PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Marmalade
• Black Pepper
• Lemon Zest
• Orange Blossom

Story

Founded in 2006 by Greg Pilley, Stroud Brewery sprung to life in the picturesque village of Thrupp near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Greg, an ex-marine biologist turned environmental campaigner and home brewer, decided to turn his beer-loving passion into a business with a purpose: “great tasting beers for the local community, whilst being the change I wanted to see in the business world.”

The taproom has become a beloved local landmark: more than just a place to drink beer, it’s a social hub. With board-games, live music, workshops and pizza nights, the space was designed to pull the community together rather than simply sell pints.

Production-wise, Stroud Brewery prides itself on being entirely organic and environmentally conscious: they use Cotswold-grown barley, source organic hops (including imports where British hops aren’t available), and employ sustainable building and brewing practices (e.g. heat-recovery from fermentation).

Their brewing team, led by Greg and supported by a “motley crew of innovators, enablers, artists” as they describe it, creates classic English styles with a twist: flagship beers like their “Budding” pale ale pay homage to the local inventor of the lawnmower, Edwin Budding.

For our first pick from Stroud Brewery, we’ve gone for their much-loved amber ale, Tom Long, named after the infamous mythical highwayman said to roam Minchinhampton Common, cloak billowing and pockets full of mischief! Brewed with the finest organic hops and malts, this charismatic amber beauty shines with a deep, rich colour and a wonderfully complex flavour profile that’s as satisfying as it is unmistakably distinctive.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

We love a good amber ale here at Good Pair Days, and this organic release from the brilliant Stroud Brewery hits all the high notes with a satisfying depth of flavour and delicious caramel and spice notes. When it comes to food pairing, rich and comforting is the way to go - we’re talking slow-cooked braised beef or lamb, hearty vegetable or fish stews, and all kinds of gently spiced dishes ranging from goulash to chicken fajitas. It’s great with a whole roast chicken or duck with all the trimmings, and would work very well indeed with meat and vegetable pies, too.

RECIPE MATCHES

• Cod and Cabbage Stew