Cheers! Turnbull's launch our very own beer
Two of Northumberland’s longest-established business announce collaboration
‘Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn…’
Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food has a historic reputation for supplying the finest food and quality local meat since 1880. Today, Turnbull’s are revealing their very own Beer, brewed in collaboration with the Alnwick Brewery, which was also established in the 1800s.
The Brewery’s origins can be traced back to around 1840 to the then Thompsons & Davison’s, who were appointed as Brewers to Algernon George Percy, 6th Duke of Northumberland on the site, which is now called The Maltings, opposite Morrisons.
They became incorporated in 1890 when taking on the limited liability status and formally adopting the name The Alnwick Brewery Company. It was acquired by Drybroughs and subsequently shut down in the late 1900s.
The Alnwick Brewery was brought back by Ian Linsley, the son of the former director, who revived the famous recipes, such as the Alnwick IPA. Now at its current location at Hawkhill, the Brewery is operated by Phil Bell and team who continues to produce beers to their original recipes as well as new, modern beers.
The collaboration sees the launch of ‘1880 Golden Ale’ is inspired by the craftsmanship of the skilled Butchers & Bakers of Turnbull’s and pays homage to two of Alnwick’s longest established business which have been trading for over 140 years.
Matthew Slack, Sales & Marketing Manager at Turnbull’s said: “We have always dreamt of having our own Beer to complement our range of Food here at Turnbull’s, but have obviously lacked the capacity to branch out into brewing it ourselves”
“I approached Phil Bell at the Alnwick Brewery at the start of last year and asked if it would be possible for the Alnwick Brewery to work with us to produce a beer. I was so shocked when Phil said it was an immediate yes”
The Beer is a traditional English golden ale with a medium hop bitterness with a clean refreshing citrus taste and a smooth mouthfeel. Brewed with a combination of Pilgrim and Golding hops which offers clean, refreshing flavours and aromas. A medium bodied session ale which is satisfying to drink in any season. The beer will also be used in Turnbull’s award-winning Steak & Ale Pies and is recommended to be served cold.
Phil Bell, Head Brewer at the Alnwick Brewery and said: “We are so delighted to be working with another local company to produce this beer. Turnbull’s have been great supporters of ours by stocking our beers for a number of years”
“This particular Beer makes use of the Pilgrim and Golding Hops which are British in origin, and I know from first-hand experience it goes very well with Turnbull’s produce”
Turnbull’s 1880 Gold is available from the Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food Hall at their recently updated “Beer Wall” which showcases Beers, Wines & Spirits from across the region from Wednesday the 15th of June which coincides with Beer Day in Britain.
Beer Day Britain is an annual festival for all beer fans on June 15th that honours all types of beer, including traditional ales, mainstream lagers, limited-edition artisan beer, and everything in between.
June 15th is significant because that is also the date Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. The great charter mentions ale in Article 35.
‘Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn…..’
In 1215, ale was so important in England that it was mentioned in one of the most important legal documents ever written. Beer and bars are still important parts of British culture today, with beer accounting for seven out of ten drinks sold in a pub.