In his monthly column, Alex Greig of Fuggles beer cafés and bottle shop, introduces Times readers to his latest top tipple to recommend: The Hastings Project.
The Hastings Project is something new and exciting on the beer scene, and pretty rare too. Why? Because the brewery behind it is actually set up as a Community Interest Company – a not-for-profit organisation brewing beer to raise money for local charities, community groups and projects.
Founded by Robbie Ormrod and Ed Nash, it’s a little bit like the Trappist monk set up in terms of its business model (minus the silence) and the proceeds are destined to help better the community that surrounds the brewery in its locality.
Currently The Hastings Project is collaborating with friends at several breweries around the country to build up awareness and raise funds for the longer term goal which is to build a community-focused hub, complete with a brewery that will also employ and train people, giving them meaningful careers and opportunities, all while raising money for local causes too.
There’s a lot to like here, great community, good causes, nice people. But, have I mentioned the beers?
So far The Hastings Project has brewed a Bitter and a Pale Ale which we’ve been really pleased to pour at Fuggles over the past six months. The Pale in particular was a big hit when we served it at the Spa Valley Railway Beer Festival last year.
Featuring UK-grown Harlequin hops, alongside Talus and Galaxy hops. The group’s latest beer has been brewed with the Braybrooke Beer Company and this time they’ve brewed a German-style Pilsner. Braybrooke is the perfect partner for this style of beer as it’s been brewing lagers since 2017, just outside Market Harborough.
At 5.1% the Pilsner has plenty of body, yet remains light and very drinkable. There is a lovely rustic bread-like flavour to it and that comes courtesy of the malt, while the noble hop Tettnanger lends a classic Pilsner aroma with subtle floral notes, a bit of lemon peel and some spice which gives it some bite. In short, this is a beer that sends you back in for more, there’s a nice ‘moreish-ness’ to it thanks to some balanced bitterness at the end too.
I’m really excited about watching, and supporting, The Hastings Project as it develops. One of our goals this year at Fuggles is to really focus on the good – seeking out the projects that aim to better the environment around us all.
The Hastings Project Pilsner is available at Fuggles Bottle Shop now and you should also keep an eye out for it pouring on tap in Fuggles Beer Café, too over the coming weeks. Watch out for the next release which will feature plenty of hops and an exciting Belgian yeast strain.
You can find out more about The Hastings Project over at: thehastingsproject.co.uk
