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Next up in our series where you get to know Team Abbeydale (our co-owners!) a little better, we’re having a chat with our amazing Ethna! Ethna’s a long standing member of our sales team, our biggest proponent of stouts and porters, and the member of the team who makes the dreamiest cheesecakes. Over to Ethna!

What’s your name and where do you come from?

My name is Mrs Ethna Wild (cos I love being Mrs Wild!), originally from Sligo, Ireland, I lived in London for some years but now I’ve made Sheffield my forever home.

What is your role at Abbeydale Brewery?

I’ve been very fortunate to be part of the sales team for over 12 years – they don’t seem to have found me out yet! So most of my time is spent chatting to our wonderful customers.  My role also involves a little office management, cracking the whip, ensuring shared tasks get completed and we know who’s out and who’s in, that sort of thing!

What’s your favourite beer style and why?

Absolutely, completely, every time partial to a stout – the roastier and toastier the better!  One of my favourite Abbeydale beers will always be our Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Stout.  Created originally within the Signature Beers Series as “Born to be Wild” (yes mine), it really did just so impress me the way the brewers could take ingredients that I’d been playing with in my kitchen at home and create this absolutely cracking stout.  There’s a myriad of amazing stouts out there but this one will always be close to my heart.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Abbeydale Brewery?

When I decided I wanted a change from working as a QS in the construction industry, I couldn’t believe I’d actually landed a job at a brewery, a local independent brewery and in sales!  This should be a blast sort of thing! What completely blew me away and something that I very much consider to be a vital part of Abbeydale today is the complete and absolute dedication to Quality and Customer Service that is ingrained within this company. That’s what I love about working here.

Best place to enjoy a pint?

This is a hard one – but I’m going to say With Friends – if that’s not too gushy?? Couldn’t possibly narrow the choice down to one single pub, so I’m going to go with a fabulous memory, or a favourite memory of being in a pub!  And that was in the Hard Rock Café in Budapest. I was there for a long weekend with hubby, we just had the best weekend – fab apartment, fab weather, fab city and just the best time seeking out the Ruin bars. And that night in the Hard Rock was just the icing on the cake, the cocktails, the company, the music, the ambience, thinking about it now just makes me want to go back there!

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

Hmm, don’t really know this one… I wasn’t really bothered about drinking (once upon a time!!) so I came late to the party I think.  I’m going to blame the Drama Society at Galway ITC, so my first pint was probably in some random pub in the gorgeous city of Galway, most likely the Hole in the Wall.

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer?

Without doubt has to be big fat chunky chips, with a good shake of big coarse ground salt. When you’re out hiking with hubby and pooch and you happen on a pub that does proper chips it’s just the best thing. 

Bacon and Scampi Fries are vile devils food – even pooch won’t eat them!

When you’re not selling beer, what do you like to get up to?

Thankfully, Lizzy, our 15 year old pooch has taken to her pram, so we’re still able to get off exploring when we go away – near enough monthly, in our touring caravan.

I also like to grow things, which I consider different to gardening! Germination, propagation, resurrecting a plant from death row – love all that, once it’s up and growing then someone else can take over!

Also recently took the plunge and started doing some wild swimming, just love the feeling of freedom that comes with it and mastering your fears/apprehension of the cold!!

Along with a weekly class, I endeavour to practice yoga daily, little 20/30mins sessions, I think it’s just so good for you, mentally and physically, and sincerely believe it would benefit so many people if they would just give it a go.

And my other favourite thing is being a member of Shine Choir. Just the best bunch of lassies and amongst all the chatter and laugher we do manage to get some practice/rehearsals in and then get to do fabulous shows all through the year including Tramlines Fringe Festival and just recently supporting Marie Curie at their charity collection in Sheffield Station, the feeling of empowerment doing that surprised us all.

Who’s your hero (beery or otherwise!)?

Another difficult one, but if hero is one who you’d like to emulate, who’s qualities you admire, then I’m going to go with my oh so inspiring niece. When life threw a curve ball in her chosen career, she just played with it, set a new course and earlier this year was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year.  Strong and independent, super intelligent, loving, caring and funny. And a rugby fan of course! Though so very very proud to be her Auntie, I do also like to think of us as being bessie friends.  She’s just cool, calm and collected our Rach!

And finally… If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?

Red from Fraggle Rock, hands down. Just loved her never ending enthusiasm, energy, empathy and positivity.  Red’s great – don’t think I’m quite as competitive as her though, but husband might disagree with that!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! We’ve got a huge range of cans to choose from to fill your fridge ready for the festive season, as well as some ace gift ideas for that special someone.

