Quality has always been at the heart of Timothy Taylor’s philosophy. John Taylor, grandson of Timothy, despite his inherent fiscal principles, never compromised on quality. ‘Quality of product and service coupled with strict financial disciplines’ was his formula for success. When it came to purchasing brewing ingredients only the best would do and money was never stinted. It is a policy that has been maintained by a distinguished line of head brewers throughout the company’s history and one that is continued today by Peter Eells and his brewing team. It was the financial reserves accrued by John Taylor during his time as Chairman and Managing Director, between 1955 and 1995, that laid the foundations for the company’s growth over the last ten years. That growth, on the back of the quality of the company’s beers, not least best selling Landlord, has seen major developments at Knowle Spring Brewery.

In 2000, with the brewery running at capacity, a new fermentation house was commissioned and three multipurpose fermenting, maturation and storage vessels, were installed. This was quickly followed in 2001 with the addition of a new malt silo and conveyor system, and a second mill in 2002.

The next phase in 2003 cost more than £2.5 million and saw the installation of four more identical fermenters plus a temperature controlled store and automated racking and palletiser system. This redevelopment continues today with the site currently undergoing a vital facelift to expand distribution facilities and provide larger office space.

To mark the 150th anniversary a number of events are planned throughout the year including various special promotions in the tied estate pubs. The celebrations however started at the beginning of the year with the mashing in of a special one off brew Celebration Ale. Described by Head Brewer Peter Eells as a ‘strong English amber ale with a rich golden colour, robust hoppy aroma and fully malty taste’ 5% ABV Celebration Ale was available in draught at selected pubs during February. It proved so popular that by mid March it had all been sold. Indeed in one London pub, The Bricklayers Arms in Putney, a complete 9-gallon barrel was downed by thirsty drinkers within 45 minutes of it going on sale.

Alongside Celebration Ale the brewery also reintroduced Havercake Ale, the beer that proved so popular when it was first brewed in 2002 to celebrate the Tercentenary of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment – now The 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. Soldiers of the famous regiment were always know as the ‘Havercake Lads’. Havercakes, simple oat pancakes, were, in times gone by, the staple diet of many of the Pennine towns from where the soldiers were recruited.

Like Celebration Ale, the brew of Havercake Ale also quickly ran out.

Despite the many problems facing the industry at this moment, Charles Dent is confident about the future: “As we start our 150th Anniversary celebrations we are also entering one of our most extensive periods of change ever. This includes further development of the tied estate and increasing production capacity at the brewery to
ensure the growing demand for our beers is maintained in a proper manner. After 150 years the company is in a strong position to face the future with confidence and every member of staff remains committed to ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy Timothy Taylor’s beers, brewed in the traditional way, for many years to come.”