Adnams: an (un) traditional brewery | The Craft Beer Channel

Adnams is one of the oldest breweries in the UK, but also one of the most modern. Join us for a tour of the historic brewery and seaside town of Southwold, and learn about how the brewery has adapted for centuries, with the philosophy that their beers belong to the people, not Adnams.
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Remember to drink responsibly(ish) and not be that guy...

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Enjoy this tale of a vital UK cask brewery? Check out our feature on Oakham, the first British brewery to use Citra hops: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGi0iGuhfNSajpY

[@beerblues762]

Hi, I was curious to know if you’ve heard of this brewing co. in Australia called ‘Young Henrys’. They use algae to consume all the CO2 created during fermentation. But more importantly I was wondering why there aren’t any other breweries that have caught on.

[@prismed6615]

I really love episodes like these, there are some fantastic breweries across the UK that don’t seem to get as much love as they deserve.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

@Papa Legba sure we do. They have been on the channel plenty of times, and will feature in a video in a fortnight too.

[@mattpowell13]

Thank you for this. I lived in Suffolk for ten years and fell in love with Adnams. When I returned to the States, I missed their cask bitter and learned to homebrew in an effort to emulate it. When I reached out to the brewery online, I was surprised to have Fergus respond to my questions and he continued to advise me throughout the process. He was incredibly patient and gracious. You've captured that love of brewing that Adnams maintains, that deep respect for tradition, and a passion for their environment. My bitter pales in comparison to theirs, but I enjoy it with fond memories of Southwold, the Lord Nelson, and my favorite brewery. Cheers!

[@kevinlouth4593]

Such a fantastic video. I love these longer form pieces. Well done. I particularly enjoyed hearing Fergus talk about being a custodian of the beers at Adnams and how really their beers belongs to those that drink them. What a fantastic way to look at things.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

I agree! Never really considered it that way

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@TheCraftBeerChannel Could you do Samuel Smiths,O’ Hara’s,Porterhouse or Timothy Taylor

[@doctorsam1953]

Superbly crafted video. I found this quite inspiring. We tend to forget that institutions which have a heritage stretching back to the nineteenth century can still be creative and innovative and forward thinking whilst still preserving their heritage. A welcome reminder that the new craft breweries do not have a monopoly on innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. Forgive me for a Brad like digression but it put me in mind of the RNLI. Have to declare an interest here as I’m an RNLI volunteer and doing a PhD on its history but it also has a similarly strong heritage but also a tradition of constant innovation. Speaking of Brad, his sage words at the end made me a bit emotional. Cracking film. More please!

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Thanks Sam - well said

[@markusahl123]

Love it! As a foreigner in the UK, I love how much local history I pick up in your videos. Southwold is now on my to-go list and look forward to trying out Ghost ship and Broadside next time I see them at a pub.

[@seancar1988]

Had the opportunity to visit the brewery in 2015. Really enjoyable experience and became a big Ghost Ship fan. Southwold is a lovely place too.

[@piazzonim]

Great episode - thanks to Brad for taking a look at the audience during your discussion with Fergus (like we were sitting at the other end of the table with you). The Fat Tire reference was spot on as well.

[@samstock6565]

Fantastic! A brewery that I’ve admired knowing little about but has a big reach to me in Melbourne Australia. I’ve loved drinking Broadside and now I can appreciate it more..thanks for the spiel lads. It’s 3:55am…I’d better get to sleep.

[@Dcalzaretta]

What a wonderful video. Beer can be more than just a business, as Adnam's shows. Thanks gentlemen for reminding all of us.

[@Curly_Captures]

Really want a pint of Broadside now 😋

[@actnsaybel7418]

Wonderful video guys. I had the opportunity to tour the Adnams Brewery last March. Tour is well done and capped off with beer tasting in their sampling room. Really enjoyed the Adnams Old Ale and the Southwold Bitter. Keep the videos coming!

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

Really really enjoyed this one. These longer videos makes for some great content. Would have been a shame to just have 15 min from a gorgeous place as Adnams and the nice people there. Cheers!

[@YeastFace]

Cracking video, really hankering for a pint of cask now. Daniel and Fergus speak so well, and it's clear Adnam's committment to being custodians permeates the whole company.

[@jamesyork48]

My sister used to live in Southwold one street over from the Sole bay inn. It was a fabulous place to visit and the fresh Adnams beers on tap were always superb. Sadly I never did a brewery tour, maybe I need a trip to Suffolk soon!

