With years of experience producing award-winning beers of many styles and flavours and as we are always asked which ones we prefer - we thought it was only fair to share with you some of our personal favourites!
Read MoreMonty’s Brewery is excited to support SIBA's (Society of Independent Brewers) brand-new Indie Beer campaign
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Monty’s Brewery, award-winning brewers of Welsh beers, ales, and stouts, is delighted to share news of investment from renowned entrepreneur, Mike Harris, who has acquired a 51% stake in the company in line with ambitious growth plans.
Based in Montgomery, Powys, Monty’s Brewery have picked up a variety of awards for their outstanding range of products in recent years, including Insider’s prestigious Made in Wales Award within the Food & Drink category, as well a Gold Award in the Wales and West SIBA competition for their famous Monty’s Red IPA.
All products currently produced by Monty’s Brewery, including their various ales, stouts, and gluten-free beers, will continue to be produced and will still be available through existing outlets, with plans for further growth on a national scale currently in the works.
The acquisition is the first brewing acquisition made by Mike Harris’s investment vehicle, Ubuntu Holdings Ltd, with others expected on the Horizon. It follows Harris’s recent acquisition of Welshpool’s award-winning distillery, Henstone Distillery, as Ubuntu continue to expand on their operations across Wales and beyond.
Speaking on his excitement, Founder of Ubuntu Business Holdings Ltd and Chairman at The New Saints FC, said:
“This is a really exciting day for both myself and the team at Ubuntu Holdings Ltd. Monty’s Brewery has an excellent range of products on offer, frequently enjoyed by those across Powys and beyond.
“As one of the region’s most popular breweries, I’m excited to help Monty’s Brewery increase production and distribution on a national scale.”
Also speaking on the acquisition, Russ Honeyman, Commercial Director at Monty’s Brewery, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us here at Monty’s Brewery. Mike has always had strong visions for the local area and community, as highlighted through his incredible work with The New Saints FC.
We are looking forward to sharing our multi-award winning beers with a wider audience and creating new products to add to The Monty’s Range.”
ENDS
Monty’s Brewery, Hendomen, Montgomery SY15 6HA
About Ubuntu Business Holdings Ltd:
Oswestry-based Ubuntu Holdings Ltd is owned by entrepreneur Mike Harris, operating as an investment vehicle for a variety of successful local businesses including NetPMD, SiFi Networks, and The New Saints Football Club.
About Monty’s Brewery
Monty’s Brewery was founded in 2009 by husband and wife, Russ and Pam Honeyman. They are a multi-award winning brewery, brewing beers of all styles, well-renowned throughout Wales for their alternative gluten-free range. www.montysbrewery.co.uk
Monty’s has launched a new branded range of beers called “Wyvern” The range of beers will be gluten free and all have Welsh names. See the Wyvern range page for details. Click for more details - Galaeth or Gwyn a Du
Our Red IPA recently won Gold in the Wales and West SIBA competition. It was in the Cask Session Pale ale category. At 4.2% this Red IPA is a winner! It’s gluten free too and we are excited to have it in Cask, Bottle and Keg.
The beer will now go through to the SIBA Finals in March 2025.
This beer was the first beer wholley created by our head practical brewer Kate Thomas, we are all really pround of her!
Our 9% Imperial stout wins Silver at the Society of Independant Brewers Association (SIBA) National Awards. The Immpy stout won Gold at the Wales and West competion, and therefore went through to the finals. It is a stunning example of an Imperial stout, acutely dark, rich and balanced packed with vanilla, chocolate and hints of burnt wood flavours. Gentle aromas of liquorice. A beer to be sipped and savoured!
The beer was also the base beer used for our Fifteenth birthday celebrations in Jan 2024 too called XV. Where we aged it in a Penderyn Bourbon cask for 7 months. So both beers turned out to be a huge sucess for us.
January 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of Monty’s Brewery and we’re pleased to say it’s still going strong! Monty’s Brewery was founded in 2009 by husband-and-Wife team Russ and Pam Honeyman with the Brewery on the outskirts of the historical town of Montgomery, on the Powys/Shropshire border. Monty’s is now one of the leading breweries throughout Wales and with that it is also one of the very few SALSA accredited breweries. The brewery has been brewing in the same location down at Hen-Domen one mile from Montgomery since its inception, back in 2009.
