Golden Beers to feature at the Bunch

The award-winning Bunch of Grapes pub in Pontypridd will be holding a Golden Ale Festival this Friday and Saturday with beers from Dark Star, Burton Bridge, Bristol Beer Factory, Monty’s, Red Squirrel, Hopback, Cerddin and of course, Otley Brewing Company.


LIVE MUSIC Friday 12th – 8.30pm

The Garth Mountain Boys
A 5/6 piece band consisting of a typical Bluegrass set up of guitar, banjo, mandolin and double bass with the addition of harmonica and dobro.
The music they play is an eclectic mix of traditional bluegrass songs and instrumentals, old and new Country, self – penned new songs and a selection of pop favourites – all arranged in a ‘Bluegrass’ style.
LIVE MUSIC Saturday 13th April – 8.30pm
Bethan Louise Horton
South Wales solo singer/songwriter playing Country and Pop Covers in her own style. Extremely talented young artist playing a relaxed, acoustic set in the bar

Otley launches beers in keg

DRAUGHTING IN TWO NEW KEG BEERS

Leading, micro-brewery, the Otley Brewing Company kicks off the New Year as it means to go on with two exciting additions to its already extensive beer portfolio.

Two of the brewery’s best loved ales are now available in keg format as well as cask, opening Otley’s beers up to a new audience in restaurants and bars that do not cater for cask or real ales.

The 07 Weissen, a cloudy yet crisp German style Weissen beer will be available along with the big IPA style beer, Motley Brew.

Each of the beers have been firm favourites of Otley fans over the last five years and these additions play just a small part in the brewery’s larger development plans to make 2013 the most innovative year to date.

MD of the Otley Brewing Company, Nick Otley, said: “2013 is going to be a big year for us and launching our keg portfolio is just the beginning. Our aim has always been to be ahead of the game in terms of creativity and innovation and so we hope to push this even further in 2013. We have a number of exciting new brews up our sleeves and with the new, larger brewery we’re excited to see what we can do with the space.

“The brewing industry is continuously evolving and so expanding our keg portfolio is something that we’re going to be looking at doing. The two additions are fantastic for us as it now means that we have a true variety on offer to our customers.”

The Otley Brewing Company will also see the return of its O-Rosie ale as it becomes February’s seasonal ale. The rosemary-infused 4.3% ABV speciality bitter is copper in colour and will be available for the UK from February 1. 

For more information on the Otley Brewing Company, follow the brewery on Twitter @OtleyBrewingCo or like the company’s facebook page to stay up to date with latest brewery news straight from the mash tun.

Otley opens shop doors at new brewery in time for Christmas

Leading south Wales microbrewery, Otley Brewing Company has announced the launch of its new brewery shop which will now be open six days a week.

Located at the brewery’s new 5,500 sq ft unit on the Albion Industrial Estate in Cilfynydd, the shop will stock the full range of Otley’s award winning bottle beers and the latest pressurised mini kegs which hold five litres of beer.

As well as stocking Otley beers the 180 sq ft shop will also house an extensive range of real ales from breweries across the UK and some of the world, making it the first point of call for real ale enthusiasts in south Wales.

The front of house shop is the final part of Otley’s new premises to be completed. The new location has allowed for the brewery to re-instate its in-house bottling facility which will process around 1,500 bottles a day as well as launch brewery tours and tasting sessions, allowing more people to learn about the processes involved in brewing some of the UK’s favourite craft ales.

Nick Otley, managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, said: “It is great to have the shop open and complete the offering that we have at the brewery. Visitors on our brewery tours can now purchase the beers they have sampled on site which we hope will enhance the experience for them.

“We hope that the brewery will now become an essential port of call for any beer and ale enthusiasts and will offer them something unique that they cannot find elsewhere. We’ve opened the doors just in time for Christmas for that those looking to stock up or to give as presents.”

Beer shoppers unable to make the journey to the brewery shop can also purchase Otley beers online at Real Beer Box and, as an added incentive over Christmas, Otley has announced the launch of its golden ticket competition.

Customers who have ordered an Otley Real Beer Box are being asked to look out for a golden ticket among their purchases. Lucky customers who receive a golden ticket are in with the chance of winning either one of six mini kegs, a six-month RealBeerBox subscription and a one-off chance to spend a day brewing at the brewing.
Nick continued: “Real Beer Box is a great way for people to sample our beers that maybe haven’t heard of us before. It makes us even more accessible to the market outside Wales and we hope that our golden ticket competition will not only inspire future beer enthusiasts, but also encourage customers to sample the different beers in our range.