First up, the clue is in the name with our beautiful gift boxes! We have a choice of these featuring 3 delicious beers and a glass, perfect for a Secret Santa present. Plus some deluxe options featuring our super limited edition 750ml bottles too which are ideal ways to celebrate – choose from deliciously robust Barley Wine Last Rites, our 2024 vintage Old Ale, and a selection of mixed fermentation Funk Dungeon beers created by Brewer of the Year Jim Rangeley.

In other gifting news, we’ve got plenty of lovely merchandise available. Take your pick from glassware and other goodies to make your home bar feel more like the real deal, to t-shirts, snuggly hoodies, and cosy hats. We’ve also just released tickets to brewery tours, taking place over 2 weekends in January, for those looking for a unique experience to give as a gift. And if you’re not sure what your recipient’s usual tipple is, there’s always the option of a voucher to allow them to choose for themselves.

Having a Christmas shindig? 9-pint minikegs of our beloved flagship pale ale Moonshine are now available to pre-order, and we also offer 72-pint casks of our core beers that come complete with everything you need for beer festival style service, simply perfect for parties and a real showpiece!

We can deliver to your door nationwide (full casks excluded, sorry!) or, for those local to us in Sheffield, you can also choose to pop in to the brewery to collect your beery treats or have a browse of our wares in person! Our onsite shop is open 12-5 weekdays for the rest of November. In the run up to Christmas, we’ll be open until 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays, PLUS 12-4 on Saturday 7^th, 14^th and 21^st December and on Sunday 8^th December, to coincide with the Independent Abbeydale Winter Festival.

Finally, for a little balance (or to ease those post-party sore heads!), we’ve got our refreshing, hydrating and delicious Sparkling Hop Water to add a sprinkle of alcohol free sparkle to the season.

Christmas is the season of giving, so we’d also like to give a shout out to our Charity of the Year, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust. They have some great gift ideas and their 2025 calendar would make a wonderful present for any nature fan!

And don’t forget, if you’re still looking for the perfect spot for a Christmas get together, our lovely pub would love you to join them for a delicious meal and a few beers (other drinks are also available)! Get in touch with The Rising Sun for further information and to book.

Support local, support independent, enjoy the pub and have a very merry Christmas time!

Cheers,

Team Abbeydale x

It’s back! Our much acclaimed Old Ale went down an absolute treat last year, and we’re delighted to announce that the 2024 vintage is now available!

The history of old ale as a style is a long and complex one, just like the beers themselves – beginning around 400 years ago. Hops had just been introduced into the brewing repertoire of England – they’d been used in continental Europe since around the 9^th century, but prior to the 1600’s we were happy using yarrow, heather, mugwort and other such adjuncts. Hops, however, had several advantages – they were cheaper, grew relatively easily, and rendered beer much more stable. The extended shelf life which hops gave to beer meant that beer could be stored for long periods and aged, meaning that flavours would be allowed to develop over time, mellowing and melding to create something unique.

The beer would be brewed to a high gravity to achieve a high alcohol content, and stored in large casks or vats, emerging from these vessels as “stock”, “stale” or “old” – flat and entirely lacking in carbonation.  This would then be blended with “mild” or fresh beer before being served – the intense, oaky flavour of the old ale being rounded and enlivened by the addition of the more recently brewed, unaged beer.

So that’s what we’ve done for this year’s release! 50% 2023 Vintage and 50% freshly brewed in 2024. The result is a blend of two years of craftsmanship – rich, mellow and well balanced.  Bottled at 8% ABV, expect flavours of toffee, fruitcake and raisins, coupled with a light oak character and a subtle spiciness from the UK grown Fuggles and Olicana hops.  At the time of bottling, creamy vanillins and notes of rich caramel are evident, alongside a lingering warmth in the finish.  The perfect drink to sip beside a fireside on a cold winter night, or to act as a delectable accompaniment to a richly flavoured dish such as roast beef or lamb (dare we go so far to suggest it as the ideal pairing for your Christmas dinner?!)

The artwork, created by our designer James Murphy, pays homage to our history, featuring an illustration of Beauchief Abbey, the old ruins of which inspired our brewery logo. The map in the background shows the location of the abbey, and dates from the early 20^th century. And under the vintage you will see a leaf from one of the trees that can be found in the ancient woodland of Ladies’ Spring and Park Bank woods which surround the abbey grounds – for 2024, a rowan leaf has been selected, replacing 2023’s Sessile Oak.

