Pipe dream could come true for home brewers

One South Yorkshire brewery is pledging to turn that “pipe” dream into reality for one lucky home brewer.

A new competition, aptly called the Great British Brew Off has been developed by Stancill Brewery and will give winner the chance to spend time in the brewery working alongside head brewer Dean Pleasant to transform their favourite recipe into a reality.

Anyone based in the South Yorkshire region who thinks they have produced a brilliant bitter, sensational stouts, perfect porters, or indeed any other variety of beer from the comfort of their own home is eligible to enter the unique competition.

You can take part by downloading an entry form available via Stancill Brewery’s Facebook page, or talk to staff at the brewery’s own bar at the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival at Magna this weekend.  

Shortlisted entrants will then be invited to submit samples which will be judged by representatives from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Stancill Brewery and selected guests.

Tom Gill, the brewery’s managing director, said: “We’ve always had a strong connection with Rotherham and we're calling on local home brewers to get involved with this rare chance to see a home developed recipe to be produced commercially.

“Our brewery was actually launched at the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival and the local CAMRA branch recently named our India Ruby as one of the beers of festival at the most recent festival.

“We know many people in the town are knowledgeable and passionate about their beers wanted to create a rare opportunity to find out if beers developed by homebrewers in the town have got what it takes to make the perfect pint.

“Producing beer is a craft. It takes many years to master and many brewers working in breweries across the UK began their careers experimenting at home.

“There’s been an explosion in interest in home brewing throughout South Yorkshire in recent years and we wanted to give a home-brewer the chance to produce one of their favourite recipes using our commercial brewing plant.

“It doesn’t matter whether you've been brewing for a relatively short amount of time or been brewing at home for many years, we're looking a great tasting beer which would lend itself to being produced commercially.

“Beers will be judged on flavour profile, body, suitability, the passion of the brewer for all things ale and that special X factor which makes it something that makes it stand out from the crowd.”

Entry forms must be completed by Friday, March 24.

The winner of the competition will also be invited to a special beer launch and pull the first pint of beer.