(Produced for Ales & Tales)
Meet the... Brewer
Meet the... Brewer
Name: Jerry Hedges
Age: 59
Occupation: Co-Owner of Enville Ales.
- What was your first drink?
Young’s Bitter was in my bottle as a baby. In 1972 I managed to complete the famous Young’s CXLVII (have a pint and collect the landlord’s signature in each of their 147 pubs) and visit the brewery in Wandsworth to collect a free Firkin, tie, Ram badge etc.
- What are your hobbies and interests?
Family, Cask Ale, Stourbridge RFC, TVRs, Travel, Crystal Palace FC, Asian Cuisine
- What is your favourite:
-Food? Cantonese Dim Sun
-Drink that's not Real Ale? Milk
-Music? Soul, Northern Soul, Motown and Blues
- How did you get started in the trade?
It was a genuine ‘Victor Kiam’ moment. My partners and I liked Enville Ale so much we bought the brewery.
- What's the history of your brewery?
Enville Brewery takes its name from and has a long association with the small village of Enville in South Staffordshire.
The original brewery in Enville village, based at The Stamford Arms Hotel, ceased production in 1919 due to loss of manpower in the war. On the Stamford Estate, now known as the Enville Estate, the men at that time received tokens as part of their wages which could be cashed at the brewery for the appropriate volume of beer.
The original brewery in Enville village, based at The Stamford Arms Hotel, ceased production in 1919 due to loss of manpower in the war. On the Stamford Estate, now known as the Enville Estate, the men at that time received tokens as part of their wages which could be cashed at the brewery for the appropriate volume of beer.
The Stamford Arms Hotel which stood behind the Cat Inn, had been built by the then Lord Stamford in 1856-7 in time for a fête and cricket festival in the grounds of Enville Hall which had attracted growing numbers of visitors in the previous few years after Lord Stamford had begun opening the gardens to the public. The hotel was eventually demolished after the Second World War in 1950.
The new brewery, which was established by Mr H. Constantine-Cort in 1992 and began producing Enville Ale the following year, was established some one and a half miles from the original site and draws its brewing liquor from the same source, the original extraction warrant being granted in 1908 by The House of Lords. The new brewery was constructed on a derelict farm known locally as the hamlet of Cox Green.
Enville Ale, which represents more than 50% of the output of over 80 barrels per week, is one of the highly specialised beers produced on the site, the original recipe dating back to approximately 1850 and originating from the proprietors' great-great-aunt who lived in Cumbria. It would have been traditionally described as Beekeepers Ale.
Complementing it‟s local delivery service, Enville works with cask ale distributors to ensure their award-winning ales reach real ale aficionados in perfect condition. We also supply two of the UK's leading Pubcos.
With the need for extra brewing capacity and a much higher demand for Enville's products, the current owners who purchased the brewery in 2007 are investing heavily in efficient processing equipment and carefully controlled brewery expansion.
The brewery uses the finest hops from Evesham in Worcestershire and East Kent and a variety of pure English malts to ensure consistency throughout the brewing process. Fermentation is temperature controlled and unhurried to ensure perfect conditioning and all ale is racked to order from conditioning tanks to guarantee maximum freshness and longevity.
Now, in 2011, the company is aiming to serve its customers to the highest standard and make the name Enville synonymous with quality ale throughout the UK.
- What are your aspirations for your business?
To continue to supply a variety of fine quality cask ales. To introduce new products, expand production and distribution in a controlled manner, acquire our own pub and/or build a visitor centre, win awards and recognition for our commitment to the industry and remain solvent.
- What is your favourite:
-Beer you brew?
Regular: Enville Ginger 4.6% ABV, Seasonal: Enville Phoenix IPA 4.8% ABV
-Beer you don't brew?
Locally: Batham’s Bitter, Nationally: Young’s Bitter
- What's the best and worst thing to happen in the industry in the last 10 years?
-Best
Small brewery duty relief, the growing popularity of cask ale, wider adoption of auto-tilts in cellars
-Worst
Pub closures, increases in duty and VAT, Supermarkets and Wetherspoons
- How do you feel CAMRA could help you in your business?
By promoting our products at festivals, carrying advertising and editorial in their local magazines, suggesting ideas for new brews or events worthy of support and by awarding us with more prestigious awards.
- Which is your favourite pub? (Can be anywhere in the country as long as you don't own it)
I don’t have a favourite. I like any that stock Enville products, care about cask condition and look after their cellar.
Roberto Ross
