Apr 23 2011
Club Visit To Brewery
On Wednesday 20th April, club members enjoyed an interesting visit to the Crouch Valr Brewery in South Woodham Ferrers. We set out from the Springhouse Club by mini-bus driven by Andrew Brogan, and arrived at the brewery at 7 p.m. just in time for a welcoming drink. Our guide “Olly” briefed us about the methods used in beer brewing and we were able to sample the different types of malt and hops. We were then given a guided tour of the brewery. It was interesting to learn that in these hard financial times, Crouch Vale’s sales are on a high with the brewery operating close to its maximum capacity. They brew only premium standard beers which are made purely from malt, hops and of course water. When asked if there were any additional ingredients like coriander, cardomen etc. we were told an emphatic no, as they do not consider this as necessary. After the tour we returned for another “taster” before setting off for The Queens Arms in Chelmsford for a buffet and the opportunity to taste a wider selection of Crouch Vale beers i.e. Amarillo, Essex Boys, as well as Summer Gold and their stock bitter. We all had a good time and we would like to thank “Olly” for his time and most entertaining presentation.
