Brewing at the Golden Hill site ceased in May after a deal was struck for the Exmoor Ales range to be brewed at the Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey.
Hogs Back will continue to brew Exmoor’s main beers for the foreseeable future including Exmoor Gold, Exmoor Ale and Silver Stallion, while the renamed New Exmoor Brewery will focus on NPD specials such as Exmoor Beast under the leadership of former Cotleigh head brewer Shaun Vockins.
Exmoor Drinks is the company that was created when brewing at the Golden Hill site ended and will continue to distribute all Exmoor Ales brands, as well as Hogs Back’s flagship Tongham TEA, into pubs and bars across the south west. Meanwhile, Hogs Back will handle distribution into other areas and all off-trade customers.
The collaboration with Hogs Back and opening of New Exmoor Brewery will save 10 jobs and also opens up distribution opportunities for Exmoor Drinks.
“We are beyond thrilled to be brewing back in ‘Wivey’, where we started brewing in 1979, in a new brewery proudly showing the Exmoor name and our iconic stag logo,” said Exmoor Drinks chair Jonathan Price.
“Deciding to close our brewing operation in May was done with a heavy heart, as the only response to insurmountable business challenges.
“Our collaboration with Hogs Back has been a lifeline, allowing us to remain independent and keep our ales on tap and on shelves for our many loyal drinkers across the south west – and introduce them to new drinkers, thanks to Hogs Back’s distribution network.
“Our first brew in the new brewhouse will be a celebration of a Wiveliscombe brewing tradition, a Tawny Ale, and 10p from every pint sold will go to the Jim Laker Charitable Trust, founded in memory of a Wivey legend who originally owned Exmoor Ales.”
Hogs Back Brewery chair Rupert Thompson added: “In these very difficult times, one way to survive and, in time, prosper, is to collaborate with fellow like-minded businesses. We were pleased to be in a position to help Exmoor Ales and keep alive this popular local beer brand.
“Now more than ever, there is a thirst among consumers for independent, local speciality beers that are not all just owned by global brewers, so we are confident that with local support Exmoor Drinks has a bright future ahead.”
On top of the opening of the New Exmoor Brewery, Simon French is rejoining the firm as managing director from the beginning of September.
French joined Exmoor Ales 11 years ago as their first full time field sales employee and worked there for three-and-a-half years. He currently works as a business development manager at Timothy Taylor’s brewery.
