking on more staff. The plan is to do this through the Government-run apprenticeship scheme – giving those interested a real opportunity to join a fast-growing business within the dynamic industry.
The next stage in the expansion plans will be the installation of a pilot brewery at Hare House later in the summer.
Commenting on the next commission Gerry said: “We are keen to explore different styles of beer from around the world, but namely the USA and Belgium, which we greatly admire and sell at Beerd.
“We are so passionate about brewing and it’s our driving ambition to produce the best, quality beer we can. Now we can make even more beers that we and others enjoy. Our dream is coming true.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Bath Ales
Based between Bath and Bristol, Bath Ales is an independent brewery established in 1995 which uses traditional brewing techniques with cutting-edge technology. The founders come from a brewing background and combine a range of skills with a shared passion for cask beer.
Last Autumn Bath Ales announced a significant investment plan which will see production volumes double in the next two years. The brewer currently produces just over 25,000 brewer’s barrels annually and the business has had its own bottling plant since 2007. It has an on-site brewery shop.
Bath Ales currently operate eight pubs in Bristol and Bath – The Hare on the Hill, The Hop Pole, The Live and Let Live, The Salamander, The Swan, The Wellington, Graze Bar & Chophouse and Beerd. It also opened The Grapes in Oxford and Graze Bar, Brasserie and Chophouse in Cirencester in recent months.
The Bath Ales range of beers includes Gem, Barnsey, Dark Side, Wild Hare, S.P.A. and Ginger Hare.
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