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{{Short description|Brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}

{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Black Sheep Brewery
| name = Black Sheep Brewery
| logo = Black Sheep Brewery.jpg
| logo = Black Sheep Brewery logo.svg
| logo_size = 130px
| image = Black Sheep Brewery.jpg
| image_caption = The Brewery, in Masham, North Yorkshire
| type = plc (over 1,000 shareholders)
| type = plc (over 1,000 shareholders)
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
Line 27: Line 33:
}}
}}


⚫
The '''Black Sheep Brewery''' is a [[brewery]] in [[Masham]], [[North Yorkshire]], England.
⚫
[[File:Black Sheep Brewery Tour.jpg|thumb|right|A group of visitors observes fermentation vats whilst on an official tour of the brewery facilities]]
[[File:Black Sheep Beer Samples.jpg|thumb|right|A brewery guide distributes a sample of "Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale"]]
⚫
The '''Black Sheep Brewery''' is a [[brewery]] in [[Masham]] in the [[Borough of Harrogate]] in [[North Yorkshire]], England.


==History==
==History==


The Black Sheep Brewery was established by Paul Theakston in 1991. Following a successful launch as a Business Expansion Scheme, it became a [[public limited company]] (plc) in 1992. Theakston had been managing director of [[Theakston Brewery]], also in Masham, since 1968. He began at the age of 23, taking over from his father, Frank.
The Black Sheep Brewery was established by Paul Theakston in 1991. Following a successful launch as a Business Expansion Scheme, it became a [[public limited company]] (plc) in 1992. Theakston had been managing director of [[Theakston Brewery]], also in Masham, since 1968.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crossland |first1=Michael |title=Famed independent brewery may consider sale after review |work=The Yorkshire Post |date=12 April 2023 |page=21|issn=0963-1496}}</ref> He began at the age of 23, taking over from his father, Frank Theakston.


Matthew Brown bought Theakston Brewery following disagreements between members of the family and other shareholders. In 1987 [[Scottish & Newcastle]] succeeded Brown as owner. Theakston left in 1988, and after a hiatus of more than a year purchased the North Yorkshire Malt Roasting Company, originally part of the former Lightfoot's brewery site, from an animal feed company, in order to start a new brewery in Masham.
The Theakston Brewery was acquired by [[Matthew Brown brewery|Matthew Brown]] following disagreements between members of the family and other shareholders. [[Scottish & Newcastle]] acquired Matthew Brown in 1987. Theakston left in 1988, and after a hiatus of more than a year purchased the North Yorkshire Malt Roasting Company, originally part of the former Lightfoot's brewery site, from an animal feed company, in order to start a new brewery in Masham.


Theakston wanted to use the Lightfoot name to bring back an old brewing tradition, but Scottish and Newcastle had already trademarked the name. The association of Masham with sheep led Theakston to come up with the name "Sheep Brewery" which rapidly became "Black Sheep" at his wife's suggestion. The first and original Black Sheep Best Bitter was sold at the Bruce Arms by its Landlord, David Young.
Theakston wanted to use the Lightfoot name to bring back an old brewing tradition, but Scottish and Newcastle had already trademarked the name. The association of Masham with sheep led Theakston to come up with the name "Sheep Brewery" which became "Black Sheep" at his wife's suggestion. Much of the original brewing equipment came from the former Hartley's Brewery in [[Cumbria]], whilst the [[slate]] Yorkshire squares and the [[yeast]] strain, in use since at least the early 1920s, came from the recently closed [[Hardys & Hansons]] brewery in [[Nottingham]].<ref name="protz">{{cite news |last1=Protz |first1=Roger |title=Baa Gum – the Black Sheep beer saga |url=https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/11/09/baa-gum--the-black-sheep-beer-saga |access-date=12 December 2022 |work=Protz on Beer |date=9 November 2018}}</ref>


==Production==
Following the launch of Black Sheep Best Bitter, they launched Black Sheep Special Ale which went on to become the brewery's first bottled beer and soon became available both locally and nationally. This remains the Black Sheep's flagship bottled beer but today is called 'Black Sheep Ale'.
Black Sheep Best Bitter was first sold at the Bruce Arms in Masham.