To help with the celebrations Monty’s has released a very special beer called Monty’s XV with only 500 bottles brewed it won’t be hanging around for long! Back in March 2023 Monty’s brewed a very smooth and luxurious 9% Imperial Stout…which incidentally won Gold at the Society of Independent Brewers competition in the Speciality and Flavoured beer category. However not all of it was bottled we kept enough back to fill a Bourbon barrel from a Welsh distillery and then we left it in the beer store to do its stuff! In November we decided that it was time to bottle the batch, this was very much a team effort removing the beer from the barrel and then bottling it by hand like Monty’s did all those years ago! ‘We had a great time, it brough back so many memories, and we think we have produced something very special indeed!’ The bourbon barrel has imparted fantastic warming flavours of the bourbon but keeping the distinct dryness and flavours of the imperial stout, it’s also added a bit more alcohol, now sitting at 11.6%! said Russ Honeyman, Commercial Director at Monty’s.
2024 has started off well for Monty’s we have exported a trailer full of cask beer to Sweden, and we are releasing two new beers to our Monty’s range, an ESB and a new Gluten Free beer a Red IPA, with both being available by the end of January. If you’d like to place an order for Monty’s XV please visit our website at www.montysbrewery.co.uk there is a maximum of 6 bottles per person and we will despatch on or around the 25th January.
We were really proud to have had our 8% barley wine - Magnitude, selected to go with the dessert of sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream at the All Party Parlimentry Awards Dinner in early July.
Three beers were chosen from around the UK for the event - one for each course of the three-course dinner. The beers were blind tasted and chosen by a team of tasters led by award-winning beer writer Jonny Garrett.
As the Montys beer was served at the dinner, Jonny Garrett explained, “The style barley wine came from a 19th century marketeer, who wanted a way to counter the threat of French wine imports, so it was made to make British beer more aspirational. Brewers started to adopt this term for their strongest beers. It was normally made in October to coincide with the new barley and hops harvest.”
He said of Montys’ Magnitude, “At the tasting the judges said they loved this bitter sweet beer and how it softened the sweetness of the sticky toffee pudding, and added complexity with liquorice, and caramel to the dessert.”
The event took place at One Great George Street, London, in the Great Hall with around 150 guests from all corners of the brewing and hospitality sector, from AB InBev, Coors, Heineken and Greene King, to UK hospitality, APPBG, Beer and Pub associations and SIBA as well may others.
Russ Honeyman Commercial Director from Monty’s said, “We were extremely pleased our barley wine was chosen. It was a great honour to be invited down to the event and to have our beer served there.”
On St David’s Day this year, Russ and Pam Honeyman, our founders of the brewery were invited to 10 Downing Street with seven other Welsh Food and Drink business’s to showcase the very best of Welsh Food and Drink.” To be invited too such an iconic building and to be part of showcasing the very best of Wales was a great honour” Pam said. There were over 120 guests, including Welsh opera singer Bryn Terfel, and Max Boyce, although no Oggy Oggy Oggy’s were heard in number 10! The brewery showcased their new beer Navigation Pale Ale which is being launched for Easter as well as their regulars like Sunshine, Dark Secret and Masquerade.
We were please to present a limited edition of just 500 bottles of beer for the cultural day in Montgomery on May 14th to celebrate the unveiling of a plaque in the town of poet Arany János who wrote The Bards of Wales in 1857. All school children in Hungary are taught the poem and it has forged a great and powerful friendship. We called the ale Trefaldwyn Ale, (Montgmery in Welsh) it was a dry blonde ale. Went down great with everyone around.
It was a fantastic night for Monty’s in Cardiff on the 21st October when Monty’s Brewery was announced winner of the “Insider Made in Wales Award for Food and Drink”.
The awards celebrated companies that have created products to help directly in the battle against Covid, as well as those that have changed what they do in response to the challenges of the pandemic. The event was held at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and was compered by Jason Mohammad.
Russ Honeyman Commercial Director of Monty’s received the award from Janis Richards from Made UK and TV and Radio presenter Jason Mohammad. Russ talked about the award how important it was and appreciated by everyone at Monty’s Brewery. He explained how difficult it had been for breweries and the hospitality sector during the pandemic and how Monty’s Brewery had adjusted and looked to the future by reducing plastic in its packaging, installing a canning line, growing their online presence, and recently introducing a non-alcoholic beer to the range. He said “ I’m really proud of what we have achieved, we have a great team, we have some exciting exports and projects ahead it’s important to look forward now.”
Monty’s Brewery received a visit this week from the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, and Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams. The ministers were visiting a handful of businesses in Mid Wales and rounded their day off at Monty’s Brewery. The timing couldn’t have been better as Monty’s was able to talk about their experiences throughout COVID and the work they are doing now to rebuild the business with exports, as well as contracts with supermarkets and growing online sales. Indeed the minister saw there was a pallet ready to ship to The Netherlands, a first order of their gluten free range of beers, to the biggest gluten free distributor in Holland, a contract which has been secured over the last few months. They also discussed the levelling plans for Mid Wales to bring business and opportunities to Mid Wales.