“In particular we are looking forward to working alongside the winner of the brewday ticket and, you never know we might let them brew a beer of their own.”

Follow the Otley Brewing Company on Twitter: @otleybrewingco
Otley Brewing Co
Unit 39
Albion Industrial Estate
Cilfynydd
Pontypridd
RCT
CF37 4NX

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Win a chance to brew beer with Otley Brewery

Leading South Wales microbrewery and former CAMRA Champion Beer of Wales brewer, Otley Brewing Company has launched a Real Beer Box with a difference.

Customers buying an Otley Real Beer Box this Christmas may get an extra surprise with their delivery.

In association with Real Beer Box, Otley Brewing Company has asked its customers to look out for a golden ticket hidden inside the box which could contain a chance to win a brew day at its new brewery in Pontypridd.

The winner will be invited to spend the day alongside the Otley brewers who will show them how the beer
Nick Otley, managing director of Otley Brewing Company, said: “Real Beer Box is a great way for people to sample our beers that may not have heard of us before. It makes us even more accessible to the market outside Wales and we hope that our golden ticket competition will not only inspire future beer enthusiasts, but also encourage customers to sample the different beers in our range.

“In particular we are looking forward to working alongside the winner of the brewing day ticket, and you never know we might let them brew a beer of their own.

As well a day brewing, lucky customers who receive a golden ticket are also in with the chance of winning either one of six mini kegs or a six month RealBeerBox subscription.
Nick continued: “What could be a better present for any beer enthusiast to open on Christmas day than a box of Otley beer and discovering you will be brewing a beer with the Otley boys!”

Otley Brewing Company is based and manufactured on the Albion Industrial Estate in Cilfynydd. The brewery, which recently moved to the premises, manufactures 3,000 bottles each week and has just opened its new front of house shop alongside its brewery tours and tasting sessions.

Otley Brewery hits the catwalk

WELSH BEER TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

Award-winning Welsh brewers, the Otley Brewing Company, will be swapping their kegs and casks for catwalks at London Fashion Week this week (14 to 18 September).

The Otley brewers have been invited to host their own bar at vibrant designer, Eley Kishimoto’s launch party where they will showcase two of the company’s best ales. The German style, 07 Weissen and the Thai green curry flavoured Thai-Bo, will take centre stage at the show and will complement what’s set to be a memorable return to the catwalk for Eley Kishimoto.

The contemporary brewery has grown significantly since it was first established in 2005 and its unusual ales and unique branding has meant that it not only appeals to beer enthusiasts but also to a wider audience of younger, female drinkers.

Nick Otley, pictured above, managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, said: “To be showcasing our beers at one of the world’s most iconic events is a great opportunity for us to bring some Welsh flavour to the show.

“The beer industry is changing in a big way and for us to be hosting our own bar at London Fashion Week is a real sign of how beer is appealing to a young, trendy and more female audience.

“At Otley, we’ve worked hard to establish ourselves as a unique, contemporary brand which aims to transform the traditional image of beer drinkers. We’re excited to be supporting the Eley Kishimoto show and being part of London Fashion Week.”

Otley gets Bigger!

Otley Brewing Company expands to larger premises due to customer demand

 Award-winning Welsh brewery, Otley Brewing Company has purchased a new, larger unit for its brewery to match the surge in customer demand for its cask ales and bottled beers.

The new 5,500 sq ft unit is on the Albion Industrial Estate in Cilfynydd, on the site of the existing brewery.

The larger premises offers twice as much space as the previous premises and will be home for more office space, a front of house shop and will also see the return of the brewery’s in house bottling facility which will process around 1,500 bottles a week.

The new brewery will also open its doors to the public for tours and tasting sessions- allowing more people to learn about the processes involved in brewing some of the UK’s favourite craft ales.

Managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, Nick Otley, said: “This is an exciting time for us at the brewery. We’ve grown so much since first setting up in 2005 and as the demand for our products has significantly grown, moving to larger premises was a natural step for us.

“The new front of house shop will house an extensive range of real ales from some of our favourite breweries across the UK and will certainly be the first point of call for real ale enthusiasts.

“The decision to introduce brewery tours will help us showcase what we have on offer to customers and those interested in beer. We think it’s important we make our brewing methods and processes visible to show how we brew quality ales and it’s a service we’ve been planning to do for a while as a response to customer feedback.”