The brewery produces a range of well-hopped bitters, to distinguish itself from Theakston's range of fruity and yeasty beers. The brewery quickly became successful, and now produces over 75,000 barrels a year.
In 1996, the brewery opened their Visitor Centre in Masham where customers could visit the brewery to take a guided tour, sample the beers and enjoy a menu of Yorkshire produce in their Bar and Kitchen. The Visitor Centre remains open to this day and is regularly listed as one of the best experiences in North Yorkshire.


In 2008, the brewery launched ''Draught Golden Sheep'', a blonde cask beer with a citrus-hop flavour. It remains a seasonal brew. This, like all Black Sheep beers and indeed the brewing plant itself was created by Paul Ambler, Head Brewer since 1992 and later Operations Director. Paul Ambler has now retired. Comments Paul Theakston, "Over the years, Paul Ambler has been a fierce champion of the quality of our beer, which is the keystone of our success". Nevertheless, a growing share of its sales is in on-cask form.
In the late 90s, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Black Sheep Special Ale were joined by Riggwelter, a dark Yorkshire Ale which has gone on to become one of the brewery's most recognised brands. Shortly after, Black Sheep launched Monty Python's Holy Grail which was brewed with the official [[Monty Python]] team in celebration of the comedy troupe's 30th anniversary.


All bottled beers brewed by the Black Sheep Brewery are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.<ref>[http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/News/NewsDetail.aspx?referrer=newsPage&id=139 Black Sheep – no baa for Veggies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209024107/http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/News/NewsDetail.aspx?referrer=newsPage&id=139 |date=9 December 2009 }}.</ref>
Due to ongoing success, in 2006, the brewery expanded its brewhouse and doubled its capacity at their brewery in Masham.


==Finance==
2010 marked a new period in Black Sheep's history as Paul's eldest son, Rob joined him as joint Managing Director of the business. Paul Theakston went on to become Chairman of the brewery before retiring in 2018. He still continues to champion the brewery in an ambassadorial role whilst Rob continues to manage the brewery as MD.
⚫
[[File:Black Sheep Brewery Tour.jpg|thumb|right|A group of visitors observes fermentation vats whilst on an official tour of the brewery facilities]]
The brewery has capitalised on its popularity by converting unused parts of the original maltings into a visitors centre from which tours of the brewery are conducted. In 1996, it served as host to an episode of the ''[[Two Fat Ladies]]'' cooking programme which was broadcast the following year.


For the first 15 years it paid its shareholders, including many real ale enthusiasts, steadily rising dividends. However it has since been forced to retrench, and has paid no dividend for several years. It is one of the largest shareholdings of the [[CAMRA#Investment club|CAMRA Members' Investment Club]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cmic.uk.com/|title=CAMRA Members' Investment Club|website=CAMRA Members' Investment Club|accessdate=9 May 2023}}</ref>
Away from brewing, Black Sheep are strong advocates for Yorkshire and continue to invest in their home county. Following the [[Tour de France]] in 2014 which passed through Masham to huge crowds, in 2018 Black Sheep joined the [[Tour de Yorkshire]] as the official beer of the annual event.


On 2 May 2023 the company announced that it was to go into administration as it lacked the cashflow needed to survive increased costs since the COVID pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23495153.black-sheep-brewery-faces-closure-business-fails-find-buyer/|title=Black Sheep calls in administrators as boss says 'perfect storm' was too much|website=The Northern Echo|accessdate=9 May 2023}}</ref>
Today, the brewery continues to brew their classic core range whilst also creating a diverse and innovative portfolio of new beers in cask, keg, bottle, can and mini-keg. In 2017, they launched the 5 Barrel Project, a small project dedicated to brewing specialist craft beers which continues to see success in their local area.


