What's the Hot Fuss about? and a road trip...

Mar 30, 2026

What's up? A busy week playing catchup after being out all last week - mostly at BeerX in Liverpool, but otherwise very busy on the brewery side of things. Pretty much every tank is full and almost finished fermenting is Apache Rose Peacock - (American Amber Ale 4.2%) a brew we haven't done since 2016. Looking back at the brew sheets (Graham was away for a period then) the crew then didn't exactly show consistency in the recipe - but this one should be back to the original... Out in maybe 2 weeks time, just as Lady Eleanor likely runs out. Otherwise tanks are brim full of Moondance, Alton's Pride, Sundown, Comfortably Numb, Satisfaction and Jagged Little Pilsner!

We've also chosen a name for the new lager. Introducing Brightside - with a nod to the Killers - promising to be a lovely drop. Not as hoppy or as strong as JLP with a really good sweet/dry balance - have only tasted it from tank and not carbonated - this one to be out in a week or so.

What's on?

As per my last email nearly out of Old Dray and Lady Eleanor is moving fast. I had a pint of it in our Taproom last night... then err another 2 bottles (just arrived in so someone needed to test the quality of the bottler's work) when I got home. For my palate it is insanely moreish. I think it is even better than last year's version (obviously a new season of hops and malt, but also it is the stuff you brew most regularly you get most consistency on [obvious when you think about it but we're a busy brewery so we don't always get enough drthinking time]).

What's about? Last week's wanderings.

Monday: I was in Isle of Man for a board meeting on an investment entity wherein they sold pretty much everything apart from Gold and a company founded by legendary investor Warren Buffet - Berkshire Hathaway - the logic being the world has gone nuts and if there is a meltdown then these guys will be best placed. Still - what a rubbish few weeks in geopolitics.

Wednes-Thursday - Liverpool - the city truly is different to any other in the UK - certainly more languages heard on the street than even London. Anyway I was at BeerX - a really excellent event - the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) who organise it have kicked butt and kicked on - Chief Exec Andy Slee runs a really tight ship. In addition to the crucial catching up with suppliers lots of other good intel. Will share it over the coming weeks... but in terms of key snippets, the SIBA Indie Beer Campaign really does have legs.

As an aide memoire this was launched because of all the B-S pedalled by the Global's trying to make it sound like their beers are actually independent. Neck Oil is the poster child for this wrong though you could also choose Hophead or as per a previous email look at Greene King's new pump clips. It's like they're embarrassed by the corporate brand? What is interesting is that folks thought this was about craft beer to kick off, not necessarily more traditional folks like us... but that has changed and incorporates all beer.

Anyway the point is the market research from SIBA shows that customers [yep, they're important right?!] associate Independents as being run by real people to the tune of around 67% of respondents... the other three attributes most commonly selected? Trustworthy.💥 Handmade.💥High quality. 💥... yep - some pretty compelling selling points right there!

We're getting some Indie Beer pump clip add ons next week - will get them out to you then with orders. The data is good. Your supporting Indie Beer folks [like us - thank you!] is good for you too...

Next week I will share some of the stuff from the head of the Brewer's Association (head of the US Independent's Trade organisation) - which is super interesting as the US usually seen as a few years ahead of the UK in beer trends so potentially a road map for the coming years...

In the meantime what can we bring you next week so as you are properly stocked for Easter?

I reckon the weather looks bright but a bit crisp... so if it were me I would be stocked on the crowd pleasers of Moondance, Alton's Pride, and true to my words above I would 100% have a Lady Eleanor on too... what can we tempt YOU with?

Have a lovely weekend,

Proudly Independently yours,

Xen

P.S.

I guess this labels me as a man of a certain age but RIP Chuck Norris...

Chuck Norris didn't actually die, death just built up the courage to ask him for an autograph...

Superman wears Chuck Norris pyjamas

Chuck Norris once kicked a horse in the mouth - it's descendants are forever known as giraffes.

P.P.S.

Yes I did sneak in an Anfield visit in Liverpool... nice to see a win even if Galatasaray were woeful! Saw a glimpse of the old Salah too... wonderful evening with my cousins.