The brewery move follows Nick Otley’s takeover of the well-loved King’s Arms pub in Pentyrch which took place in February this year.

Otley in top 50 of British Food and Drink

Otley beer makes official top 50 British food and drink list

O-Garden, a clear wheat beer spiced with roasted orange peel, coriander and cloves, crafted by the Otley Brewing Company in Pontypridd, has been named among the best-tasting food and drink products in Britain.
Named Champion Beer of Wales at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival in 2010, the 4.8% beer was chosen from 123 entries awarded a coveted three-star gold from 8,807 products judged in the 2012 Great Taste scheme run by the Guild of Fine Food.
Ranging from beers to brownies, saffron to smoked rack of bacon and mincemeat to marmalade, many reflect the return to more traditional foods but given a modern twist.
Judges this year included Masterchef winner and restaurateur Mat Follas, restaurant critic and Masterchef judge, Charles Campion, food writers Lucas Hollweg and Xanthe Clay and over 300 food buyers from leading food halls, delicatessens and farm shops including Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason.
According to Guild of Fine Food chairman, Bob Farrand, each of these food and drink products was rigorously scrutinised. He said: “To achieve a 3-star grading involves at least 25 experts unanimously agreeing that the product tastes divine.

“But to be included in the Top 50 Foods in Britain meant each one had to satisfy the discerning palates of a further 25 dedicated foodies. These products all deliver the most extraordinary taste.”

Nick Otley, managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, said: “To reach the top 50 Great Taste List is brilliant news and a real testament to the quality of our beers.

“O-Garden has always been a firm favourite in our portfolio since it was first brewed in 2009. Since then it’s received critical acclaim from top beer judges such as Melissa Cole who described it as exciting, refreshing and complex.

“We have only been brewing since 2005 and the company has grown so much since then. It’s an exciting time for the craft beer industry right now and many people are seeking out new flavours and fusions. We’re always thinking of new ways with beer by cooking with it and matching beers to different foods.
“To be part of Great Taste is a fantastic industry stamp of recognition and we’re pleased to have been ranked alongside some other top Welsh and UK food and drink products.”

Above: Nick Otley inspects his bottled beers

Great Taste is the biggest independent benchmarking scheme for local, regional and speciality foods in Britain. Over 350 professional foodies are brought together each year to take part in 45 days of judging, deciding which foods deserve one-star, two-star or the ultimate three-star awards.
The scheme has become known for launching little-known artisan producers into the big time of the fine food world, while occasionally discovering the odd mainstream surprise. Speciality foods in this year’s Top 50 also include a North African Berber cake made in Gloucestershire, a pear juice from a college in Warwickshire, a sourdough miches from Cumbria, a corned pork from Northern Ireland and a Lithuanian Scalded Rye Bread from Essex.

The annual programme culminates with the ‘Golden Fork’ Awards in London in September and the naming of the Great Taste Supreme Champion, a title won last year by a corned beef from traditional Northern Ireland butcher, McCartney’s of Moira which has been nominated again in 2012.

Going O out for Otley at the Bunch

Award-winning Otley Brewery are featuring a weekend of their beers at their pub, the Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd.

Above: Nick Otley at a previous Otley Festival in the Bunch

A showcase of the award winning Otley Brewing Company with a wide selection of Beers, all on handpull

What’s On -
Friday 29th June
Night: Live New Orleans style music from ‘The Occasional Brass Ensemble’

Saturday 30th June
Day: BBQ
Night: Rock and Blues Guitar Duo ‘Rustie Nutz’

Sunday 1st July
Soak up the rest of the beers with our epic Sunday Lunch

ON THE MAIN BAR
O1 – 4.0%
Our Flagship Golden Ale

CroesO 4.2%
Light, hoppy and delicate with big aromas. This is the Bunch’s house Ale and is hugely drinkable, as our regulars will attest to!

Thai-bO – 4.6%
Infused with lemongrass, lime leaf galangal and lime zest.  Fabulous with food, equally refreshing on its own!

O4 Columbo – 4.0%
In your face hop refreshment. Gold Medal in the Golden Ale category at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival 2011

O-Garden – 4.7%
Clear wheat beer flavoured with roasted Orange peel, coriander and cloves

Oxymoron – 5.5%
Our Black IPA, brewed to look dark and taste light. Dry hopped with five different varieties – the result is both complex and satisfying.

O7 Weissen – 5.0%
Usually found in the Bunch in kegged form, for this weekend we have it Cask Conditioned. A lighter wheat beer with banana aromas and lemony aftertaste.