On 26 May 2023 Black Sheep was bought out of administration by London based investor Breal Group with an expectation that it would continue to produce Black Sheep beers and protect jobs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-65720410|title=Jobs protected as Masham's Black Sheep Brewery sold to new owners|website=BBC News|accessdate=18 August 2023}}</ref>
In December 2018, Black Sheep acquired [[York Brewery]] out of administration along with four of their pubs.


==Cask Beers==
* Black Sheep Best Bitter - 3.8% Yorkshire Bitter
⚫
* Black Sheep Pale Ale - 4.0% Pale Ale
⚫
* Black Sheep Special Ale - 4.4% Amber Ale
⚫
* Riggwelter - 5.9% Dark Yorkshire Ale


==Keg Beers==
==Cask beers==
* Special Ale, 4.4% (Sold as ''Black Sheep Ale'' in bottles)
* Black Sheep Best Bitter - 3.8% Yorkshire Bitter
* Best Bitter, 3.8%. The brewery's best-known product, available at a large number of pubs in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214214654/http://www.blacksheepbrewery.co.uk/Beers/CaskAles/BestBitter.aspx|url-status=dead|title=The Black Sheep Brewery, Masham North Yorkshire|archivedate=14 February 2009|website=Black Sheep Brewery|accessdate=9 July 2019}}</ref>
* 54° North - 4.5% Helles Lager
* Pathmaker - 5.0% IPA
* Riggwelter, 5.9%
⚫
* Black Sheep Blonde, 3.7%
* Respire, Fresh Session IPA, 4.0%


According to the website, "...Riggwelter takes its name from the local Yorkshire Dales dialect – when a sheep is on its back and can't get up without help, local dialect says it is riggwelted.<ref>[http://www.eurobrews.com/blacksheep/riggwelter.html Riggwelter] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814092455/http://www.eurobrews.com/blacksheep/riggwelter.html |date=14 August 2007 }} Eurobrews.com – Retrieved on 23 July 2007</ref> This dialect word comes from the old Viking words: 'rigg'(rygg) meaning back and 'velte' to overturn (the words and their meaning are still largely the same in the modern [[North Germanic languages]]).<ref>[http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/Beers/BottledBeers/Riggwelter.aspx Riggwelter] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070806001915/http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/Beers/BottledBeers/Riggwelter.aspx |date=6 August 2007 }} Black Sheep Breweries – Retrieved on 23 July 2007</ref> Riggwelter is also popular in [[Sweden]], being in the top 20 of bottled ales sold in that country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2004/12/8/30230.html |title=Riggwelter exports to Sweden |work=[[The Northern Echo]] |date= 8 December 2004 |accessdate= 23 July 2007}}</ref>
==Bottled Beers==
* Black Sheep Ale ('Special Ale' in cask form) - 4.4% Amber Ale
* Golden Sheep - 4.7% Golden Ale
* Milk Stout - 4.4% Milk Stout
* Riggwelter - 5.7% Dark Yorkshire Ale
⚫
* The [[Monty Python]] "Trilogy":<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/our-beers/monty-python/|title=Monty Python - Our Beers|publisher=|accessdate=19 December 2018}}</ref>
⚫
** Monty Python's Holy Grail - 4.7% Golden Ale <!-- — the official ale of the [[Monty Python]] franchise -->
⚫
** Monty Python's Flying Circus - 4.5% IPA
⚫
** Brian - 3.9% Pale Ale
* Venus & Mars - 4.5% Pale Ale
* Velo - 4.2% Pale Ale
* Choc & Orange Stout - 6.1% Stout
* Imperial Russian Stout 8.5% Imperial Stout
* My Generation Session Pale Ale - 4.7% Pale Ale


