I’m glad to say I have finally lived out a childhood fantasy! No, not going on a date with Jet from Gladiators. Better than that, I got to venture through the round window on Playschool into my very own “today we’re going to learn how beer is bottled” episode.

It was awesome – although I’m still open to the date with Jet should the opportunity arise – it’s OK with Elaine as she’s on my laminated card.

Sorry to those of you that are either much younger than me, much older than me or didn’t grow up in this country. This blog post won’t have made a blind bit of sense so far. Although, let’s face it, they rarely do so at least I’m proving true to form.

Anyway, back to the beer!  It was an exciting day at Goddards as Crumbs Brew #001 finally got to flow through their bright, shiny (and rather expensive) new bottling line. When I say bright and shiny I’m not exaggerating. It’s pretty much fresh out of the box and has more gizmos and gadgets than you can shake a stick at.

I’m glad chief bottler Marc had read the instruction manual as the control panel alone looked like it could have landed a small space ship on Mars.  As it purred into life the button was pressed on the creation of the first ever bottle of Crumbs. With hindsight, we should have better marked the moment, but I’m not sure Marc would have fancied a smashed bottle of champagne over his new machine. Maybe one day when Crumbs has become one of the most desirable bread based beers in the world* there will be a small plaque on the brewery wall to mark the date, time and the pioneers present.

The childish grins on our faces grew and grew as the first bottle made steady progress through each stage. First the label, then into the closed chamber to be cleaned and emptied of beer ruining fresh air with a pump of CO₂. Next, attached to a line of silver udders (not the best analogy I know but you get the drift) where the delicious amber lager filled the bottle with 500mls of pure pleasure. Finally stamped closed with a shiny cap and passed on to the packaging line where it was wrapped in cases of 12, ready to spread joy around the Reigate area (and beyond)!

It was my honour to crack open the first case off the line. I might get into trouble if I say this was the proudest moment of my life. I have fathered two children after all and getting married was pretty good too. So maybe it comes in at number 4. Definitely ahead of the time I won a silver medal at the county spots day for throwing a cricket ball. God is that the only other proud achievement I can dredge up from my life so far?? I need to get out more.

So the taste!?!?! 

Thankfully as spot on, indeed even more spot on, as our first test batch. We made a few tweaks to the final recipe which has caused a few sleepless nights given we had 3000 litres of the stuff whether we liked it or not. So, I am VERY glad to say it’s delivered in every sense.

“When can I get my hands on it?” I hear you scream!? We’ll I’m glad to say NOW!

Either drop us an email at [email protected] and we can arrange a direct delivery to locals at a very competitive, direct from the brewer price.

Very shortly we will also be available at several local shops, so keep your eyes peeled. Our very good friends the Vineking and the new kids on the block Four Hops will be pedalling our wares with any luck!

Also, look out for us popping up at several events in the coming months. More details on this website as confirmed.

Before that, I’m just off to triple check this first batch tastes as good as the first did……

 

*from Reigate and called Crumbs