CASTOR ALES DELIVERS ON TIME

Castor Ales, Peterborough’s newest brewery delivered its ale to the beer festival on Saturday only weeks after completing the brewery.

A chance phone call to Simon Raines at Ufford Ales in the spring led to a sequence of events that resulted in the city having another brewery producing craft ale.  Castor Ales’ Duncan Vessey said: ‘ I rang Simon to ask if could watch him brew because I was interested in setting up a brewery, and he said yes, and added do you want to buy the brewery?’

Ufford Ales have increased the capacity of their operation because of the popularity of their craft produced ales, and the Ufford based brewery was more than happy to help Duncan set up the brewery in Castor.

Simon and Duncan’s target was to give Castor Ales the best start possible by producing real ale for the Peterborough Beer Festival, the biggest regional festival in the country and the local CAMRA branch that organises the festival openly encourages new breweries.

It seemed an impossible task when the brewery was still a building site 6 weeks ago! But local builder Maffit Construction completed the building works with a few days to spare.

Maffit’s Martin Humphries said: ‘ We were given a tight schedule and we got to the stage where brewing could commence, and everyone involved is looking forward to tasting the results at the beer festival’

Simon, who helped Duncan fit out the brewery and lent a big hand during the brewing process said: 'Duncan has a passion for real ale, and I have been pleased to help him set up and hopefully the result will be welcomed by the real ales drinkers at the beer festival’.

The community of Castor and Ailsworth has welcomed Castor Ales and many people have offered their support and assistance.

Landlord of the Prince of Wales in Castor Simon Fitch said: ‘ We’re really excited to have a brewery in the village and we look forward to serving beer from Castor Ales’

Castor Ales has produced two beers: Roman Gold a 3.7% golden ale, and Serene Nene, a 4.5% best bitter, and both will be available at the Peterborough Beer Festival.

Ufford Ales will have the following beers available at the festival: White Hart, Golden Drop, Nirvana and Fool’s Gold.

ENDS

Contact: Duncan Vessey, Castor Ales: 07828048664 or 01733 380337