New Exmoor Brewery will start brewing on the site of the former Cotleigh Brewery in the town, with the first beer to roll off the line raising money for the local Jim Laker Charitable Trust.
Exmoor Ales ceased brewing at its Golden Hill site in Wiveliscombe in May this year, at the same time starting a collaboration with Hogs Back Brewery, which saw its ales replicated at the Surrey brewer’s site.
Collaborate
Hogs Back Brewery chairman Rupert Thompson said: “In these very difficult times, one way to survive and, in time, prosper, is to collaborate with fellow like-minded businesses. We were pleased to be in a position to help Exmoor Ales and keep alive this popular local beer brand.
“Now more than ever, there is a thirst among consumers for independent, local speciality beers that are not all just owned by global brewers, so we are confident that with local support Exmoor Drinks has a bright future ahead.”
Hogs Back will continue to brew Exmoor’s main beers for the time being including Exmoor Gold, Exmoor Ale and Silver Stallion, while the New Exmoor Brewery will focus on new product development such as specials like Exmoor Beast and limited-edition beers, brewed by former Cotleigh head brewer Shaun Vockins.
Investing
Hogs Back will also be investing in the Exmoor Ales beers, to introduce them to a broader audience.
Exmoor Drinks chairman Jonathan Price said: “We are beyond thrilled to be brewing back in ‘Wivey’, where we started brewing in 1979, in a new brewery proudly showing the Exmoor name and our iconic stag logo. Deciding to close our brewing operation in May was done with a heavy heart, as the only response to insurmountable business challenges.”
He added: “Our collaboration with Hogs Back has been a lifeline, allowing us to remain independent and keep our ales on tap and on shelves for our many loyal drinkers across the south west – and introduce them to new drinkers, thanks to Hogs Back’s distribution network.”
