New success for legendary Harrogate beer that has enjoyed 30 years of award wins
A Harrogate brewery which won its first award 30 years ago says it's thrilled to have won a new award for its most legendary beer.
Founded in the mid 1980s by a family with a long brewing tradition, Daleside Brewery led the way for quality beer from the moment it set up its first plant in Starbeck.
The twin challenges of Covid and the cost of living crisis may have meant the pioneering business was bought by fellow independent Harrogate brewery Rooster’s in May 2024.
But, despite that slight upheaval, Daleside’s beers remain as popular ever and just as award-winning.
The latest success for this highly-respected brewery saw it win gold at the SIBA North East Digital Beer Awards with one of its much-loved core beers, Monkey Wrench, a powerful strong 5.3% ale, deep chestnut in colour.
Daleside’s General Manager, Adam Cox, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a Gold Medal for Monkey Wrench (beers up to 6.4%) at the recent SIBA North East Digital Beer Awards.
"It is a great accolade for the brand and our brewers.
"As a Regional Category Champion winning beer, the next stage is to compete at the National Finals at Beer X next year.”
Although now part of Rooster’s operations at its brewery at Hornbeam Park, Daleside remains committed to a traditional brewing process.
It still uses the best quality malts, whole leaf hops, Daleside’s own yeast and Harrogate water.
And it still supplies cask ales to the national pub chains and wholesalers and to free trade outlets.
Monkey Wrench, which is believed to be the favourite beer of rock band the Foo Fighters, first won a CAMRA award in 1997.
To celebrate the latest award, Daleside's Adam Cox and Vincent Staunton posed for a photograph at a new venture about to be launched by Ake & Humphris Wine Merchants.
Having refurbished a vacant unit at 20 Oxford Street, its new Harrogate wine bar and shop will open this weekend.
Ake & Humphris has been based successfully at 32 Leeds Road in Harrogate since 2010 and also has an outlet in Collingham.