Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery
Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery Co Ltd Unit 2F Old Station Yard Kirkby Lonsdale Via Carnforth Lancs LA6 2BD
The Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery has grown out of the Orange Tree pub in Kirkby Lonsdale. At the heart of this is the Taylor family team. Kingpin is Richard, known to everyone as “Plug”, not from the Bash Street Kids, but from a former career as a plumber. Also involved are son Stuart, brother Roger (from Taylors Outdoor and Army Surplus store in the town) and Alan Stephenson (of Stephenson and Son coaches) . Plug was born in the Green Dragon, now the Snooty Fox, down the street so he is a real local and a born licensee. However, none have ever brewed before — not even at home — so this new venture has been a big learning experience. They have relied on Porter Brewing Company of Bury, who installed the plant, instructed the team in brewing and supervised the first brew.
This was called “Ruskins Bitter” (named after a local view: all the beers are intended to have a Kirkby-linked name), with enough hop character to keep it interesting without being overwhelming. At 3.9%, it’s a good session brew and one I suspect would especially suit a hot day (if we get one). It was launched on Friday 13th March and the first nine gallons went in three hours. So far it has only been on at the Orange Tree, the Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club (rugby is another of Plug’s interests) and a few beer festivals. Other licensees have expressed interest, but they can’t brew enough. The pub alone is selling seven firkins a week. There is room to expand production at the brewery and this will have to happen before many pubs can be supplied. “We’re taking it slowly” Plug kept on saying.
So far the work is all being done by the team of four. All can do any job, but Stuart is the main brewer. Alan is currently bringing back to life a 1974 Commer Karrier Bantam as their brewery dray wagon.
Two more brews have been released: Monumental Blonde (4.5%) and Jubilee Stout (5.4%). I was able to try the stout. For a stout of its strength, the punch of dark malt is quite restrained, allowing hints of pale malt and liquorice to show through. The plan is to add some port to this for a St George’s Day brew, copying O’Hanlons Port Stout.
One of the unusual features — unusual for a new microbrewery anyway — is a bottling line. I was there to witness the arrival of the first pallet of bottles. Bottling began in early April. In the future is another pub “when the right one comes up”.
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