[@notesfromafar]

I love the Sole Bay Inn and highly recommend the tour :)

[@liambrown911]

Great Video gents! As a resident of Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds) I've been guilty of taking Adnams for granted for years, although been drinking Ghost Ship on cask for as long as I can remember, even having it by my request at my wedding. Great to see an in-depth look into the history.

[@steveallen1635]

Haha, you should be a fan of Green king! I'm local too!

[@liambrown911]

@@steveallen1635 Abbot Reserve and that's about it for me from Greene King!

[@steveallen1635]

​@@liambrown911 I'm not a fan of Green King beers and it pains me! Adnams is very expensive! If I'm honest, I'm more a fan of Munich beers! I wish my local breweries were more competitive!

[@garytong3395]

Please do a video tour of Shepherd Neame. I'm old enough to remember feeding the dray horses when I was a kid. The smell of the Sheps brewery and Fremlins (no longer) permeated throughout Faversham. Actually an old, historical town, just like Southwold. Great video guys. Thank you.

[@Doupyourflies]

Excellent. Same with the Broadside and it's Belgian bent. Love the custodian principle. Respect for their drinkers!

[@snorenose]

I really like these videos about traditional UK breweries. Well done. I really want to visit Southwold now.

[@davidmallard8729]

Always find these Brewery visit / Beer-u-mentries incredibly inspiring and this is another classic example. Being brought up in Cornwal and now living in Sweden my Adnams exposure has been minimal. Now I have a 'to do' list - 1. track down some bottled Broadside, 2. get over to try some cask - preferably in Southwold and 3. try and brew some myself!! Well done fellahs - top job!!

[@ianlaker9161]

What an absolutely superb and insightful episode. Who doesn't love a pint of Adnams? I used to drink Broadside and Ghostship fairly regularly. I should revisit them...and the brewery. Well done once again guys.

[@trevecchi1766]

Addams was the start of my beer journey 50 years ago and I still love their Bitter.

[@matt2533]

Awesome video guys!! Your content keeps getting better and better and I love these videos highlighting the fantastic breweries we have here in the UK.

[@jimmyrushworth928]

Great video, shining a light on a local brewery to me having grown up in Lowestoft. Southwold was a monthly trip for me, crabbing down the harbour, visiting the pier and slot machines, playing on Gun Hill. It’s a lovely place. Adnams is part of the town too, they have a symbiotic relationship. They go hand in hand. Nice to see The Nelson featured, best fish and chips in town. Beer-wise, I distinctly remember Ghost Ship coming out and I still absolutely love Spindrift, I’ll buy it whenever I see it - A fantastic blonde beer. Old Ale is a must buy when it’s out too 👍

[@DamienE11]

Loved this video, and I happened to see a couple of four packs of Ghost Ship in my local bottleshop down here in Australia so I've picked them up for Easter drinking!

[@mrgarypaterson]

Fantastic video, really enjoy these documentary style videos where you go on the road. I learned so much more about Adnams and their incredible ethos. Keep up the good work!

[@stevengadsby5384]

A most interesting and eye opening docu video. I worked for Huppmann for 37 years and I feel proud that we we helped Adnams to carry on brewing traditional cask beer. Keep up the good work guys in promoting cask beer 🍺 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SimonC.-bv5vl]

I remember drinking Adnams in the White Hart in Sevenoaks with my grandad, back in the 90s when I was on my OE. I never got over to see him again after that, but this video brings those memories back. Special beer, special times. Cheers for that.

[@Brendengs84]

Another great video gents, well done and keep them coming.

[@Zyxxus]

Great video. I love how they've hidden a lot of the brewery in that row of old fisherman's cottages!

[@mr.popular1198]

I love how Daniel said they were really "custodians" of the Real Ale. That's a great way for the head brewer to look at it. Awesome video as always. I love getting a really in-depth look at the differences between breweries.

[@neilbowers6956]

I love Adnams beers in particular Tally-Ho and Broadside. They've made some great collaboration beers as well. A really good video, thank you for making this one.

[@aethellstan]

love broadside, used to drink it in a pub just off the promenade we went to southwold several times, great place. btw great job chaps, carry on the good work

[@harrySinga-bg4gi]

Ghost Ship is always a good go to beer nice to see a video of the brewery, it;s also nice they kept the exterior of the cottages so as not to spoil the look of the surrounding buildings.

[@billblogso]

Great video guys, really enjoyed it.

