WEST PINTS

PINTS WEST
Say hello to BoltHole Brewery
How many are there now in Bristol? Breweries, that is. Just when
you think you have the answer, another one springs up. Say
hello to the latest, ‘BoltHole Brewery’ (though that could have
changed by the time you read this!).
Whilst some might argue that Westbury-on-Trym is too far outside
of Bristol to be considered part of it, others would argue the evidence
that Bristol actually grew from the earlier settlements in that far north
western outpost. That said, Westbury-on-Trym is where Bolthole
Brewery is located.
Details are a little scant right now; hopefully there will be more in
the next edition of Pints West. What we do have is…
The brewer – Neil Kirk – has been a home-brewer with some 40
years of brewing experience before taking the commercial plunge in
December 2014. The brewing capacity is presently a very modest 0.5
barrels (around 20 litres), so there’s no capacity yet to regularly supply
any pubs. Most of the output is presently sold through farmers’ markets,
BoltHole Brewery fermentation and conditioning room
and this keeps Neil brewing at full steam.
The beers are available in bottles or 20 litre boxes (though only
bottles are sold at farmers’ markets). However, you are welcome to
drop in at the brewery with your own container (scrupulously clean
and sterile, please!) and get it filled up. Do check availability with the
brewery before setting out. A special (one-off?) dark ale, called Dark
Secret and weighing in at a mere 9.3% ABV, was made available for
Bristol & District CAMRA’s AGM held at the Brunswick Club in St
Paul’s in July, which sadly I couldn’t attend. Doubtless, it added a note
of seriousness to the proceedings.
All the beers – including bottles – are unfined and naturally
conditioned, so may appear with a slight haze to them. Don’t worry –
it’s good for you (contrary to the myths of the marketeers over the last
several decades).
For more details, head over to the website at bolthole.beer.
Martin Farrimond
ROYAL AIR FORCE
ASSOCIATION CLUB
BEER FESTIVAL
REAL ALES + CIDERS
2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
38 Eastfield
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol BS9 4BE
Saturday October 17th 12.00-11.30
Entrance £2.50 – includes free drink
Sunday October 18th 12.00-6.00
Entrance £2.50 – includes free drink and
entertainment
Snacks available on both days:
bacon rolls, etc.
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