Russ Honeyman Commercial Director for Montys Brewery said “It was a pleasure to show The Secretary of State for Wales and Craig Williams around our brewery and to talk about our plans for export and the future, they showed great interest in our plans. Of course after talks we had a taster and tried our summer beer Desert Rats, where we donate 5p a pint to SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, the Secretary of State was very impressed with that as an Ex Army man!”
Rural Enterprise , 24th February 2021
With international travel not a viable option at the moment due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Welsh food and drink companies are embracing the new way of doing business virtually.
With the largest uptake of producers signed up to its virtual Trade Development Visit programme, the Welsh Government is supporting twenty five members of its Export Club to attend two virtual Trade Development Visits targeting Switzerland and Canada in February and March.
The virtual Trade Development Visits provide producers with a unique opportunity to make connections with prospective buyers, distributors and importers in a fraction of the time a physical Trade Development Visit demands.
Each participating company has a detailed itinerary of scheduled one to one calls with an in-market partner, followed by a market briefing and one to one meetings with pre-qualified buyers, importers and distributors, all done via video conference facilities.
Export is particularly important for the Welsh hospitality industry at the moment in such challenging times and Russ Honeyman, Commercial Director for Monty’s Brewery in Powys sees these two virtual Trade Development visits as vital for the business,
“This is a great opportunity to expand our export opportunities. In these tough times in the home market with pubs and bars closed, by participating in a virtual Trade Development Visit we can get our products in front of other markets without the need to travel. It is a new way of doing business abroad and I am looking forward to seeing the results”.
The UK has signed a trade agreement with Switzerland, while the UK-Canada trade deal will secure tariff-free trading on 98% of goods.
Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said
“The Welsh food and drink sector has reacted to the current crisis with a characteristically innovative spirit, and a readiness to take advantage of new ways of working.
“During the global Covid-19 pandemic, international travel has become less and less of a practical option for our exporters – however, our virtual Trade Development Visit programme has posed an increasingly attractive alternative for companies who may have to physically stay in their home countries, but are still determined to highlight their products to international audiences.”
To read the whole article please click here
https://businessnewswales.com/welsh-food-and-drink-producers-embrace-doing-business-virtually/
Monty’s Brewery are excited to announce that their Gluten Free stout ‘Dark Secret’ has been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ at this year’s prestigious Great British Food Awards 2020. “It is an absolute honour to receive this award particularly with so much other competition out there”, said Russ Honeyman, Commercial Director
The Brewery set out to create a great tasting gluten free stout that everyone could enjoy, without compromising on flavour. Dark Secret is a rich full-bodied stout with hints of chocolate and coffee it’s brewed with barley and oats but with the gluten removed. Receiving this Great British Food Award clearly shows they got it right
Monty’s Dark Secret has won many awards including 3 gold star awards with Great Taste Awards for two consecutive years, Silver at the London Beer Competition, Bronze at the Free From Food Awards
Magnitude, their 8% barley wine was also a finalist in the competition. This indulgent beer is full of sweet, malty characteristics and warming alcohol, perfect for sipping in front of the fire on a cold evening.
Russ Honeyman Commercial Director said “to have two beers as finalists and one of them to receive ‘Highly Commended’ is a testament to the skill and hard work of our staff and brewers at the Brewery. Dark Secret has been winning prizes consistently since we began brewing it in 2016. Awards like the Great British Food Awards enable us to secure sales not only in the UK but as far as Finland and Singapore”.
Dark Secret and all of Monty’s range can be purchased from our Website https://www.montysbrewery.co.uk/products-page or you can telephone 01686 668933 to place your order for home delivery. If you are local to Montgomery why not pop along and enjoy a pint in our visitor centre ‘The Cottage’.
More award recognition for Monty’s Brewery!
Read MoreMonty's Magnitude wins Bronze at 2019 London Beer Challenge.
Great Taste 2 Gold Stars in 2019
A collaboration between Welsh independent breweries, wholesalers and distributors will see the first official Welsh Beer Week launch in pubs across the country on 8 March 2020.
The rise of the Welsh brewing industry can be seen throughout the nation, with a number of craft breweries joining established producers across the country. Increased customer demand for new products that reflect Wales’ culture and heritage has seen brewers respond with an expansive variety of ales and craft
beers.
This March, as the Six Nations Rugby Championship drives the nation to pubs and gather around living room TVs, Wales’ brewers are joining forces to offer beer lovers the chance to support the home team at the pump as well as on the pitch.