O3 Boss – 4.4%
A traditional, chestnut red coloured bitter with American hops for flavour and aroma

O5 Gold – 5.0%
American hops and lager malt. Quaffable refreshment.

Stonegate – 4.0%

O6 Porter – 6.6%
An old style porter with a deep and full flavour.  Truly satisfying with smooth mouth feel

ON THE FESTIVAL BAR
Not So – 5.5%
A modern take on the ‘Old Ale’ style. U.S., New Zealand and British hops unite!

O–Roger – 5.4%
A classic Burton Ale brewed with Roger Protz in the summer of 2011, with a slightly higher level of hops! Will you ever see this Beer again?

Saison Obscura – 5.5%
A continental dark Saison.  Flavoured with Grains of Paradise, Curacoa and orange peel.

O-Ho-Ho [vintage cask] – 5.0%
Our Christmas ale, blueberry infused.  Bitter with a delicate rose hue.

O-Mai – 4.3%
Our seasonal beer for May, pale and summery with fresh raspberries added late to the brew

O-Rosie 4.3%
Single hopped and infused with rosemary

Grape vs Grain at the Bunch of Grapes

GRAPE VS GRAIN: The two greats go head to head at an award-winning Welsh pub


Tuesday, June 19 at 7pm at the Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd
Flagship pub of the Otley Brewing Company, the Bunch of Grapes, in Pontypridd, is inviting people from across south Wales to an evening of fine dining with a twist. This evening will allow diners to judge which tipple tastes best with fine food- real ale or wine.

Diners will be served both ale and wine alongside each of the five courses and will be asked to judge which compliments each dish best. This evening has not been designed for real ale or wine experts but is an evening for everyone to learn more about the wonderful worlds of finely brewed ale and quality wine.

Each course will be carefully prepared by critically acclaimed head chef of the Bunch of Grapes, Sebastien Vanoni where he will use locally sourced produce to produce some of the Bunch of Grapes’ most memorable, signature dishes. MD of the pub and of the Otley Brewing Company, Nick Otley, will head up the real ale team with bar manager Gareth Hutt and they will go head to head with wine connoisseur Max Lloyd of Bibendum Wines and Manager of the Bunch of Grapes, Nina Richards.
With over 27 million* Britons being classed as wine drinkers compared with only 7.8 million** real ale drinkers, the Otley Brewing Company is campaigning to change this by highlighting the diversity of real ale and how it is just as satisfying as a cold glass of high quality white wine.
Nick Otley, said: “It’s a known fact that a good wine can make a great dish taste even better but we want to get people thinking about the wonders of real ale too and how its flavours can really enhance certain dishes.
“We’ve used the ale we brew in meals at the Bunch for quite some time now and our customers can’t get enough of our Otley beer ice cream, O6 porter reduction and Oxymoron jus. If they enjoy the ale so much in their meals then we can guarantee that they will enjoy them as accompaniments too.
“It’s also great having Max on board, he’s so passionate about quality wine which means he’s a great match for Gareth and I when we take centre stage in convincing diners which drink works best with each course. We’re sure that the evening will be a memorable one and I’m sure that both teams will work as hard as possible to ensure their tipple reigns supreme.”
The ultimate battle between ale and wine will begin at 7pm on Tuesday, June 19 at the Bunch of Grapes. The evening costs just £40 per head (or £140 for four) which includes the five course meal, ales and wines. Places are limited so it is advised that those wanting to attend book their places as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please book your place by contacting the Bunch of Grapes on 01443 402934.
Five course meal to include:

On arrival
Live Colchester oyster

1st course
Nightingale bush nettle soup
Peppered crème fraiche
Sourdough bread

2nd course
Seared Carpaccio of welsh beef fillet,
Pickled girolle mushroom, watercress
3rd course
Filo papillotte of Anglesey farmed seabass, ginger, chilli and coriander
Wild and red Camargue rice

4th course
Confit leg of free-range Wye valley chicken
Pea, broad beans and Swiss chard
Mustard jus

5th course
British Raspberry crème brûlée
Lavender shortbread

Otley and Brains join forces to run rural pub

King’s Arms given new lease of life


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A pub on the outskirts of Cardiff at Pentyrch, the King’s Arms, is celebrating its official opening this weekend (15-17 June) by hosting a beer festival with live bands, entertainment and a bbq.
Owned by Brains and run by the Otley Brewing Company, the Grade II listed building has undergone an extensive renovation including an exterior facelift and refurbishment of the bar and restaurant area.

