WharfeBank Brewery’s successful bid to brew and sell traditional ales made from Harewood House hops
Kippa Matthews
WharfeBank Brewery has won a long term contract to brew, bottle, sell and distribute beer created from the hops harvested from the grounds of Harewood House. The stately home’s ales will complement WharfeBank’s core product range as the brewery expands its operation into multiple retailers, bottling and export markets.
The award winning brewery, situated close to Harewood on the banks of the River Wharfe, will create three different beers; Harewood Gold (5.1%, a strong golden India Pale Ale), Harewood Red Kite (4.4%, a traditional premium bitter named in recognition of the birds of prey often seen on the estate) and Harewood Dark (4.5%, a traditional dark stout). In addition to producing the beer in bottles the brewery has also agreed to make the beers available in both cask and keg for pubs and bars wanting to sell a Harewood pint.
Martin Kellaway, partner and Managing Director of WharfeBank Brewery comments:-
“We are delighted to have secured the Harewood contract. We have been involved with the team at Harewood for two years brewing for the shop and providing our ales at events. This partnership will allow us to negotiate listings and distribution across Yorkshire, as well as national and international accounts, enabling beer lovers everywhere to enjoy a taste of Harewood.”
“The hops from Harewood are excellent bittering varieties, a testament to Head Gardener Trevor Nicholson and his team. Brewing with these and other quality ingredients that are produced locally makes for a great product and we hope to introduce additional brews in time.”
Mike Schafer, CEO of Harewood House, states:-
“As one of the finest houses in England there is a genuine interest in all things Harewood. This unique venture allows us to take our heritage varieties of Harewood hops grown in our working kitchen garden, create a traditional product, while reaching a new and diverse audience. We are excited to work with WharfeBank Brewery; they have produced a fitting range of beers capturing the spirit of Harewood.
