Monday 7 May 2012

Enter the Brew Star


It's been a while since my last brewery visit but last weekend I managed to get myself down to the outskirts of Morpeth for the official Brew Star opening day. Those familiar with Brew Star will know them as part of the North East's new wave of craft brewers. 


Unleashed only this year, Brew Star are known mainly for core products Sinistar (4.3%) with its grainy malt and hop kick and Blonde Star, their 4.1% clean textured blonde ale that's designed to convert the region's lager swilling masses to artisan beer. On top of these they have plenty of pending projects, including an approachable and sweet Rum & Raisin trial brew that was available on the day.

Pump's not to be touched till the mayor cuts the ribbon

You get the sense that everything about Brew Star is very neat, modern and with a subtle edge of cool, and after finally getting a proper meet with owners Simon and Dawn I discovered the place is run by friendly folk. Simon showed me round the very compact, well ordered brewery with its nice shiny yet simple 10 barrel brew plant. As he explained, not quite perfect yet but looking very 'made to measure'.

So overall a very pleasant afternoon filled with good beer, good food (especially the pies) and plenty of familiar faces of the region's brewing scene. Later on Justin from the 3 Wise Monkeys turned up to do some beer cocktails but we missed that one. But just like with Allendale, Brew Star, Rob's Beer Quest Salutes you.

3 comments:

Ghost Drinker said...

Very nice looking pump clips, I hope the beer lives up to them, although I have a feeling if someone puts that amount of effort into the clips, they will know a thing or two about how to make tasty beer...

Mark N said...

I love the look of the building too. All in all a decent looking outfit.

Rob said...

Quality session beer, super smart looks. Death metal has Akercocke, craft brewing has Brew Star.