[@kevinlawrence9709]

Truly wonderful video. I always come here knowing I will be educated and the entertainment is a byproduct. The undertone sustainability story is significant. The entire way they operate is a case study for everyone.

[@BrewabitRick]

What an incredible video. I’ve seen a few brewery videos and I always love the head brewers that are always individual,quirky,knowledgeable and more importantly passionate. The whole story is inspirational and brings a great story to us consumers . Super loved Fergus passionate lovely bloke. Thanks guys for bringing it to us I appreciate you cheers 👍🍻

[@itsjackbandit]

Great job. Thanks for putting effort into your interviews and artfully shooting the brewery.

[@MatthewCallender-uu5zn]

Great video guys. I regularly visit Southwold and enjoy a pint of both Ghost Ship and Broadside. I grew up on cask in the 90s as it had flavour that mass produced lager was lacking. It wasn’t fashionable then and still isn’t now so I’m delighted to see you consistently give it some love. Hopefully this will encourage modern drinkers bought up on US hops in keg to give it a go. I enjoy both styles. Variety is the spice of life.

[@AdamKeele]

Love the jab at New Belgium completely changing Fit Tire😎

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Haha not so much a jab as a gentle admonishment.

[@Slycockney]

Excellent video, that is why I love Adnams

[@M09Brumbeer]

Really enjoyed this video! Thank you

[@brunonobrega4095]

Fantastic guys!! Very happy to get to know the stories of these fantastic breweries. Regards from Brazil! keep up these productions! Cheers

[@SBIJFoot]

2 of my all time fav beers! Love Adnams! Would really like to visit one day.

[@dalejoy193]

Well done !!

[@daniloarq]

Let me tell you a story, i'm brazilian , live at the the very south Brazil, a city called Florianópolis, capital of Santa Catarina state. It is an island with 42 beaches, one of them is called INGLESES, wich means ENGLISH in portuguese. We call it ZINGA BEACH , just because it's easier to say. So my first BEST BITTER brewed received that name. ZINGA BEST BITTER. Apreciate a lot english beers here. Keep brewing guys!

[@chefe2152]

As European living in North America now,God I miss Europe,it's architecture, culture and of course its great BEER!!

[@cudden22]

Thankyou! I've lived in Norfolk all my life, been to Southwold loads and done the brewery tour at Adnams so this was great viewing. Really good to finally understand the difference between and the history of bottled Vs cask broadside. The guy at the brewery tour was a bit rubbish and didn't know what I was banging on about 😂

[@AlanGoodall-zp5ol]

I love this video and I love the wide variety of beer topics, breweries & people you cover on the channel. I look forward to your content every week - signing up for Patreon now!

[@tubbs_chubbs]

Lovely video, gents. Such a great brewery, I was astonished to find keg Ghost Ship on tap in a random local bar here in Madrid. Glad to report it tasted fantastic

[@MrRusty1trumbone]

More of this please, awesome video.

[@Jango1989]

I love Adnams so much! Such an important English beer 🍺

[@triaxe-mmb]

I really need to make a trip to UK to go beer touring

[@2002chrisking]

Glorious opening to the video.

[@jonathang.5092]

Great video, really enjoyed that. Made me feel very homesick.

[@jonparry6462]

What an amazing brewery and an stunning intro! I think it's time to revisit a pint or two of Broadside.

[@luke5932]

Guys, the filmography in the last segment really captivated me. I thought you'd captured the true pub environment, what with the chatter in the background, incredibley well. My yurn for cask beer is always strong, more so even now. Coming off the back of a weekend in Manchester, drinking Sonoma on cask at Track (out of this world, by the way), I must get down to my local ASAP get some tradition cask styles down my gullet!

[@georgerobartes2008]