From Carmarthen to Wrexham, the nation’s pubs are supporting the cause to ensure that beers from Welsh independent brewers will have pride of place at the bar. Those looking to support the country’s brewers simply need to look for beer pumps and taps sporting the official Welsh Beer Week logo.
The backing of key on-trade retailers and distributors across the country will help to ensure that pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants across Wales will have access to the widest range of Welsh ales and beer possible.
Welsh Beer Week is organised by the Welsh Drinks Cluster’s Beer and Cider Group, which works in
partnership with independent Welsh brewers, key On-trade retailers and wholesalers to promote the nations success at producing world class products.
Speaking on behalf of the Welsh Drinks Cluster Beer & Cider Group, Cen Hayward, one of the organisers of
Welsh Beer Week, said: “Wales has a proud history of producing high quality beers and ales. That legacy continues today as young breweries join our oldest brands to create and share those products with the world.
“Welsh Beer Week aims to give beer lovers across the country the chance to experience the true taste of Wales. Our goal is to help people understand the wide range of exceptional Welsh creations available to them today and encourage them to join us in asking more pubs, bars and shops to stock Welsh ales and beer.
Organisers aim to have over 1000 beer and ale pumps displaying the Welsh Beer Week brand between 8-14 March. Pam and Russ Honeyman own Monty’s Brewery in Montgomery and have played a key role in
making Welsh Beer Week a reality. Commenting on the official launch, Pam said: “You don’t need to be an aficionado to appreciate the exceptional drinks we produce. Your new favourite pint could well be from a local brewery and we hope Welsh Beer Week helps you find it.”
“We believe that Welsh breweries deserve to be recognised for the exceptional quality of their beers and ales.
Teams across the country are constantly securing some of the UK industries top awards. This Week is devoted to celebrating Welsh Beer, in Welsh pubs and the people who make it all possible.”
Russ Honeyman added: “We’re very pleased to be part of Welsh Beer Week to help people in Wales to explore the true range of fantastic beers and ales our nation produces. The demand for locally sourced drinks has never been greater and we’re hoping that this Week will allow them to discover that there’s a Welsh beer for every occasion. Whether you prefer a traditional ale, or you’re on a search for something totally new, we’re confident Welsh Beer Week will help you find it.
“It’s clear that customers today are keen to support locally produced products. Welsh Beer Week will give them what they want. Those looking for quality and personality in their choice of beverage will have an array of premium options to choose from.” Sean explained: “Speaking on behalf of a Welsh brewery and an independent pub group I’m probably biased, but I genuinely think it’s fair to say that Wales is producing some of the best beer available from the UK. Young Welsh brewers in particular are showing that they are not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to creating innovate beers that truly set them apart from the rest.
Sean Murphy is a director at the Vale of Glamorgan Brewery and the managing director of the independent pub group, Knife and Fork. According to Sean, many people will be surprised by the range of craft beer that is available from breweries within their locality. As well as showcasing products from around the country, Welsh Beer Week aims to help customers discover exceptional breweries that are right on their doorstep.
In addition to independent pubs, some of the UK’s leading pub chains have supported the campaign to celebrate the nations brewers. That includes Ei Publican Partnerships, the leased and tenanted operation of the UK’s largest pub company, Ei Group, which owns or operates c4,000 pubs across England and Wales. Nick Light, Managing Director of Ei Publican Partnerships, said: “With over 100 pubs within our Ei Publican Partnerships estate located in Wales, we are very proud to support Welsh Beer Week to enhance the profile and knowledge of locally brewed beer. The drinks sector in Wales comprises many innovative producers and we want to be a part of its growth”.
We can finally announce that Monty's Sunshine was a finalist in this year’s CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain competition held at Olympia. The whole team were thrilled with this as Sunshine was the very first brew we made over 10 years ago, and is still our biggest selling beer.
Sunshine has stood the test of time, with its floral and citrus aromas and fruity flavour. It goes great with spicy food, steak or cheese. Just a great all rounder.
Monty's is excited to announce the results are in for Great Taste 2019.
Foggy Pud 2 Gold Stars
Magnitude 2 Gold Stars
Dark Secret 2 Gold Stars
We are really chuffed with these results, and again it shows our commitment to producing great quality beers.
Monty's Brewery headed to London again this year for the Taste of London event in Regent's Park where their keg range of beers were showcased, giving the London audience a chance to try some of the best Welsh beer available. Monty's had their 2.8% beer 1267, their 8% Barley Wine Magnitude, 5.6% Dark Secret stout and 4.6% Masquerade on. 3 of the beers were gluten free beers and went down really well with the visitors to the show.
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