Many of the original features have been retained including a mid-nineteenth century bar, flagstone flooring, oak beams and fireplace in the snug bar area.

The pub will serve a range of premium bottled and draught beers including an award-winning range of Brains and Otley ales. The pub’s menu has been designed to celebrate the best of Welsh produce with dishes including sautéed Welsh mussels mariniére style, home-made bread, slow braised lamb shank in Otley ale, laverbread and lemon with Jersey royal potatoes and Welsh gold home-made ice cream.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can dine from a special barbeque will serve a range of meats prepared by head chef, Ken Bell, as well as a salad bar and vegetable dishes.

Nick Otley: “The King’s Arms is a traditional Welsh longhouse pub and the renovation work we’ve carried out celebrates its history as it retains many of its original features while breathing a new lease of life into the building. The pub dates back to the 1700s and we are pleased to have brought it up to date with a fresh look and feel while still in keeping with its original style.

“We’re fortunate in Wales to have some of the best food and drink producers and we’re looking to celebrate this produce through our menu and the drinks we put behind the bar. Our ethos is centred on sourcing sustainably and locally, much like our sister pub, The Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people from the village and surrounding area to come and see the new King’s Arms this weekend to enjoy live entertainment and some delicious food and drink.”

Owned by Brains Brewery, the pub was taken over in March 2012 by Nick Otley from family-run, local micro-brewery, the Otley Brewing Company. The brewery, based in Cilfynydd, produces award-winning portfolio and seasonal beers which will be showcased at The King’s Arms.

Twitter: @KingsArmsWales
Facebook

Kings Arms

Church Road
Pentyrch
Cardiff
CF15 9QF

Otley use Brains for New Pub

Otley Brewery opens first pub outside Pontypridd

The award-winning Otley Brewing Company has opened its first pub outside of Pontypridd by taking the keys to the popular King’s Arms in Pentyrch.


The Brains owned pub, which is set in the heart of the village, will see a change in menu, décor and will offer a wider selection of real ales. Otley hopes to recreate the success of its critically-acclaimed flagship pub The Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd, which is famed for its fresh, locally sourced food, award-winning beers and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Nick Otley, the managing director of The Bunch of Grapes, and now The King’s Arms, said: “This is a big step for us as a business. Our brewery and pubs are all based in Pontypridd and this is our first venture outside of the area. The King’s Arms is a terrific pub with a good reputation and bags of character and we want to build on that. It fits in perfectly with our ethos of what makes a great local restaurant and real ale pub. We want to bring a flavour of the Bunch of Grapes to The King’s Arms while still retaining the charm and homeliness that has made the pub so popular with locals and visitors for years.”The King’s Arms is a Grade II listed building that dates back to the 16th Century and features the original flagstone floors, oak beams and a roaring open log fire. It also has a large beer garden.

The Otley family opened The Otley Brewery in Pontypridd in 2005 and soon took on three pubs in the area. Its range of beers and real ales quickly became the drink of choice for beer and ale drinkers looking for new flavours and styles. The unique branding and clever seasonal offerings from Otley have seen them become stocked in bars and restaurants right across Wales.

Nick continued: “We will permanently run our popular 01 golden ale at the King’s Arms bar as well as a second ale on rotation to give people the chance to sample other flavours. These ales will complement the excellent range of beers that Brains supplies.

“Ken Bell - one of our fantastic chefs from The Bunch of Grapes - is our new head chef at The King’s Arms and he will be showcasing the best seasonal, local produce and some fantastic homemade specials. We also have one of our best managers taking over the day-to-day running of the pub – Joanne Davies. We are really looking forward to meeting everyone in the village and hope they will call in soon to say hello to Ken, Joanne and the rest of the team and enjoy a pint.”

Richard Davies, sales and marketing director at Brains, added: “Nick has built a very strong business in Pontypridd and the Bunch of Grapes is a truly excellent offer. We are delighted that Nick has taken on the King’s Arms as a tenant and we look forward to working with him to maximise the potential of the pub.”

The new menu will launch at The King’s Arms on February 10 and the official opening will be held in April.



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O for Odessa

Thursday sees the launch of a new beer that has been maturing for a year in whiskey for almost a year, Odessa from Otley Brewery, brewed in collaboration with Pete Brown is an Imperial Stout that has been brewed with ginger and chocolate.

