Travel Guide for the Offa's Dyke Path - Useful Drinking Information

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I am often asked for more information about the beers I sampled on my journey, so I have included details of most of those mentioned in this book.

Berkeley: Early Riser (4.8%)
Berkeley's Brewery is a small operation that began life in an old cider cellar in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, in 1996. Other beers include Dicky Pearce's Winter Ale and Lord's Prayer.

Brains: Reverend James Original Ale (4.5%)
The Reverend James is named after the founder of Buckleys Brewery, now absorbed within Brains Brewery of Cardiff. Buckleys Brewery began in 1767, when Henry Child, a strong Methodist, started to brew beer in Llanelli. The Reverend James Buckley later took on the serious development of the brewery after his marriage to Henry Child's daughter.

Breconshire Brewery: Rambler's Ruin (5%)
The Breconshire Brewery was founded in 2002, as a part of C.H. Marlow, a wholesaler and distributor of ales in the South Wales area for over 30 years. Head Brewer Justin 'Buster' Grant joined the company following the demise of Brakspears in Henley on Thames.

Cains: Dr Duncan (3.5%)
Liverpool's Robert Cain Brewery began in 1850 but has since been in the hands of other brewery chains like Boddingtons and Whitbread, though it has now reverted to its original name. Dr Duncan was the first Medical Officer for Health in Liverpool - an appropriate man to name a beer after.

Freeminer: Speculation Ale (4.8%)
The Freeminer Brewery, located in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, is a recent addition to the real ale cause, being founded in 1992. It names its beers after terms used in the extensive mining in the Royal Forest of Dean. Speculation Ale is named after a mine originally opened by two Oxfordshire bankers.

Hook Norton: Old Hooky (4.6%)
The Hook Norton Brewery of Banbury can be traced back to 1849 when maltster John Harris set up in business. Much of the original brewing equipment is still in use and water is drawn from wells underneath the brewery.

Jennings: Cocker Hoop (4.8%)
Jennings Brewery of Cockermouth celebrated its 175th year of existence in 2003. Other beers produced include the wonderfully-named Sneck Lifter and Cross Buttock.

J.W. Lees: Scorcher (4.2%)
The family-owned J.W. Lees Brewery of Manchester had been brewing for 175 years in 2003. Its northwestern base allowed it to expand into north Wales many years ago. J.W. Lees also provides the beers for Coronation Street's Rover's Return pub. Scorcher is its summertime speciality.

Morland: Old Speckled Hen (5.2%)
Originally brewed by Morland of Abingdon, Old Speckled Hen is now made in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, by Greene King. The name comes from the name "owld speckled 'un", a term used to describe an old MG car covered with flecks of paint used as a runaround at the Abingdon-based MG company.

Shepherd Neame: Bishop's Finger (5%)
Kent's Shepherd Neame Brewery is reputedly the oldest continuous brewer in the country, dating back to 1698, though brewing has taken place on the site from the 12th century. A Bishops Finger is an unusual finger-shaped signpost still found in Kent, which once pointed pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.

Charles Wells: Bombardier (4.3%)
The Bedford-based brewery is the oldest independent family-owned brewery in the country. It was established in 1876 and is still run by the same family. Bombardier is currently being marketed as "England's Premier Pint" alongside a campaign to give greater status to St George's Day.

Wood: Special Bitter (4.2%)
Beginning in 1980, this Shropshire brewery, based in Craven Arms, has expanded over the years and produces an array of seasonal and occasional beers, including Hell for Leather, Get Knotted, Hopping Mad and Shropshire Lad.

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