Brewing is returning to Wiveliscombe in Somerset later this month, when the New Exmoor Brewery starts production on the site of the former Cotleigh Brewery.
Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead (third from left), with the New Exmoor Brewery team. Left to right are Taiya Burgess, with her dog, Ace, Allan Bryant, Shaun Vockins, Jonathan Price, and Rupert Thompson, with his dog Basil
Exmoor Ales ceased brewing at its Golden Hill site in Wiveliscombe in May this year. At the same time it started a collaboration with Hogs Back Brewery, which saw its award-winning ales replicated at the Surrey brewer’s site.
Hogs Back will continue to brew Exmoor’s main beers for the time being, including Exmoor Gold, Exmoor Ale, and Silver Stallion. The New Exmoor Brewery will focus on new product development, specials like Exmoor Beast, and limited edition beers, brewed by former Cotleigh head brewer Shaun Vockins.
Exmoor Drinks — the company created when brewing ceased at the Golden Hill site — 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. Hogs Back will handle distribution into other areas and all off-trade customers. Hogs Back will also be investing in the Exmoor Ales beers, to introduce them to a broader audience.
The collaboration with Hogs Back and opening of New Exmoor Brewery saves 10 local jobs. It also opens up distribution opportunities for Exmoor, which is looking for a small group of brewer partners whose beers it can distribute in its South West heartlands.
“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 chairman 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.”
He added: “I am also delighted to welcome Simon French, who will be rejoining the business as managing director designate at the beginning of September. He will be recruiting additional team members and we plan to rebuild Exmoor to its former glory, and beyond!”
Simon joined Exmoor Ales 11 years ago as their first full-time field sales employee, and worked there for three-and-a-half years. He leaves Timothy Taylor’s brewery, where he was business development manager, to rejoin Exmoor.
Hogs Back Brewery chairman, Rupert Thompson, said: “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.”
Raising a glass with the team at the brewery was Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, who visited to hear about their plans to save jobs and an independent business, and rebuild on the long Wivey brewing history.
