Quintessentially English, the bucolic feel and flavour of the Chiltern Brewery’s beer is not just for show. Their traditionally rooted recipes have been perfected and developed over the past 30 years using only the finest English ingredients which are wholesome and 100% natural.

A fantastic recent achievement of gold medal for their Glad Tiding’s Winter Stout at SIBA’s Midlands bottled beer competition is further recognition of the passion, excellence and attention to detail that is put into every bottle brewed. Thrilled with the result this deep and intensely warming brew will now be automatically entered into the national competition for 2010.

Not only are the ingredients natural and of good provenance but the entire brewing process at the Chiltern Brewery addresses the environment and sustainability issues. “All of our used malt is collected by our local farmer, who lives just a quarter of a mile away, to feed his beef cattle herd” Tom Jenkinson, Head Brewer, said. Also, the spent hops are dug out after each brew and emptied into spent malt sacks then sold to local gardeners as highly regarded mulch, from the brewery shop.

Founded by their father and mother in 1980, Tom and George Jenkinson feel strongly about continuing these valued traditions. With 30 years of heritage, the emphasis is on brewing to the highest of standards and maintaining the quality that has become recognisably their own, whilst developing recipes to include new and exciting hops and malt. Their loyal customers enjoy the consistency and depth of their current range but there is also interest in a smattering of innovation to broaden the palate.

The brewery shop with its wafting aroma of hops is a ‘must visit’ with locally made bread, sausages, fudge & chocolate, biscuits, cheese and preserves all using their beer as an essential ingredient. Also available is their full range of draught and bottled beers with a choice selection of fine liqueurs and wines. Their recently updated website at www.chilternbrewery.co.uk gives full details of the brewery and has its own excellent online shop facility.

The Farmers’ Bar is Tom and George’s award winning real ale pub in Aylesbury and has a new fixed price menu offering 2 courses for £9.95 and 3 courses for £12.95. The menu combines classic dishes using The Chiltern Brewery’s fine English ales with many locally sourced ingredients. Situated in the medieval King’s Head Inn, this is a lovely setting for a hearty lunch with friends or family.

Not forgetting the significance of their 30 years, the Chiltern Brewery plans to celebrate in several ways through 2010. Keep an eye out for news on the website of limited edition beers, both bottled and draught, and for special events commemorating their fine established English heritage.