9:36am Friday 14th August 2009
A BOLTON company is “ale” and hearty after scooping a major award.
Bank Top Brewery is toasting its own success after taking a silver at the CAMRA-organised Great British Beer Festival in Earls Court, London.
The firm’s Dark Mild came second in its category and was one of around a dozen beers sampled by the judges during “blind tasting.”
It was the second silver achieved by the same brew this year.
In January, Bank Top’s Dark Mild took second place in a festival organised by the UK’s independent brewers.
Company owner Dave Sweeney was in London to witness the firm achieve its latest accolade.
Bank Top Brewery, based at The Pavilion in Ashworth Lane, has been trading since 1995.
Mr Sweeney said: “This was the first time we’d taken part in the Great British Beer Festival and we had to qualify earlier on. Dark Mild is one of around 10 beers which we brew.
“One of the reasons for its success is that we pitch our Dark Mild at a strength of four per cent. Additionally, our excessive use of roast barley gives it its depth and flavour.”
And it is not just the judges who approve. Customers in the Bolton area and beyond are firm fans of the brew which is supplied to a network of public houses.
Mr Sweeney added: “We have several pubs locally which support us by selling our Dark Mild. I can say it’s definitely making a comeback in the drinking climate.” A total of 378 gallons of Dark Mild in barrel and bottle form are brewed by the Bolton business each fortnight.
Bank Top Brewery, launched by John Feeney 14 years ago, supplies beer to more than 300 public houses in England.
Its signature and best-selling beer is Flat Cap.
Mr Sweeney, a former engineer who became a director of the business in 2004, took over the helm on the retirement of Mr Feeney last November.
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