More details at Pete's blog over here.
Suffice to say the beer will be launched in a number of London pubs as well as the usual outlets in Pontypridd and Trefforest.
London pubs and times:

1.       The White Horse, Parsons Green, between 1pm & 2pm

2.       The Rake, Borough, between 3pm & 4pm

3.       The Jolly Butchers, Stoke Newington, between 5pm & 6pm

4.       The Southampton Arms, Kentish Town, between 7pm & 8pm

Otley Porter makes a welcome return in January

Otley Brewing Company brings back best-seller for January

The Otley Brewing Company is relaunching the award-winning O6 Porter for January. O6 is a 6.6%, old-style porter with a deep and full flavour. A satisfying beer crafted from four different malts and a single hop, the O6 is one of the company’s best selling beers.

Otley Brewery is taking orders from the start of January.

Nick Otley, managing director of Otley, said: “The O6 is an old favourite and became one of our best-selling beers since it picked up two awards at the 2009 Great Welsh Beer Festival. It won Gold in the Porters category and a Bronze for overall winner so we’re pleased to be making it available to our customers across the UK.”

For more information on the Otley Brewing Company, please follow @OtleyBrewingCo on Twitter, visit their facebook page or visit the website www.otleybrewing.co.uk.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Bunch

One of Wales' best pubs, the Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd, will be celebrating the New Year with their annual New Year's Eve Beer Festival tomorrow (Sat).

 Photo courtesy of Dave RATS

No beer list (yet!) but the beers featured will be the favourites of the landlord from throughout the year so expect some great beers from breweries across the UK as well as a few specials from the Otley Brewery lads.
Last year the festival featured beers from Thornbridge, Brewdog and Saltaire breweries to name just a few and the only downside was having to leave at 7pm to catch the train home! Its New Year's Eve so the trains will be stopping early.
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Nick Otley on You Tube

I've only just found this on You Tube, its of Nick Otley from Otley Brewery talking about cask ale

Bunch of Grapes celebrates Thanksgiving

 Photo Courtesy of Dave RATS

The multi-award winning pub, the Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd, will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week, starting on Thursday 24th and continuing until Sunday 27th November.
As well as American specials on the menu such as Clam Chowder and Southern fried chicken thighs with sweet potato steak fries and coleslaw, there is also an extensive American Beer List.

Draught on the Festival bar:

Sierra Nevada

Torpedo Extra IPA
Celebration Ale
Porter
Kolsch

 

Big Foot IPA 
Barley Wine
Pilsner
 

Flying Dog

Snake Dog IPA
Doggie Style

Odell
Cut Throat Porter
5 Barrel Pale
IPA

Victory
Prima Pils

Bottles 34 various beers on the MAIN BAR:

Sierra Nevada
Odell
Goose Island
Brooklyn
Anchor
Flying Dog
Victory
Maui
Coronado
Indigo Imp

 

Cask Ales on the MAIN BAR

Otley Brewing Company -
U.S.O American Pale Ale
Utobeer American Red
Oxymoron American Black
O3 Boss dry hopped with cascade and Chinook American Red style
Trio dry hopped with Centennial
Tri-O dry hopped with Nugget

Bunch of Grapes
Ynysangharad Road
Pontypridd
CF37 4DA

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Bunch of Bottles in Pontypridd

A THIRST FOR WALES: BUNCH OF GRAPES BOTTLED BEER FESTIVAL

Wales’ first ever bottled beer festival will be held at the Bunch of Grapes gastro pub in Pontypridd on October 14 to 16.

The Otley Brewing Company will welcome over 150 of the World’s best bottled beers to its flagship pub for Wales’ first ever bottled beer extravaganza. The three day event will hold host to beers which have never been served in Wales before and bottled Russian Stouts, German Hefeweizen and American Pale Ales will take over the predominantly cask ale pub.

As this is a first event of its kind in Wales, it is expected to draw in customers from across south Wales and beer writers and enthusiasts from across the UK. The Otleys will also welcome author of ‘Good Bottled Beer Guide’, Jeff Evans, to the pub to talk about the best bottled beers available from around the globe.

Jeff Evans is well known in the UK and USA for his knowledge of quality beer and has hosted beer talks and tasting sessions at public events such as at the Great British Beer Festival and has also shared his expertise on BBC’s Good Food show. Jeff has been writing about beer professionally since the 1980’s.

Nick Otley, managing director of the Bunch of Grapes and Otley Brewing Company said: “We are already known for our Otley bottled beer range, but it is also important that we introduce different flavours and styles to our customers too. It was essential that we could pull together the biggest selection of quality bottled beers from all over the world to the Bunch, to really get our customers excited and to bring them something new.

