A craft revolution

In conversation with Brewing Director, Georgina Young, we delve into what makes St Austell Brewery’s signature cask ales the top beverages we all know and love.

Having been founded in 1851 by Walter Hicks, it’s safe to say that St Austell Brewery knows a thing or two about brewing, with over 150 years of practise behind the well-known Cornish brand. Georgina Young, Brewing Director of this long-standing establishment, gives us a glimpse into the brewery’s rich history, and an exciting insight into the inner workings of exactly what goes into the uniquely delicious cask ales we enjoy today.

“Back in 1851, it was only cask beers they were drinking,” Georgina begins, “and although we’ve much-improved the process since then, the basic elements remain the same; it’s all entirely natural. Using malted barley and hops grown on British fields, fermented with yeast and natural Cornish water known for its ‘soft’ qualities, the end result is something we’ve been working on for a long time, and it’s something we’re very proud of.”

Bottled and kegged beer is known for being fizzier than cask ales. This is because carbon dioxide is added in, whereas in cask ales it forms naturally. Over a seven-day process, yeast converts the natural starches and sugars found in the barley into alcohol and flavour compounds. Most of the yeast is then removed, but a little is left behind to continue to work its magic in the cask down in the cellar, giving the beer its natural body and a slight tingle.

One of the latest additions to the St Austell Brewery collection is Anthem, a golden pale ale brewed with 100% British ingredients. A combination of four hop varieties brings the beer’s mango, peach, apricot and melon flavours to the forefront, and at 3.8% Anthem is a truly delightful tipple. “Where cask ales may once have been associated with an older generation, with a traditionally earthy and bitter taste,” Georgina continues, “today’s hops breeding programmes mean bigger, fruitier flavours are entering the craft beer market, appealing to a much wider audience.”

With a strict quality system that means Master Cellermen in pubs across the south west ensure flawless maintenance and delivery from cask to glass, St Austell Brewery is proud to deliver the perfect pint every time, so make sure to try it for yourself on your next visit to the pub, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

ST AUSTELL BREWERY
www.staustellbrewery.co.uk