Elland brewery's 1872 Porter beer named Best in Britain

Jan 22 2010 By Neil Atkinson

The judges were made up of beer writers, licensees and CAMRA members.

Their verdict on the 1872 Porter reads like a wine-taster’s testimony: “A creamy, full-flavoured porter with rich liquorice flavours with a hint of chocolate from roast malt, and a soft but satisfying aftertaste of bittersweet roast and malt.”

Head brewer Dave Sanders was delighted with the news, after he finished as runner-up last year.

“It’s absolutely brilliant.

“We came second last year and I am thrilled to finish top in 2010.

“We originally started brewing this beer at the West Yorkshire Brewery so there’s quite a history behind the Victorian recipe.

“There’s no secret, just good-quality brewing ingredients, including a coloured malt that gives it the flavour and colour.

Elland Brewery was originally formed as Eastwood & Sanders (Fine Ales) Limited in April 2002 by the amalgamation of two of Yorkshire’s leading micro breweries, the Barge & Barrel Brewery Company based in Elland, and West Yorkshire Brewery, based in Luddendenfoot.

The company name was changed to Elland Brewery Limited in July 2006 to reinforce its close links with the town of Elland.

The creation of a new brewery in Heathfield Street, Elland, meant they can now brew up to 50 barrels per week, with 12 different beers.