It was the tri centenary of the Battle of Solebay in 1672 and the bottle beer was 3 years late ! The Dutch led by De Ruyter jumped the combined English/French fleet at anchor in the port of Solebay , now called Southwold Bay . The Dutch lost 1 ship , the English 4 including the Royal James . Apparently the James was abandoned by its crew and left to sail off on its own before it was sank by fire ships. Adnams Bitter was a favourite of mine in the 1970s and worth the journey to Walberswick and Southwold for the beer and the stories . The brewery was pretty much like the old Ridleys Brewery in Essex in that it had a restricted range and few tied houses compared to it's neighbour Greene King so it made sense if you were driving with the drinking team to drive to the outlet nearest the brewery. Walberswick was a quite neglected but pictureskew village back then , a quiet backwater with a shingle beach and full of stories of the sea . We used the Anchor most often as it was a short stagger to the beach to sober up in the bracing waves before driving back home . This was quite a regular occurrence through the 80s . Visited Southwold again about 15 years ago with my wife and young son for the old slot machines on the Pier and a few in the Nelson on our way back from Yarmouth. Then Southwold in 2019 for Saturday lunch in the Nelson an afternoon on the beach , an evening meal in the restaurant on the pier and Sunday lunch in the Anchor in the very upmarket village and now very busy with foodies but still the best kept pint outside of the town . A highly recommended weekends activities. Of course Adnams is now everywhere including the Swan in my little town by the sea not an hour away from the brewery in North Essex, but despite the landlords valiant efforts , care and attention and a good pint there's nothing like a pint or 5 at the nearest outlet to the brewery . Southwold has lost its tired seaside town image portrayed in Michael Palins " East of Ipswich " and is now a bustling vibrant little place with charm , great beach , entertainment , good food from fish and chips to a le carte , alll with a great pint .

[@jonasn6784]

Spectacular footage and wise, wise words! Thanks guys ❤

[@JAZZFLIP]

Brilliant video again, thanks,better than TV, just had a bottle of ghost ship, bloody lovely. Love to see another tip to Hook Norton.

[@Clyde__Frog]

Nice of Alan Davis to show you around

[@Abeyptfc]

Great video guys, Southwold seems like a cracking place! Maybe one day you can come up to Skye for a few jars and visit the brewery here in Uig?👍🍺

[@harryn5891]

A beauty of a video! I had no idea Lowestoft was such a nice town and it's great to see a brewery take its responsibility to the town and the people in it seriously. Not all that easy to find their beers on tap in Exeter but i'll make sure to have a pint the next time i see it behind the bar.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Thanks! But just to be clear Adnams is in Southwold, don't go to the wrong town!

[@Jannes-pj4cd]

Great video, I’ve found it very interesting to learn about this brewery and about the British beer history. Keep up the good work guys!

[@downsideup119]

Epic video as always. Thanks guys. You rock and it's been amazing to see this channel develop. You need to come to South Africa some time.

[@sonicfactory-uk]

Great video, thanks for producing!

[@photosmithy]

Good to highlight the UK brewery's. Its a shame a few small gems have closed due to economic pressures eg Dig Brew Co, our local Birmingham craft brewery who did some fabulous ba stouts, barleywines and sours. :(

[@Dgp-d3c]

This is great. Would love to see you guys visit my favourite local (and I think quite special) brewery - Harvey’s of Lewes

[@rfow2]

Fantastic guys what a great insight into a brewery it’s methods forward thinking and it’s beer. Strange thing is first tried Ghost Ship on vacation in Antigua of all places in 2013 never looked back been drinking ever since. Would be great to see a longer version of these episodes. Look forward to the next guys great stuff 👍

[@henkskeukentafelshow9071]

Thank you!

[@filmscorefreak]

Beautiful place, would love to try their beers someday. And yes, New Belgium might as well change their name, they've abandoned pretty much all of their original brews. Much appreciate the old breweries in the UK and their custodial philosophy.

[@Stevesulsh]

Great episode when I was living in the UK around 1994 our local (CTC clubhouse) was the Cock Inn at Luddesdown in Kent, a freehouse and Adnams was always on, the landlord Andy named his firstborn Adnam 😀 a cracking pub

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

I bet that kid got called Adam everywhere he went.

[@stephenturnell9308]

My favourite brewery, lovely passionate team, superb quality beers and my favourite of all time Broadside! If you haven't tried Broadside yet, I urge you to give it a go 👍

[@matthewbrown5677]

You need to go too Harveys too......l,m going too Adams now....Broadside is a Great winter Ale.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

It's on the list to film there! Been a few times but never for CBC

[@kw2142]

ah man I love this. I love Adnams & I love Southwold. Terrific place in the summer, & terrific beer! There's nothing better than a fish and chips with a ghost ship or bitter. You're right about the history. I often drink their "old ale" or '"tally ho', just drinking that & I can imagine i'm back in time, apparently recipe hasn't changed much in 100 odd years! I'm definitely in favour of beers and breweries creating a heritage, not just for the here and now. Adnams brewery also adds so much to Southwold & do loads of charity work for the town! There are so many other breweries like Southwold which have just disappeared over the past 30 odd years precisely because they didn't innovate but also didn't focus enough on their heritage with their community. Adams brewery genuinely seems grateful to be in Southwold and doesn't take it's location or custodians for granted!