“We have recently been certified as the official Welsh arm of the Beer Academy and so educating our customers about great beers is an even bigger part of what we believe in now. We’ve hand-picked an amazing selection of beers for the festival and can assure that we will not only bring Wales’ first bottled beer festival to Pontypridd but we will also have the best beer selection on offer too. Quality hops and unusual flavours are really important to us and we can assure that any beers we introduce during this festival will tick those boxes.”

Entry to the Bottled Beer Festival is free and will start from 11am and finish at 11pm daily.

Some of the beers coming on:
American

Anchor Brewing - San Fransisco
Steam Beer – 4.8%
Liberty Ale – 5.9%
Porter – 5.6%

Brooklyn Brewery - NYC
Brown Ale – 5.6%
Black Chocolate Stout – 10.0%
East India Pale Ale – 6.8%

Flying Dog Brewery- Maryland
Doggie Style – 5.5%
Road Dog Porter – 6.0%
Raging Bitch – 8.3%
Tire Bite – 5.1%

Goose Island - Chicago
312 Urban Wheat – 4.4% (as served in the White House!)
Honkers Ale – 4.3%
India Pale Ale – 5.9%

Sierra Nevada
Pale Ale – 5.6%

Belgian

De Koninck – 5.0%
Duvel – 8.5%
Kwak – 8.4%
La Chouffe – 8.0%
Mc Chouffe – 8.0%
Houblon Chouffe - 9.0%
Vedett Blonde – 5.0%
Vedett White - 4.7%
Belgoo Magus – 6.6%
Van Honsebrouke Brigand – 9.0%
Van Honsebrouke Kasteel Blonde 7 – 7.0%
Van Honsebrouke Kasteel Brune 11 – 11.0%
Cantillion Geuze – 5.0%
Cantillon Kriek – 5.0%
Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus – 5.0%
Cuvee Des Trolls – 7.0%
Delirium Tremens – 8.5%
Duchesse de Bourgogne – 6.2%
Mongozo Coconut – 4.5%
Rochefort 8 - 9.2%
Rochefort 10 - 11.3%
Saison Silly – 5.0%
Brasserie Dubuisson Scaldis Ambre – 12.0%
Urthel Hop It – 9.5%

Abbey & Trappist

monastic or monastic-style beer

Chimay Red Cap – 7.0%
Chimay White Cap – 8.0%
Chimay Blue Cap – 9.0%
Karmeliet Tripel – 8.4%
La Trappe Blonde – 6.5%
La Trappe Tripel – 8.0%
Maredsous Blonde – 6.0%
Maredsous Brune – 8.0%
Maredsous Triple - 10.0%
Orval – 6.2%
Westmalle Dubbel – 7.0%
Westmalle Tripel – 9.5%

German

Erdinger
Hefe Weiss – 5.3%
Urweisse – 5.2%
Hefe Dunkel – 5.6%
Pikantus – 7.3%

Flensburger
Pils – 4.8%

Fruh
Kolsch – 4.8%

Kuppers
Kolsch – 4.8%

Schlenkerla
Rauchbier Marzen – 5.1%
Rauchbier Weizen – 5.2%

Schneider
Aventinus – 8.2%
Original – 5.4%
Grunes – 6.2%

Jever
Pils – 4.9%

Maisels
Weiss – 5.4%

Schlosser
Alt – 4.8%

St. Georgenbrau
Kellerbier 4.9%

Veltins – 4.8%

Fruit Beers



Bacchus
Framboise – 5.0%
Kriek – 5.8%

Liefmans
Cuvee Brut (Kriek) – 6.0%
Fruitesse – 4.2%

Timmermans
Framboise – 4.0%
Kriek – 4.0%

Czech

Bohemia Regent Dark Lager – 4.4%
Bohemia Regent President 6.0%

Eggenberger
Hopfenkonig (Hop King) – 5.1%

Dutch

Budels
Organic Lager – 5.0%

Italian

Menabrea 4.8%

For more information please visit the Bunch of Grapes website or follow the pub on Twitter @BunchGrapesCF37. 

Bunch of Grapes, Ynysangharad Road, Pontypridd, R.C.T., CF37 4DA

Beer Academy in Wales

SOUTH WALES PUB NAMED OFFICIAL WELSH ARM OF UK BEER ACADEMY

Pontypridd pub, The Bunch of Grapes has been officially named as the first official outlet for The Beer Academy in Wales. 

