Firebrand Brewing Co is celebrating 18 years of brewing in Cornwall this November, marking the milestone with the release of two limited-edition anniversary beers that pay tribute to the brewery’s journey so far.
Founded by Joe Thomson and Stephen Medlicott in 2008, the business began life as Penpont Brewery in a converted milking parlour on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Joe was just 21 and believed to be the UK’s youngest head brewer at the time. Eighteen years on, and having recently turned 40, he has seen the business evolve from a small rural brewery into one of Cornwall’s best-loved brewing businesses and taprooms. The anniversary comes at an exciting time for Firebrand, which has continued to grow and adapt in an increasingly challenging beer market.
A significant part of that evolution has been the success of its award-winning alcohol-free range, led by Shorebreak Hazy Pale Ale (0.5% ABV), which has recently become the brewery’s best-selling product. In response to growing demand, particularly for Shorebreak, Firebrand is preparing to expand its brewery at its Launceston premises, with increased production capacity helping to support the next phase of the business.
Co-Founder, Joe Thomson, said: “When we started Penpont (which later became Firebrand) in 2008, the ambition was pretty simple, to brew good, honest Cornish beer using our own spring water and get it into the pubs around us. I was 21, brewing in a converted milking parlour and I remember it being really exciting. Looking back now, it was probably more about enthusiasm than business sense! Eighteen years on, I don’t think the younger version of me would quite believe where we are today. We’ve gone from a small brewing kit on a farm to a purpose-built site in Launceston, with our own taproom, canning line and brilliant team. We’ve also had to evolve with the market. I certainly didn’t expect that one day our best-selling beer would be an alcohol-free pale ale, but Shorebreak has completely changed the business and opened up some exciting opportunities.
“It’s a challenging time for many breweries, so being able to not only keep brewing independently in Cornwall, but also to keep growing and investing in our future is something I’m really proud of.”
To celebrate the 18th anniversary, Firebrand are releasing two limited-edition beers, each marking a different chapter in its history. Both beers will be available in selected on-trade venues across the South-West from late November, while stocks last.
Roughtor (4.5% ABV) takes the brewery back to its beginnings. A dark amber ale, it is a recreation of one of the first beers brewed under the original Penpont name in 2008. Glassy smooth, with a hoppy, floral aroma and a deliciously bittersweet hop finish, it is a fitting tribute to where the journey began.
Graffiti IPA (5% ABV) celebrates the next chapter, having been one of the first beers brewed under the Firebrand name in 2012. Golden in colour, it is packed with hops (Summit, Centennial, Cascade and Citra) which deliver a citrus and grapefruit aroma alongside a strong resinous, piney flavour and satisfying bitter finish.
The anniversary is also being marked on Saturday 21 November at Firebrand’s Launceston taproom, with a free-entry, open-to-all 18th birthday party celebrating the brewery’s journey so far.
Find out more about Firebrand Brewing Co through their website and follow them on Instagram.
