Beer-tasting at the Bristol Beer Factory

Last weekend, I had the pleasure to attend the first off-work event of the year together with some colleagues from work (and friends). We arranged a visit to the Bristol Beer Factory last Saturday at 7pm, and it seemed it was a great success! Apparently, everybody enjoyed the tour, the beer tasting and the chance to meet each other for something else rather than just work.

We met at the back of the building. The Bristol Beer logo in North Street might confuse you, but I have to mention that the entrance to the Beer Factory is at the rear, in Durnford Street.

Bristol Beer Factory is 10-year-old beer factory located in Southville, Bristol. The four-floor building where they produce the beer nowadays, was an old fermenting building for the Ashton Gate brewery, a company that started brewing around 1820s. In 1931, the Ashton Gate brewery was taken over by George's and Co. It was not until 2004 when Bristol Beer Company moved in and changed its name to Bristol Beer Factory, setting up a 10 barrel micro-brewery in the basement of the building.

Simon, our guide that evening, showed the installations and  all the equipment, talked about the history of the building and the company. He also spoke about the brewing process while we could touch the ingredients used to produce beer with our own hands. Most of us were inexperienced in this brewing thing; however, there were some in the group who already produce their own homemade brew, and they made more elaborated questions to our guide, who answered wisely, as he has been closely involved with the Bristolian brewery since its creation.

While the standing-up (and static) visit was going on, we had been able to taste two of Bristol Beers: Seven and Nova. Seven (4.5%) is an amber coloured beer containing wheat and barley malt, whilst Nova (3.9%) is light and hoppy beer. In our group, the most popular and preferred beer was Seven, by far.

Although the duration of the tour was two hours, some of us had loads of questions for Simon and we finally stayed almost until 10pm, which was very nice of him.

At the end of the tour, there was a possibility to buy bottled beers or three-bottle gift packs, which also includes a glass with the Bristol Beer Factory logo in it (thank you Simon for letting us take the glass home!)

If you are interested, you can also arrange a private tour to the brewery for your group of friends, corporate outings or clubs and societies. Call them if they are available the day you are interested (01179026317). Monday to Thursday, the tour costs £180. and £230 Friday to Sunday. Tours can be in the evening (7pm) and there is also an afternoon session during the weekends (3pm), but they say at their website that times are flexible within reason. There is a maximum number of 30 people in each tour.

There are also public tour dates available (last Tuesday of each month at 7pm) and it costs £15 per person. Advance booking is required. For further details, check their website.

WEBSITE: http://www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk/