The brewery team at Butcombe Brewery, along with farmer and TV personality Adam Henson, recently celebrated the three millionth bottle of Rare Breed to trundle off the production line.
The pale ale, created in collaboration with Adam Henson, has been in production since 2012.
The collaboration came about when Adam Henson, who had been growing Maris Otter barley on his Cotswold farm, decided he wanted to add value to the crop so should team up with a local brewery and produce a beer.
“We visited a number of breweries around the south-west and eventually ended up at Butcombe.” explained Adam Henson.
“We found out a lot about the company and soon realised there was plenty of synergy with what we believe in such as customer care, quality of product, looking after staff, sustainability and the importance of where produce comes from. This all rang true with us and our brand values, so we decided to produce a beer together.”
Rare Breed is the result of Adam Henson’s dedication to sustainable farming and a passion for characterful, artisanal beer. Using the finest Maris Otter malting barley and aromatic Fuggles hops, delicious, fruity Cascade and Amarillo hops and pure Mendip Spring Water, Rare Breed is a distinctive, clean tasting pale ale with a smooth, citrus twist.
Marc McGuigan, MD, Butcombe Brewery says: “We’re thrilled to be marking this important milestone in the production of Rare Breed. It’s a special product which represents much of our ethos here at Butcombe Brewery. The water we use comes from our very own borehole and, after the brewing process, all used barley goes to local farms as cow feed.
“Seeing the three millionth bottle come off the production line was a very special moment and we’re looking forward to producing millions more.”
Muddy Puddle
Adam continues: “I originally wanted to call the beer Muddy Puddle. I thought it fitted with farmers, I could see the marketing, big welly boots splashing in the mud, but the brewers thought it was a ridiculous idea.”
“Rare Breed is fresh and zesty; they didn’t want to be selling people a muddy puddle!”
“The name Rare Breed means more than just the animal connection. It also represents our rare relationship – one of farmer and brewer.”
“It has worked really well for us and I adore the beer. Head Brewer Mike and his team’s skill in continuing to produce this fantastic product is amazing. I’m delighted to be involved.” he concluded.