Founded in 2003, The Beer Academy is an international body that helps people understand, appreciate and enjoy beer sensibly. The Academy is supported by brewers, beer retailers, trade associations and consumer groups and delivers training courses as well as talks, tastings and workshops.

The Bunch of Grapes Beer Academy has already attracted 165 members who have enjoyed exclusive events including tutored tastings and beer and food matching event with world-renowned beer writers including Melissa Cole and Roger Protz.

Nick Otley (pictured outside the Bunch), managing director of The Bunch of Grapes and the Otley Brewing Company, said: “To be declared the first official Welsh arm of the Beer Academy is a real badge of honour for us. It will help us on our way to establishing the pub as a centre of excellence for real ale and will boost our efforts to encourage more people to share our passion for beer.

“The Beer Academy at the Bunch of Grapes is a meeting point for people to get together and learn about, experience, taste and enjoy beer in all its wonderful varieties. We’re really keen for more people to join the Beer Academy at the Bunch and learn about what makes real ale so special. It’s fast-becoming a drink of choice for a younger, more discerning drinker and this is reflected in our member base which is made up of a large proportion of under 35s.”

The next event at the Bunch of Grapes is a three day festival from 14 October which will bring 150 bottled beers from all over the world to Wales, many for the first time.

Beer Academy director, Simon Jackson, said: “Beer is not only the world’s most popular alcoholic drink, it is also the most diverse.  The Beer Academy’s ambition is to open people’s eyes to the dazzling varieties of different beers that they can enjoy and how to present them in perfect condition.  We are delighted that the Bunch has come on board to spread our message in Wales.”

The Beer Academy at the Bunch is free to join and is open to anyone who is keen to develop their interest in real ale. Sign up to receive the latest news and information about what’s going on in the world of beer and forthcoming events. 

Register by emailing info@bunchofgrapes.org.uk

Otley looks to New Zealand for hoppy October

OTLEY INTRODUCES KOWHAI EXCLUSIVELY FOR OCTOBER

After a successful award-winning year so far, the growing Otley brewing Company has launched its popular pale ale, Kowhai, to kick off the Autumn.

Between the colours of light copper and yellow gold, Kowhai is quaffable, 4.9% ABV ale with a delicious aroma of berry fruits and vanilla and an initial kick of bitterness.

Kowhai is brewed with Pacific Gem and Hallertauer hops, both from New Zealand. The origin of this ale is also reflected in its name, a Maori translation of ‘yellow tree’.

Nick Otley, managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, said: “Kowhai was first introduced last year and was a big success with many customers complementing the unusual, strong flavours. It’s the perfect combination of zesty summer fruits with the added mellow flavours of vanilla.  The berry consistency provides an initial bitter punch that is perfectly matched to the start of Autumn.”

Kowhai is available in cask to UK trade customers throughout October and will also be available in pubs across London, south Wales and the South West.

For more information follow @Otleybrewingco on Twitter or visit their website.

Otley ice cream!

OTLEY BREWERY LAUNCHES BEER FLAVOURED ICE CREAM AT BUNCH OF GRAPES PUB

The Bunch of Grapes gastro-pub in Pontypridd has launched a range of beer flavoured ice-creams and sorbets to its menu.
The Bunch of Grapes, run by Nick Otley from the Otley Brewing Company, has created an O-Garden sorbet, a Thai-Bo sorbet and Dark-O ripple ice-cream which are already proving popular.
The former CAMRA Champion Beer of Wales, O-Garden is a clear 4.8% wheat beer flavoured with cloves, coriander and roasted orange peel which complements the light texture of sorbet, while the coffee and chocolate rich Dark-O ale works well with the thicker texture of ice cream. Head chef at the Bunch of Grapes, Sebastian Vanoni, said: “Otley beers are renowned for being flavoursome which means they work well with our sorbets and ice-creams, creating exciting new dishes for our dessert menu. We always like to experiment with food and beer by using our own ale in our dishes and through food matching events. We’ve not seen beer being used in ice-cream in any other restaurants in Wales so we’re excited to be offering something truly unique using quality local ingredients.”
The Bunch of Grapes sells more than 40 beer ice-cream dishes each week and is now planning to make them
permanent fixtures on the menu. Priced at £4.30, each dish comes with three scoops of ice-cream or sorbet.
For more information on the Bunch of Grapes and for a snap-shot of the menu, please visit their website.
 or follow on twitter @bunchgrapesCF37.

Bunch of Grapes
Ynysangharad Road
Pontypridd
CF37 4DA
Tel: 01443 402934