We recently took a trip to Andwell Brewing Company, located just a few minutes’ drive away from our newest sibling, The Red Lion on Odiham high street, to meet the maker of the award-winning beers produced here in Hampshire and enjoyed nationwide.
The brewery was founded by Adam Kromrower in 2008 and has grown from strength to strength over the last nine years, increasing from two staff to nine (which is still a small number for a brewery of their scale). Originally located in a smaller site with a 10 barrel output (2,400 pints), they quickly grew in popularity moving into a former trout smokehouse in the idyllic riverside hamlet of Andwell, updating their production line with state of the art equipment, doubling their output and further strengthening efficiency. The smokehouse was a family business which Adam’s father ran successfully for 27 years with the help of Adam and his family. After much success it closed its doors in 2013.
Adam spoke passionately of his time in the family business and in manufacturing great quality British produce. Having this background in production, combined with an education in Hospitality and Catering Management, Adam has grown the brewery over the years, picking up multiple awards such as the SIBA Gold Award in 2013 for the Gold Muddlers Blonde ale and Family Business of the Year in the 2016 Inspire Awards.
Considering that in the last 40 years, there’s been an increase from around 300 to over 2,000 breweries in the UK alone, yet a drop in overall beer consumption, remaining competitive in a market which is fast becoming more saturated is no easy feat. Andwell Brewery’s site also includes a venue for corporate functions, weddings and private function events with a bar and views out to the river Lyde and Hampshire countryside, which help to support the brewery and fully utilise the beautiful location.
Adam took us on a tour of the plant, starting with an in-depth talk on how beer is made, with hands on sampling of the different barley’s and various hops used to give Andwell beers their distinct and award winning taste. We were taken around the 20-barrel brew plant which can produce 6,000 pints in any one brew, most of which is delivered to various establishments in a 35-mile radius. Adam also mentioned that the ever-popular Gold Muddlers ale is currently being supplied further afield by Coors; a milestone which is sure to benefit the brand in gaining national awareness. Another lighthearted milestone was ‘Surviving’ Adam jokingly said in passing while discussing the complexities of the brewing industry.
Andwell Brewing Company currently have 4 great beers, two premium craft lagers and various seasonal beers on offer:
Resolute Bitter – 3.8% abv
A light amber best bitter with balanced aromas and bitterness.
Gold Muddler – 3.9% abv
A golden blond ale with fresh taste and citrus aroma.
King John – 4.2% abv
A rich amber beer with a fruity hoppyness.
Ruddy Darter – 4.6%
A rich ruby ale with a fruity aroma.
In 2013, Red Mist Leisure and Andwell Brewing Company set about making a beer together called Red Mist Ale; this beer is available here and at our seven sister pubs and we donate 20p from every pint poured to the individual pub’s selected local charity. It’s a popular beer with over 20 kegs a month consumed by you, our great customers. The recipe was first developed with our Head of Liquor Procurement, Paul Griffiths, and was later re-worked to be a little lighter with a lower abv (much to Paul’s despair; he enjoys strong ale). Last year we raised just over £5,000 for charity through this initiative, a figure which we hope to surpass this year and with the popularity of the beer continuing to grow, we have no doubt we will!
If you would like to find out more about the Andwell Brewing Company, head over to their website and book onto one of their tours to meet with the maker and of course, sample some of the delightful beers on offer!
Visit the Andwell Brewing Company website