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

We've got a story that takes in the less fortunate breweries coming soon.

[@user-jt1jv8vl9r]

​@@TheCraftBeerChannelMy father worked for Watney Truman back in the 70s in Brick Lane. I'd love to hear their story as I believe they were established in the 1600s.

[@EastofVictoriaPark]

Ghost Ship recently listed at the LCBO.

[@bobpark6713]

Great! I've had Adnams before, but never knew the backstory. We're heading over the pond in late April and will be spending a long weekend in London. Any suggestions on pubs that pull Adnams?

[@selbyrefs862]

Southwold looks great on my want to go list

[@richharper8159]

Great stuff again chaps. So, so important that more people are aware of what we have in this country. I still think because of cask the UK is the best beer country in the world, and Adnams prove it. Can’t be touched because of their history. Not just about the beer in glass, whether we realise it or not, we want a little back-story.

[@chrisbarry773]

Excellent. Harvey's next please.

[@GavM]

Can anyone remember what the CBC discount code for Brewster is? Can't find it for the life of me!

[@notesfromafar]

Lovely video chaps, beautifully shot but it would be hard to make Southwold look unpretty. We love Southwold and Adnams, we did the tour last time we were there which was nicely done. We’ll be back there next month for a long weekend, and a couple of pints in The Nelson. Any plans to look at St Austell and/or Cornish brewing?

[@RadgeCanary]

First had Adnams Southwold Bitter at the UEA bar in Norwich back in the 80s. Hated it! The phenolic flavour was overpowering and it tasted unpleasant to me. But I stuck with it, as it was cheap and the only cask they had. Then I had it again at the great bar in Norwich's Cinema City - and discovered how nice it actually was, when served in a bar that knew how to keep it! Haven't had it in decades! I need to go back down.

[@lafamillecarrington]

Hmm - another trip to the seaside from Cambridge is due, I think

[@MicahDouglas]

*Books a trip to Southwold* Epic vid chaps!

[@olep.4156]

"We can stop here....this is Adnams Country" was all I could think about in that intro.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Fear and Loathing in....Suffolk.

[@tjewald32]

Great video, as always! Sure wish cask ale was more prevalent here in the US.

[@geoffpm]

A fantastic, compelling episode. Loved every minute. What American brewery were you discussing that changed its recipe ?

[@broadfjord7087]

New Belgium? Fat Tire Amber ale(It’s not that old though🤔)?

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

He was indeed referencing Fat Tire. Old by US craft standards!

[@hamishmacrae6084]

Great stuff thanks - Live shows and brew shows aside these "field trip" episodes would be great on TV too - this episode would've worked well just after Countryfile on a Sunday!

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Haha maybe one day tv will see the appeal!

[@ivanjuggins5197]

Im getting some real willy wonka vibes from the brewer in this in his jacket

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Haha I'm going to make sure he sees this comment.

[@jasonstone1046]

Beer aside, looks like a beautiful place..

[@justina.6769]

Love the video, but now I'm curious. I'd like to know what recipe was changed here in the US to a "very old beer."

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

That was New Belgium Fat Tire.

[@lucaparolin5623]

Great video, I love the very local approach of these guys, I think more breweries should follow the example, giving a better "terroir" identity to craft beers.

[@daikidetbilisi]

Really enjoyable video. Currently, figuring out how to introduce cask ale to the emerging craft beer market in Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪. Cost of production is a big issue. As is potential market from locals who are classically wine drinkers. Any ideas welcome?

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

I'll have to get back to you on this. Keen to offer some help but need to think it through

[@DavidGraeberWasRight]

what a nice bloke. edit: what nice blokes!

[@echardcore]

Absolutely amazing quote about the drinkers owning the beer. Assuming he was comparing to the recipe change of Fat Tire. Very disrespectful to the customers.

[@ww6156]

I need a pint now...

[@laurencefromLondon]

Another great video, I wish it was easier to get there by public transport

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Yes there should definitely be a damned train station.

[@jmay3200]

Adnams Broadside is the best mainstream ale you can get in supermarkets, highly, highly recommend when looking for a drink this weekend. Has an almost Belgian dunkel level of depth and flavour from the malt, nothing else like it on the shelves.

[@marslightsnoise]

I want Brad’s job😊

[@christophermartin520]

I've watched this whole video hearing the name Adnams, I have an empty 5Lt mini keg on display of ghost ship that I got in Australia.