Old Ale 2024 is available now, in cask, keg, and 750ml bottles designed for savouring and sharing. As with the 2023 release, half of this year’s brew has been blended in with the remainder of the batch left to quietly rest, ready to be blended back and form part of next year’s vintage. We also squirrelled away the last few cases of bottles from last year to make up some extra special gift packs featuring one of each to compare and contrast.

Inspired by heritage, made for today.

HUGE NEWS! We’re incredibly excited to announce that Abbeydale Brewery is changing hands… and the new owners are all of the staff who make up Team Abbeydale!

Ever since brewery founder Patrick Morton started Abbeydale Brewery back in 1996, he knew he wanted to do things a little differently, and we’ve always been people powered at heart. But now that’s a legal reality, and entrenched into the very core of our existence as we become an Employee Ownership Trust (an EOT).

As we approach our 30-year anniversary, and with owners Pat and Sue beginning to look forward to a very well-earned retirement, they started to look towards how best to ensure the legacy and success the business has enjoyed over the past three decades could continue after they fully step back from their day-to-day responsibilities (which, we hasten to add, won’t be for a while yet… they’re still here!). And we’re thrilled that they’ve decided that the best long-term custodians for the business – encompassing both the brewery itself and our pub, The Rising Sun – are all of us, the people who’ve helped them to build it, together.

There are 57 members of staff in total who make up Team Abbeydale (split fairly evenly between the two sides of the business) and between us we have almost three centuries of experience here! Both the brewery and pub will now come under the new umbrella of Sheffield Beerworks EOT Ltd.

There’s no selling out to the big boys here – just an independent brewery and thriving community pub, renewing our commitment to independence through business succession and strengthening the legacy we’ve already worked so hard to build.

It’s leaving the business in the hands of those who know it best, as well as recognising the contribution our employees have made and continue to make. For us as employees, it means entrenching our stake in the business and a say in how things are run (a privilege we all enjoy informally already), as well as enhancing the sense of pride and empowerment we share, ensuring a strong understanding of who we are, our values, and how we’re going to use that knowledge to get to where we want to be.

The name we’ve democratically chosen for the new Trust, Sheffield Beerworks EOT Ltd, is a nod to our past – some of our longstanding customers may remember that our early beers, including all of the original Doctor Morton’s series, were released under the Beerworks brand – so it already has a connection to us. It seems like fate to be able to bring back something which was important to our history to now be a part of our future too.

To celebrate, look out for our special beer, Trust. It will launch at The Rising Sun on Monday, 14^th October and Sheffield Steel City Beer Festival on Wednesday, 16^th October, so please join us for a pint of it and have a chat with the team about what this means to us. This beer recipe was collectively voted for by all of Team Abbeydale – our new owners – and is a representation of what we think we do best. The “Big 3” hops from our core range, Willamette, Nelson Sauvin and Mosaic, in an easy drinking, sessionable, hazy pale ale with plenty of character. Combining our legacy with our future in a people-powered beer.

In terms of the day-to-day operations here, nothing will really change. It’s the same staff, doing the same things, just with the addition of also being co-owners! We’ve always known we’ve got something a little bit special going on here, and a distinct ethos that’s always put the team at the heart of everything we do. We’re hugely excited for this next chapter in Abbeydale Brewery’s story, and looking forward to having the opportunity to share in our continued growth.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the past 28 years. We do hope you’ll come with us on the next exciting stage of our journey.

Cheers!

Team Abbeydale – Co-Owners of Abbeydale Brewery and The Rising Sun

First brewed on 29^th January 1997 and not seen since our silver anniversary three years ago, we’re THRILLED to announce that Last Rites is finally back, and it’s available now, in (very limited) cask, keg, and 750ml bottle!

One of our most iconic beers, our delicious barley wine has truly stood the test of time. Last Rites was originally created from the first runnings of our flagship pale ale, Moonshine. That very first brew almost 28 years ago therefore resulted in two beers (one each of Moonshine and Last Rites) – gyles 49a, and 49.1. We’ve never done things the simple way around here.

Last Rites is at heart a strong barley wine with tons of flavour. Our brewery founder and beery mastermind Patrick Morton originally set out to create a high gravity beer which somehow still managed to be eminently drinkable. Last Rites is just that – full of rich flavour to tease and satisfy the palate, an unusually smooth beer with tempting tones of caramel and a hint of roasted sugar. The bitterness from the hops keeps the sweetness in check and allows the full spectrum of flavours to reach the palate without becoming cloying. In keeping with the original recipe, this brew has been single hopped with Willamette (still the key hop in Moonshine too), for delicately spicy notes alongside hints of zesty lemon.

