The new format for Wednesday’s open tap event proved highly successful. Hooky brewer Robin Underwood presented his original auburn session ale, Imbolc.

A Pint of Robin’s Imbolc

Robin crafted his beer as a 5BB brew in our Pilot Plant, (basically a mini-Hook Norton Brewery, within the main Brewery) that we use for experimental brews like Robin’s.

He shared his brewing philosophy, the desired beer style, and his rationale behind the hop selection before attendees sampled the beer. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Imbolc

This event marked the beginning of a new 2025 initiative spearheaded by brewery MD James Clarke. Each member of the brewing team will develop their own unique beer recipes, having complete creative control over the style, ABV, brewing process, and hops. They will also name their creations, contribute to the pump clip design, and collaborate with the Malthouse Kitchen team on a complementary menu.

Robin commented, “This was a fantastic, albeit challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience. I was a little nervous presenting to everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I believe everyone enjoyed the beer.”

Congratulations, Robin! The next brewer to feature will be Ed Clarke.

Book your place for March’s Open Tap here:

So what’s a  “5BB”?

A 5BB brew means that Robin’s recipe and calculations were worked to produce five brewer’s barrels. Most pubs these days take Firkins or Pins so, Robin’s brew of 5BB made 14 Firkins and 12 pins, so 26 pubs could serve his beer.

• Barrel = 36 gallons / 288 pints
• Kilderkin = 18 gallons / 144 pints
• Firkin = 9 gallons / 72 pints
• Pin = 4.5 gallons / 36 pints