==Canned Beers==
==Bottled beers==
⚫
* Black Sheep Ale (formerly ''Special Ale'' in cask form), 4.4%
* Pathmaker - 5.6% IPA
⚫
* The [[Monty Python]] "Trilogy":<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/our-beers/monty-python/|title=Monty Python – Our Beers|publisher=|accessdate=19 December 2018}}</ref>
* Limoncello Sour - 3.8% Kettle Sour
⚫
** Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale, 4.7% – a golden ale <!-- — the official ale of the [[Monty Python]] franchise -->
* Pineapple Milkshake IPA - 5.3% Lactose IPA
⚫
** Monty Python's Flying Circus, 4.5% – an IPA
⚫
** Brian, 3.9% – a pale ale
⚫
* Riggwelter, 5.7%
* Golden Sheep, 4.7% – originally produced specially for [[Tesco]], as part of their "Finest" range
* [[Yorkshire Square]] Ale, 5.0% – named after a particular fermentation system originated over 200 years ago using double decked vessels called "squares" made of [[slate]] or stone. The brewery stopped using the slate squares 10 years ago and replaced them with modern [[stainless steel]] round equivalents. The label's distinctive square sheep icon and sunset background was designed by [[Middlesbrough]] born artist [[Mackenzie Thorpe]].
*[[Stout#Russian Imperial stout|Imperial Russian]], 8.5% – special brew porter
* All Creatures "Bright and Beautiful", 4.0% – brewed in celebration of the famous veterinary character [[James Herriot]]
* Velo, 4.2% – Originally brewed in 2014 to celebrate the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire, which passed the gates of the brewery


==References==
==References==
Line 96: Line 95:


[[Category:Breweries in Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Breweries in Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Companies based in the Borough of Harrogate]]
[[Category:Companies based in Masham]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1992]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1992]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 1992]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 1992]]

Latest revision as of 14:54, 17 December 2024

Black Sheep Brewery
Company typeplc (over 1,000 shareholders)
IndustryAlcoholic beverage
Founded1992
FounderPaul Theakston
Headquarters
Masham, North Yorkshire
,
England
ProductsBeer
Production output
70,000 barrels
Websitewww.blacksheepbrewery.co.uk Edit this on Wikidata

The Black Sheep Brewery is a brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire, England.

History

[edit]

The Black Sheep Brewery was established by Paul Theakston in 1991. Following a successful launch as a Business Expansion Scheme, it became a public limited company (plc) in 1992. Theakston had been managing director of Theakston Brewery, also in Masham, since 1968.[1] He began at the age of 23, taking over from his father, Frank Theakston.

The Theakston Brewery was acquired by Matthew Brown following disagreements between members of the family and other shareholders. Scottish & Newcastle acquired Matthew Brown in 1987. Theakston left in 1988, and after a hiatus of more than a year purchased the North Yorkshire Malt Roasting Company, originally part of the former Lightfoot's brewery site, from an animal feed company, in order to start a new brewery in Masham.

Theakston wanted to use the Lightfoot name to bring back an old brewing tradition, but Scottish and Newcastle had already trademarked the name. The association of Masham with sheep led Theakston to come up with the name "Sheep Brewery" which became "Black Sheep" at his wife's suggestion. Much of the original brewing equipment came from the former Hartley's Brewery in Cumbria, whilst the slate Yorkshire squares and the yeast strain, in use since at least the early 1920s, came from the recently closed Hardys & Hansons brewery in Nottingham.[2]

Production

[edit]

Black Sheep Best Bitter was first sold at the Bruce Arms in Masham.

The brewery produces a range of well-hopped bitters, to distinguish itself from Theakston's range of fruity and yeasty beers. The brewery quickly became successful, and now produces over 75,000 barrels a year.

In 2008, the brewery launched Draught Golden Sheep, a blonde cask beer with a citrus-hop flavour. It remains a seasonal brew. This, like all Black Sheep beers and indeed the brewing plant itself was created by Paul Ambler, Head Brewer since 1992 and later Operations Director. Paul Ambler has now retired. Comments Paul Theakston, "Over the years, Paul Ambler has been a fierce champion of the quality of our beer, which is the keystone of our success". Nevertheless, a growing share of its sales is in on-cask form.

