Craft brewer to benefit from French connection
A CRAFT brewery which began producing ale just four months ago could soon be exporting its products around the world.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in France is among the businesses which want to work with Bang On in Bridgend.
And the small brewery has also had interest from even further afield.
“We have had inquiries about exporting to Australia, the United States, Switzerland, Austria and Russia so far,” said owner Neil Randle, 43.
“The most interesting proposition though is from a Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France that wants to work on a collaborative beer to complement their menu and offer an alternative to wine.”
Since starting production in their unit on Bridgend Industrial Estate, which also has a tap room, Neil, from North Cornelly, and chief beer chef Craig Jackson, 41, from near Cowbridge, have created more than 30 unique recipes, ranging from a core offering of Belgium Blonde, IPA, APA, Amber, Session Ale, Lager-Ale, Stout and Ruby IPA through to niche limited-edition batches such as Dai, which is based on an ancient Welsh recipe for a Bragawd.
Neil said Dai was specifically brewed for St David’s Day and uniquely manages to blend honey, pineapple, orange, lemon, lime, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and star anise into one beer.
There are currently 10 beers in production and each beer is made from natural ingredients, which makes them all suitable for vegetarians, while 80% of the products are also suitable for vegans as they contain no lactose or honey.
Neil said there are already a number of local free house pubs and retail outlets placing orders to stock the variety of beers as well as stockists in the south west of England and up through to the Midlands.
He added that since opening, the brewery and the adjoining licenced bar and shop they have been incredibly busy.
Bang On also held an open day, which was supported by Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) and Bridgend AM and First Minister Carwyn Jones.
Neil said: “It was very nice of Mr Jones to show an interest in the brewery. He came without a politi- cal hat on and made the visit because he was interested in the brewery and liked the fact that we are adding something positive to Bridgend.
“I was also very impressed with Mr Jones’ knowledge of brewing and he actually had quite an in-depth knowledge of the processes that brewers use.”