Breweries

Stefano Occhi or Stef as he prefers was been appointed head brewer of Bootleg Brewing in December 2016.

Stef who hails from Milan, Italy has a Masters in Brewing Science from Nottingham University and has been working with the Joseph Holt Head Brewer Phil Parkinson.

For more details see the full announcement on the Bootleg web site:-

http://www.bootlegbrewingco.com/introducing-new-head-brewer-stefano-occhi/

The microbrewery beneath the Old Abbey Taphouse in Greenheys has a new lease of life formerly titled the Craftsman brewery some new blood are trying their hand at the 100 litre kit.

Chris Buxton and Graham Harkis both enthusiastic home brewers have upped their game to start producing initially for the Old Abbey itself and then further afield with a small bottling operation in their immediate sights. They have named the new operation the Souled Out brewery reflecting the music heavy reincarnation of the parent pub which by the way offers ales from the Brinkburn Street brewery, a rare sight in these parts. When opening times called a preview of the first brew was tried, a smoked stout, although the brew was not quite ready it was very promising indeed.

Dunham Massey Brewery continues to trade successfully, as does their other brewery (Lymm Brewing Company). The Costello family are continuing in their ongoing refurbishment of all their bars.

2019 is the fourth year that all three of their bars have got into the same edition of the Good Beer Guide at the same time.

• Costellos, Altrincham has been in it since 2013.
• The Lymm Brewery Tap has been in it since 2015.
• Costellos, Stockton Heath has been in it since 2016.

In 2017 a new brew was launched called Castle Hill. Which is 3.5% ABV and a quaffable session pale ale, with aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruits. It is brewed with Jester Hops which are a new English hop which is currently in high demand from brewers. Due to its popularity Castle Hill, which started out as an occasional brew, is now brewed throughout the year.

Also in 2017 the brewery where approached by the CAMRA branch of Trafford and Hulme to brew a beer to celebrate the branches 40th year anniversary. They called it Ruby Anniversary Ale, it is 4.5%. and is resurrected from an 80 year old recipe. Ruby Anniversary Ale is an old fashioned, well balanced best bitter, finished with a blend of fuggles and goldings hops. This brew was probably only a one off production appeared but appeared at Chorlton beer festival in July 2017 and was also spotted at another local beer festival during 2017.

Dunham Massey have won several awards in various beer competitions over the years, and in 2018 Costello’s, Altrincham, was Trafford and Hulme pub of the season for summer.