The brewday itself was relatively straightforward, but has the key challenge of enabling the conversion of sugars from our malted barley to ensure a highly fermentable wort, so that the beer can reach the desired strength of 11.0% ABV. To achieve this, Last Rites is mashed in at a lower temperature (63 rather than 68°C) and is fermented warm so as to not limit the yeast potential. We used an American ale yeast, which gets less stressed at higher alcohols and temperatures than our house culture. It took around three times as long to ferment than our beers usually do, requiring concentration, care and attention all the way through the process. The beer has also already had a longer conditioning period before packaging than is usual for us, and it will continue to age well.

First given a new look by our designer James Murphy in 2019, when it was re-imagined to bring it in line with our Brewers Emporium range, the 2024 release sees a refined update to the distinctive artwork, and the move to 750ml bottles gives it more a sense of occasion which we feel is befitting of this very special beer. A thoroughly delicious drink which has been brewed with every care for depth of flavour and true drinkability. Smooth and robust with a huge depth of flavour and a lingering finish, it’s one to truly savour and a beer we’re very proud of.

Next in our series of introducing you to the people who make up Team Abbeydale, we’ve headed back to our pub, the Rising Sun, to say hello to someone who our regulars there will find very familiar! And if you don’t know him yet, make sure you get up there for a pint. Over to Fin.

First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?

I’m Fin MacDonald, and I’m from Sheffield born and bred. My mum is Dutch and my dad is Scottish, though! (Editor’s note – Fin then said he can speak a bit of Dutch, in Dutch, which I’m not going to attempt to type out!)

What is your role at the Rising Sun?

I’m a bartender, I’ve been working there for 6 and a half years. My first day was also our GM Garry’s first day! I am also the self-proclaimed social secretary for the pub and recently initiated the first Rising Sun vs Abbeydale Brewery football match, where we were the proud winners of the inaugural Daily Bread cup!

What’s your favourite beer and why?

You can’t beat a Daily Bread – specifically, in a pint glass with a handle. But after finishing a shift at work, I’d usually pick an Absolution.

What’s your favourite thing about working at The Rising Sun?

It sounds a bit soppy, but it’s the people that I work with, they’re a great group. I also love the regulars, it’s always great to have a chat with them over the bar.

Favourite place to enjoy a pint?

Two answers locally – well, everywhere’s my local! – but I like the Beer House on Ecclesall Road and the Hally House (Hallamshire House) up on Commonside, especially their GM Doug and also their snooker table!

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

Well, I’ve got a story for this one. Me and my dad went up to Scotland and to the most remote pub in the whole of the UK, you can only get there either by boat or a two day hike. We chose the boat option. I was 17 at the time and dad panicked so I only got a pint of lemonade – to this day he regrets not getting me a beer!

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer?

Jalapeno pretzel pieces. The best were Snyder’s but post-Brexit they aren’t available in the UK.

When you’re not behind the bar, what do you get up to?

I’m actually a qualified teacher and finished my PGCE this summer. I’d like to teach abroad in the future. I also like to play tennis and am a qualified coach. But I reckon the best part about a game of tennis is the pint afterwards – normally a Heresy shandy!

And finally… If you were a fictional character, who would it be?

I feel like my cartoon icon, not necessarily who I’m like, is Homer Simpson. I think that might be my future.

We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Funk Dungeon Lead Brewer, Jim Rangeley, has been named the Brewer of the Year at the 2024 Brewers Choice Awards!

Jim is responsible for heading up our mixed fermentation project, as well as being part of the wonderful team that crafts each and every one of our beers. Jim has worked in the beer industry for coming up to a decade, nine years of which have been right here as part of Team Abbeydale. The award, judged by a panel of industry experts, recognises Jim’s talent and passion, as well as his strong sense of values and commitment to progress within not just the Abbeydale team but the wider industry too.

Renowned beer writer and member of the judging panel Melissa Cole said of the award, “What Jim has achieved at Abbeydale is nothing short of excellent. From the Funk Dungeon to churning out great core ranges and being a decent human at the same time, this award is well-deserved.” Tim Sheahan, editor of the Brewers Journal (the industry magazine which organises the awards), added “The level of competition in the ‘Brewer of The Year’ category is always incredibly high and in 2024 this was no different. But the judging panel at The Brewers Choice Awards recognised not only Jim’s ability to produce a wealth of different styles with unerring ease but his commitment to the industry, too.”

