A series of brews named after pivotal points in Kentish history is set to go on sale next month.
The Wantsum Brewery, founded by former Pfizer executive James Sandy, will be selling its beers in various pubs including The Red Cow, Sandwich, and The Crown at Finglesham.
They include 1381 (named for the Peasants’ Revolt), Turbulent Priest (in honour of martyred Archbishop Thomas Becket) and Black Pig, the name for the ships of the Spanish Armada, whose wreckage was washed up on the coast near Deal after they were sunk by the English fleet.
Indeed, timbers from one vessel form the structure of a pub called The Black Pig in Staple.
The new micro-brewery has been funded by Mr Sandy’s pay-off from his last job after he took a redundancy package.
“I wanted to do something positive and entrepreneurial and I’ve always been interested in brewing,” he said.
“I know these are difficult times to set up in business, so I have called the flagship beer in my range Fortitude – as I feel that is what it takes to be successful in difficult times.
“When I was a manager I always talked to people I worked with about entrepreneurial skills and asked what they had achieved in that direction.
“I usually got rather feeble answers, so I thought when I had the opportunity I would heed my own words.
“Also I have to have some cash coming in to keep off the dole, so why not do something that I have always been interested in – rather than the safe option of going after another corporate post?”
A selection of pubs across east Kent has agreed to take the range of beers, which is currently finishing its fermentation process and being put into barrels ready for transportation this week.
“I spoke to members of the Campaign for Real Ale and they pointed me in the right direction when it comes to free houses,” said Mr Sandy.
“I wanted to increase the range of beers on offer to people who enjoy a quality drink.
“I like a beer, but too often when I visit a pub for a drink I come away disappointed at what I have been offered.”
POSTED: 25/09/2009 07:00:00
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