top of page

The History of British Beer and its Influence on Freewheel Brewing's Authentic Ales

marketingdigileap


The Rich Legacy of British beer, first of all, has a history that can be traced back centuries, with breweries considered more of a necessity than an art. The transformation of beer brewing in Britain began with the medieval monks, who introduced the practice of brewing beer in their monasteries when beer became a symbol of culture and craftsmanship with the formation of public houses, or what is commonly known as "pubs."


The traditions and methods that were started with the beer industry of the UK do have a powerful impact on the breweries of the world, with some of them being Freewheel Brewing. As the case is with Freewheel, the focus on traditional British-inspired ales combined with today’s techniques reflects and celebrates this process. 


1. Early Roots: The Origins of British Beer


The tradition of beer production in Britain is evidenced by the Neolithic period. However, it was during the Middle Ages that the process of brewing became standardized and was mostly performed by monks, who contributed a lot towards the development of the brewing process. At this period, ale was more or less a part of the British diet, having the advantage over water, which was an unsafe beverage through being contaminated. Such localization of grains along with herbs and, later, hops provided the basis of what would later become the British brewing tradition. 


Mainly beers were made in monasteries at first, but they eventually appeared in houses and taverns, and individual brewing spread to form regional styles, each with its geography-related characteristics. In its craft, Freewheel Brewing Company follows the ordinary beginning of most breweries in Britain by incorporating locally produced materials to come up with beers par excellence.


2. The Rise of Ales: British Styles that Defined the Nation


During the 18th and 19th centuries, the British brewing scene witnessed the emergence of pale ales and bitters. These beer styles would shape the country's brewing legacy for years. Pale ales offered a refreshing and crisp alternative to the previously dominant dark and malty brews, quickly winning over drinkers. Bitters struck a note with their harmonious blend of malt and hop bitterness becoming a staple in British pubs where working-class patrons savoured them after a long day's work.


Freewheel Brewing's commitment to these timeless styles is showcased through its range of authentic ales. By incorporating traditional British brewing methods like hops and yeasts, Freewheel captures the essence of these iconic beer styles while adding a contemporary twist. Their brews demonstrate an appreciation for the craft, forging a direct link to the historical roots that have shaped them.


3. Influence of British Pubs on Brewing Culture


The Industrial Revolution changed how the British made beer. New tools and ways to move goods let breweries make more beer and send it farther. The steam engine changed beer-making and shipping. Big breweries grew in places like London and Burton-upon-Trent.

During this time, new beer styles came about. Porters and stouts, dark ales, became favorites among London's workers.


These bold beers still inspire others today. Freewheel Brewing honors them, making their takes on these styles. Freewheel’s stouts and porters mix old ways with new ideas, bringing out the rich taste that made these brews famous.


4. The Art of Crafting Authentic Ales at Freewheel


The history of beer in Britain reflects an ongoing commitment to producing quality products. Poorer brands often suffer from a lack of quality or taste due to excessive use of adjuncts, but Freewheel’s beers stand out because they are packed with flavor. The inclusion of various ingredients, such as Lacey’s exclusive East Kent Goldings, is one way through which they have been able to maintain high standards in terms of quality.


But then, this late 20th and early 21st century craft beer rebirth helped to revive these traditional styles. In support of this comeback, Freewheel Brewing promotes the realness and artisanal nature of regular British ales. They respect brewing methods that remember the olden days and, at the same time, meet modern creativity and quality expectations of the craft beer industry.


The Influence of British Beer on Freewheel Brewing


Consequently, this is what has directly resulted in Freewheel Brewing’s commitment to producing authentic British-style ales as a result of the influence British beer has had on global brewing. For instance, freewheeling now produces bitter porters, stouts, and pale ales as its bases. In Free Wheel beers, we use open fermentations and English malts that confirm our adherence to tradition.


Therefore, the motivation behind Freewheel Brewing’s dedication to the brewing of real British-style ales is that world beer has been historically influenced by UK beer. Freewheel produces mainly porter, bitters, and stout pale ales. This means that each of their beers pours with a paisley pattern on top, meaning that it’s as if they were made from a tapestry jacket being poured into an empty glass, which is what happens with them, i.e., probably brewed in a tub on the mountainside due to its fermentations done in open containers rather than relying on closed ones without mentioning other factors, including the use of specific types of barley sourced from England itself.


The brewing process at Freewheel concerns more than just production; it embraces British brewing legacies. Authenticity and craftsmanship, hallmarks of centuries-old British brewing traditions, underpin the brewery's attempts to evolve and thrive as far as craft beer making is concerned in this modern era regarding traditional styles.


5. Signature British-inspired Ales from Freewheel Brewing


Below is Freewheel Brewing Company’s range of ales, which captures the historical British beer-brewing tradition. From their clear and refreshing British-inspired pale ales to their rich and full-flavored bitters, every beer is made to the same time-honored tradition and commitment to quality that characterized the British brewing scene for generations. Freewheel’s ales allow people who love beer to try the brew that could have been consumed hundreds of years ago and taste the brew made by experimenting with the methods of modern craft brewing. 


Conclusion: A Toast to Tradition and Innovation


British beer has a significant contribution to the brewing industry, and it is an honor for Freewheel Brewing to be in a row of breweries that have made their contribution to beer history. Understanding that British brewing traditions can be incorporated with modern practices, Freewheel goes on brewing beers that pay tribute to the roots while looking forward to the future. So whether you are an old-school drinker with a palette that has been trained to appreciate traditional beers or one of the many new drinkers who have been introduced to the craft brewing scene here at Freewheel brewing company, we provide you with a time machine through our beers. 

 


 
 
 

Comments


©2024 by FREEWHEEL BREWING COMPANY.

© Copyright
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
bottom of page