MEET THE BREWER: Tony Taylor, Beckstones Brewery, Millom

Who is the brewer and how did you start out?

Family run Beckstones Brewery, located at The Green, near Millom, was especially built for David Taylor in 2002. Head brewer now is David’s son Tony Taylor, who has taken on the role for the past three years. Tony also has a full time job locally, so his time at the brewery is restricted. He has always helped his dad out, however when he took over as the main brewer he completed a Brew Lab course at Sunderland. Beckstones is a 5 barrel plant, based on the site of an 18th century mill, with its own water supply.

What are the regular beers?

Beckstones has won many awards over the years. All the beer names have connections to the brewery itself and its surrounding areas or local characters. Regular beers are Leat, Black Dog Freddy Mild (2008 winner of the Campaign for Real Ale Champion Mild category), Barley Blonde, Border Stones, Iron Town, Rev Rob and Beer O’ Clock. A few places which they can be tasted are; The Punch Bowl at The Green, Black Labrador Underbarrow, Manor Arms Broughton in Furness, Factory Tap Kendal, The Station Inn at Oxenholme, The Queens Hotel Ambleside and Wainwrights in Keswick. Some of the range is bottled and available from the brewery, as well as from Willans food distributors.

What next?

There is high demand for all beers, especially ‘Black Dog Freddy’ which was named after the family black Labrador. Freddy is also included on the Beckstones logo and pump clips. In the future, capacity may increase to allow the production of a wider range of bottled beers and cask conditioned ales. Beckstones will continue to make much loved beer for all to enjoy.

Favourite beer?

Tony thought long and hard about which of his own beers he liked best, but settled on Rev Rob. However, each of the Beckstones family has their own favourite of the Beckstones range. Tony also enjoys beers from other breweries, Thornbridge Jaipur being one of them.

Article with thanks to beer enthusiasts Chris Holland and Judith Moore