A Blog by Brewery Bird
Deep in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, on a farm in Hullavington (approx. six miles south of Malmesbury), it’s 7.30am and the clanging of barrels can be heard, accompanied by the heady aroma of ovaltiney mashed barley and muttered expletives (the latter the result of a minor altercation between Tony Kemp, owner / Director of Flying Monk Brewery and the office computer).
Tony, the tall, saintly and athletic looking man (his own words), behind Flying Monk alongside friends, lan Morrison retired businessman, Anthony Hibbard, local entrepreneur, and Richard Pickford first met playing rugby for Minety RFC in a decade-that shall-not-be-named .
In 2013, premises on Bradfield Manor Farm were secured and a 20 barrel brew-plant was eventually installed. A full time drayman, assistant brewer and part-time office assistant make up the small but perfectly formed team.
Overseen by Mark Wallington (founder of Archers Brewery, Swindon), work commenced on perfecting the first brew which would eventually become known as Eimers (named after 11th century monk, Brother Elmer who in 1010 decided that jumping from the tower of Malmesbury Abbey aided by a set of dubiously-crafted wings would¬ be a jolly wheeze. Sadly, Wiltshire Air Ambulance wasn’t even a pipe dream back then and he never walked, or flew again.
In March 2014, Eimers a 3.8% pale bitter, brewed with East Kent Geldings hops on a bed of Maris Otter malt was finally made available to eager drinkers in the Whole Hog, Malmesbury (run by Tony’s brother Michael) and was given a thumbs up all round. This light, biscuity and slightly fruity session bitter has remained the breweries sole brew in an effort to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction. Until now.
In keeping with local history, and continuing the monastic theme, new permanent beer Habit which at 4.2% is a stronger and maltier-tasting beer than Eimers- dark amber, smooth and with just a hint of hop bitterness is now available.
Whilst happy with the first tasting, Tony confirms that a ‘bit of tweaking’ may be applied to ensure optimum flavour.
Seasonal beers are planned for 2016 and bottling will commence in May ensuring wider availability both commercially and for the drinker at home!
Pubs in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Gloucestershire are currently delivered to.
Meet The Brewer ....
Apprentice brewer, Will Tunicliffe, a former tyrefitter from Chippenham has been with Flying Monk just under a year, and at 23, is one of the youngest brewers in the country, Vital Slats are as follows:
Star Sign: Pisces
Favourite Colour: Purple
Price of a Pint of Beer: What, you have to pay for it?
Favourite Brewery Task: Brewing
Least Favourite Task: Cleaning (girlfriend confirms)
Favourite Food: Burgers and chips
Favourite Beer: Habit
Would Like To Brew: A ketchup beer (oh, the youth of today)