Jim was shortlisted alongside Brian from Northern Monk and Alex at Full Circle, and said of the award (in his characteristically humble way) “to have even been shortlisted alongside two other fantastic brewers from the north, both of whom I have great respect for, was a real honour, let alone to have won! I’m privileged to have a job I truly enjoy, working for a company that puts its trust in me, and as part of a brilliant team. This award is for all of us.”

Previous winners of this prestigious award include Burning Sky’s Mark Tranter and Colin Stronge of Lost Cause Brew Co, so Jim is in very excellent company!

You can find out more about our Jim in his Meet the Team blog post here, and head to our online shop if you’d like to snap up one of the few remaining bottles of his recent limited edition Funk Dungeon releases.

(And yes, if you’re wondering, he did immediately have a well-deserved beer out of his engraved tankard prize!)

Congratulations, Jim!

Next in our series of introducing you to our team, here’s our Ops Director Toby to continue spreading the gospel of well kept cask and the benefits of mild!

First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?

Toby Grattidge, and I’m from a little village called Tarleton, between Southport and Preston

What is your role at Abbeydale Brewery?

Operations Director – basically anything financey, spreadsheety or businessy.  As well as being on the beer tasting panel. Smiley face.

What’s your favourite beer style and why?

As anyone who follows our social knows, I’m a founding member of the ABMAS (editor’s note, that’ll be the Abbeydale Brewery Mild Appreciation Society!).  Also love a well balanced West Coast IPA, and something low ABV but really well hopped – session NEIPAs really.  Plus any good cask in a pub over a Sunday Roast, preferably with an open fire. Also can’t not mention Last Rites – absolutely iconic beer.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Abbeydale Brewery?

The beer and the people.  Abbeydale were my favourite brewery long before I worked here, and it’s so refreshing working with people who love what they do.  We also get to make whatever beer the staff want to – I even got my Mild this year.

Best place to enjoy a pint?

Favourite pub in the world, I could probably narrow it down to about 100 if I tried hard, but I’ll name check the Rising Sun Fulwood (my last local) and the Waggon and Horses in Millhouses (my current local).  It’s entirely possible my first criteria when moving somewhere is a good ale pub.

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

The Coronation in Southport, favourite haunt in my college days. Recently closed, which was so sad.

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer?

A handmade pork pie, Wateralls in the Moor Market do a great one.  Had Pate de Campagne in France recently too and that was great.

Outside of beer, what do you get up to?

Often found playing or coaching football, enjoy a good history book, and spending time with my kids. If I ever get the time I’ll take up making charcuterie.

Who’s your hero?

Anthony Bourdain, if you don’t know, find out.

And finally… If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?

Peter Griffin.

If you’d like to find out more about Toby’s journey into beer, particularly in terms of cask ale and his top tips for looking after it, head to this piece here!

We’ve got a new collaboration available now!

You may remember that back in autumn 2023, we were privileged to be invited to take part in Collabageddon, a wonderful celebration of our beery community organised by Elusive Brewing. And for our “away” leg, we were paired up with absolute lager masters Utopian, visiting their state-of-the-art brewery near Exeter to be guided through our first ever decoction mash, creating a magnificent (if we do say so ourselves) Nelson Sauvin single hopped lager.

Well, we’re excited to say that we have now got the “home” leg under our belts too! In a reflection of what we brewed together last year, we decided to stick with the same ABV and hop, and go for the style we’re best known for here at Abbeydale Brewery, just as we did by creating a lager at Utopian’s place.

And so, we’re thrilled to introduce Nelson Pale, a 5.2% single hopped pale ale which features the glorious Nelson Sauvin hop in whole cone, T90 and Cryo form. Using the same hop in three ways enabled us to make full use of our brewkit, including our traditional hopback where the hop flowers were infused into the beer – a heritage technique that was pretty novel for team Utopian!

The brewday also just so happened to fall on the 16^th August, our brewery birthday! So we decided having Jeremy, Ben and Richard from Team Utopian with us was the perfect way to celebrate and declared collaboration day our birthday party. The night before we were able to show them the sights of Sheffield, with the Bath Hotel being a fantastic venue for pints and the Crucible causing much excitement as a tourist attraction!

And as for the beer itself – bold and hop forward, expect tropical fruit, citrus and hints of elderflower on the nose, followed by a smooth body and a crisp, clean bitter finish. It’s also vegan friendly and gluten free, and is available in cask, keg and can (including from our online shop).

Thanks again to Andy from Elusive for pairing us up with Utopian and demonstrating the spirit of collaboration that’s so important to our industry – it’s a privilege to have made such excellent new pals (and two beautiful beers) as a result.

Cheers!