Mason’s Brewing Co was my second stop on a Saturday route, proving admirably what a beautifully broad church the modern beer world is.
Mike Mason, busy on the bar
From the cosy dim light of Truro’s city centre Old Ale House to the space and openness of an out-of-town industrial unit, converted into an attractive, functional taproom.
Mike Mason, former Brewhouse & Kitchen and Driftwood Spars brewer, was celebrating the first anniversary of his self-named venture, and darting around on the bar, helping to service a queue that stretched back most of the way through the building.
The Wave Machine, aka mutli-instrumentalist Angus Trott, was entertaining a crowd of all ages, from those whose ID I’d check before shaking my head in resigned disbelief, to families with young kids enjoying dancing and street food, and then us more mature punters. It was a great vibe, and the way that great brewing will continue to serve a new generation of great beer lovers.
Mike Mason (centre), a glass of Sequoia West Coast IPA, and multi-instrumentalist The Wave Machine
With the ale house session under my belt, I made room for just a couple of beers here, but both absolute belters. Firstly, with plenty of mild inside me — and don’t get me wrong, very good mild — it was time for hops, and Sequoia, Mike’s 5.5% ABV West Coast IPA, delivered on point. It’s well balanced, with a great malt profile that — as I will always argue — a good westy needs. There’s pine, resin, and bright, fresh, clean tropical fruit notes. Spot on for the sunny day.
But I did get dark again, before heading for the bus stop. And in style. Back in January, Mike invited friends of the brewery for a special imperial stout brew day. A month before the party, the 8% ABV beer went into a first-fill port barrel, freshly arrived from Portugal. The lighting failed for three hours during the brew day, which gave the beer its name — Lights Out.
Very appropriate for such a beer, and great way to end my day. Rich, full, boozy, fruity, dark, and dangerous, available in no more than a two-thirds measure. It was a freat full stop at the end of a good afternoon.
In my part of Cornwall, you don’t have to travel far for great beer. I even had the bonus of good company on the bus home, so time flew. Mason’s is open Thursday to Sunday every week and is well worth seeking out when you’re in the area. Good luck for the future, Mike!
