Raise a glass

Toast the new season with one of these local brews…

Artisan Ales

No nonsense beers are created in this microbrewery in Minchinhampton. And that means no fancy names – just a system of numbers and letters to denote the description, style, and when the beer was made. And it’s working – the beers have won plenty of awards including Best Bitter in West of England and Wales, Champion Beer of Gloucestershire and several CAMRA Golds and Silvers.

Raise a glass: PAl01 is a Pale, Ale, and the first (01) the brewery every brewed.

Corinium Ales

This micro brewery in the heart of Cirencester focuses on classic and contemporary ales. Inspiration comes from the craft ales of the USA, with their pungent aromas and mesmerising hoppiness.

Raise a glass: Corinium Gold is an easy drinking, traditional golden ale that goes well with anything from salads and cold meats to cheese and seafood.

Stroud Brewery

One of the UK’s few fully organic breweries, Stroud Brewery has developed a loyal following for its commitment to using local organic ingredients and its commitment to the local community. The first brew was Budding, produced in 2006, which is still the best-selling beer.

Raise a glass: Tom Long is an organic, vegan, amber session beer with spicy citrus aromas. It won Silver at the SIBA National Beer Competition.

Hillside Brewery

Based in the Forest of Dean, this small brewery is firmly at the heart of the community and environment. Running on solar power with a ground source heat pump, the beers are made in small batches using traditional methods.

Raise a glass: Legless Cow is a best bitter with rich caramel flavours and a smooth citrus hop finish.

Days Cottage

Only old varieties of heritage fruit are used for these ciders and perries, which are fermented and matured in oak barrels. No sprays, chemicals or artificial fertilisers are used on the fruit trees, and the ciders and perries themselves are free from any hidden nasties.

Raise a glass: the Medium sparkling cider has a delicious liveliness that’s both refreshing and thirst-quenching. Easy to over-indulge!