All bottled beers brewed by the Black Sheep Brewery are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.[3]

Finance

[edit]
A group of visitors observes fermentation vats whilst on an official tour of the brewery facilities

The brewery has capitalised on its popularity by converting unused parts of the original maltings into a visitors centre from which tours of the brewery are conducted. In 1996, it served as host to an episode of the Two Fat Ladies cooking programme which was broadcast the following year.

For the first 15 years it paid its shareholders, including many real ale enthusiasts, steadily rising dividends. However it has since been forced to retrench, and has paid no dividend for several years. It is one of the largest shareholdings of the CAMRA Members' Investment Club.[4]

On 2 May 2023 the company announced that it was to go into administration as it lacked the cashflow needed to survive increased costs since the COVID pandemic.[5]

On 26 May 2023 Black Sheep was bought out of administration by London based investor Breal Group with an expectation that it would continue to produce Black Sheep beers and protect jobs.[6]


Cask beers

[edit]
  • Special Ale, 4.4% (Sold as Black Sheep Ale in bottles)
  • Best Bitter, 3.8%. The brewery's best-known product, available at a large number of pubs in the UK.[7]
  • Riggwelter, 5.9%
  • Black Sheep Blonde, 3.7%
  • Respire, Fresh Session IPA, 4.0%

According to the website, "...Riggwelter takes its name from the local Yorkshire Dales dialect – when a sheep is on its back and can't get up without help, local dialect says it is riggwelted.[8] This dialect word comes from the old Viking words: 'rigg'(rygg) meaning back and 'velte' to overturn (the words and their meaning are still largely the same in the modern North Germanic languages).[9] Riggwelter is also popular in Sweden, being in the top 20 of bottled ales sold in that country.[10]

Bottled beers

[edit]
  • Black Sheep Ale (formerly Special Ale in cask form), 4.4%
  • The Monty Python "Trilogy":[11]
    • Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale, 4.7% – a golden ale
    • Monty Python's Flying Circus, 4.5% – an IPA
    • Brian, 3.9% – a pale ale
  • Riggwelter, 5.7%
  • Golden Sheep, 4.7% – originally produced specially for Tesco, as part of their "Finest" range
  • Yorkshire Square Ale, 5.0% – named after a particular fermentation system originated over 200 years ago using double decked vessels called "squares" made of slate or stone. The brewery stopped using the slate squares 10 years ago and replaced them with modern stainless steel round equivalents. The label's distinctive square sheep icon and sunset background was designed by Middlesbrough born artist Mackenzie Thorpe.
  • Imperial Russian, 8.5% – special brew porter
  • All Creatures "Bright and Beautiful", 4.0% – brewed in celebration of the famous veterinary character James Herriot
  • Velo, 4.2% – Originally brewed in 2014 to celebrate the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire, which passed the gates of the brewery

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Crossland, Michael (12 April 2023). "Famed independent brewery may consider sale after review". The Yorkshire Post. p. 21. ISSN 0963-1496.
  2. ^ Protz, Roger (9 November 2018). "Baa Gum – the Black Sheep beer saga". Protz on Beer. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  3. ^ Black Sheep – no baa for Veggies Archived 9 December 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ^ "CAMRA Members' Investment Club". CAMRA Members' Investment Club. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Black Sheep calls in administrators as boss says 'perfect storm' was too much". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  6. ^ "Jobs protected as Masham's Black Sheep Brewery sold to new owners". BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  7. ^ "The Black Sheep Brewery, Masham North Yorkshire". Black Sheep Brewery. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2019.
  8. ^ Riggwelter Archived 14 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine Eurobrews.com – Retrieved on 23 July 2007
  9. ^ Riggwelter Archived 6 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine Black Sheep Breweries – Retrieved on 23 July 2007
  10. ^ "Riggwelter exports to Sweden". The Northern Echo. 8 December 2004. Retrieved 23 July 2007.
  11. ^ "Monty Python – Our Beers". Retrieved 19 December 2018.
[edit]

54°13′31″N 1°39′30″W / 54.2252°N 1.6582°W / 54.2252; -1.6582

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