Stancill Brewery
‘Summit’ special
There’s something a little unusual about Stancill’s latest beer offering, which showcases the powerful US-produced Summit hops within the new special.
Taking its name for the hop variety featured in the new beer, Summit (4.5%) is a pale ale which explores many of the different flavour characteristics associated with the relatively new hop variety.
The idea for a beer being produced exclusively using Summit hops was developed by Stancill’s head brewer Dean Pleasant who wanted to explore the unusual tangerine and citrus flavours associated with Summit hops.
First produced in 2003, Summit is a relatively new dwarf hop variety and, according to Dean, one which can pack a powerful punch! Dean said: “Summit hops are typically used in IPAs and pale ales because of the strong flavours it develops. Beers produced using Summit hops can have a relatively unusual taste, depending on the quantities of the hops used.”
“They typically have noticeable pine characteristics within their aroma, whilst some brewers who have used large quantities of the hops have reported their beers have tasted of onions and garlic, meaning that it’s definitely a hop variety which needs to be treated with a certain degree of respect! Our Summit beer relies entirely on the summit hops for its flavourings from this relatively new hop variety.”
Employee of the month receives special beery treat!
She joined Stancill Brewery less than two months ago, but new Business Development Manager Lucy Machin has already found herself immortalised in the mash tun after helping the brewery to achieve a record-breaking month in terms of new business orders.
Lucy’s efforts impressed the brewery bosses so much that when planning their latest special beer, Stancill decided to reward her efforts by naming it in in her honour.
The new special brew, simply called Lucy, is a classic English pale ale with a twist and uses three varieties of English hops to create a refreshing, easy drinking brew which can be enjoyed all year round. Fuggle hops give this brew a delicate, floral aroma, while Styrian and First Gold hops provide a balanced taste with plenty of flavour.
Lucy said: “I’ve worked in jobs where employees receive treats for their efforts, but never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that there would be a beer available to drink in Sheffield which has been named after me!”
Thomas Gill, Managing Director of Stancill Brewery said: “In recent months we’ve used our special brews as a way of thanking the efforts of our staff. Last month apprentice brewer Jonathan decided to name our special after his son, and we wanted to use our September special to reflect the sheer hard work and dedication Lucy has invested in her new role with the brewery.”
Lucy and Summit are both available in selected pubs throughout South Yorkshire including Stancill’s brewery taps The Horse and Jockey, Wadsley, the Norfolk Arms, Grenoside and the recently re-opened Albion on London Road and CAMRA members receive a 20% discount on all Stancill real ales sold within the pubs.
Mick said: “This beer is without doubt one of the most unusual ones I’ve produced. It’s one which has been in the planning stages for a number of months and when using such a high number of different hop varieties it was important to balance the flavours to create the unique taste.”
“Making a beer with lots of hop varieties takes a lot of preparation, as it can be easy for one variety to dominate another, but I’m really pleased with the end result and we decided to complete our North American adventure by commissioning special artwork for the pump clip.”
Snoqualmie will be available from the beginning of September in selected pubs for a limited period.
New canned beer range launched
Chantry Brewery is releasing a number of beers from its core range in cans. At present, the brewery’s award-winning Iron & Steel bitter (4.0%), New York Pale (3.9%), Steelos (4.1%) and Mighty Millers (5.5%) are available in the new format.
The beers are available from all Chantry pubs and can also be ordered via the brewery website: 
The closest of Sheffield’s clubs to the city centre, Bramall Lane has been in use as a sporting venue for more than 150 years. Its central location means there is a plethora of choices for discerning drinkers in the local area.
Wednesday moved to their current location in 1899 having previously played in the Lowfield area of the city but being forced to find a new ground following the extension of the railways. Being a little further out, there aren’t quite as many pubs, but still plenty of choice for fans of real ale.
Almost 250 metres above sea level on the western edge of Sheffield lies Sandygate, the home of Hallam FC since 1860, making it the oldest football ground in continuous use in the world. The plight of the Plough across the road from the stadium has been well documented, but real ale connoisseurs still have a number of options in the local area.
It was easy to see why the Harlequin is so popular with cider drinkers, with 27 real and craft ciders and perries available on the evening. The blackboard with a description of each of the ciders, tasting notes and very handy sweetness scale allows drinkers who may not be as familiar with cider to make a more informed choice and encourages people to be a bit more adventurous, which can only be a good thing.
Congratulations once again to Liz and all the team at the Harlequin! 
Walks included the wild Atlantic Coast and Croagh Patrick Ireland’s Holy Mountain. The ascent of 2,510ft was very challenging; scree, boulders and a rough path (penitents often make the pilgrimage barefoot, we had boots on). The view from the summit was fantastic. The descent was really difficult but as we walked across the car park, yes “Campbell’s Pub” alongside.
We hired cycles and rode 42 km along the “Great Western Greenway”, which follows an old Railway Track from the Island of Achill to Westport Quay. It is fantastic trail, moorland, alongside lochs, views of mountains (including Croagh Patrick across the Bay), and wonderful café en route. A mini-bus to the start of the trail, on returning the cycles at Westport we were asked if we need transport to our accommodation, we said no thank you but “can you recommend a really good pub?“ The young lady said the nearest of many was just across the road.
We hired mini-buses to take our group to the start of walks and collect us at the end and travelled with Ryanair from East Midland Airport to Knock. Thanks to Gerry for organising the trip.
Glyn Mansell 
