Welcome to the latest episode of Desert Island Beers which this week 
features Dave Hughes of Acorn Brewery, Yorkshire.
Established in May 2003 by former chef Dave and his wife Judi, Acorn Brewery is located to the east of the Pennines in the village of Wombwell.
Having worked for Barnsley Brewery as Head Brewer for two years, Dave decided to go it alone, purchased a ten barrel brewplant from the Forester & Firkin brewpub in Stafford and moved it to Wombwell.
Following a lot of hard work by Dave and his assistant, brewer Steve Bunting, and despite some initial set backs, the brewplant was commissioned and production of Acorn Brewery Barnsley Bitter began on 4th July 2003, using the same yeast strain as the original Barnsley Brewery, founded in the 1850′s.
The Beers
Hi Dave, thanks for holidaying on our desert island! So, which beers do you want to enjoy during your stay, and why?
Hawkshead Brewery Hawkshead Bitter (Cumbria – 3.7%)
“Best session beer outside of Barnsley! Slovenian hops are a must in any brewery!”
York Brewery Yorkshire Terrier (North Yorkshire – 4.2 %)
“We toasted our first ever brew with a bottle of Terrier.”
Bateman’s Brewery Dark Lord (Lincolnshire – 5.0%)
“Dark and very enjoyable!”
Ossett Brewery Silver King (South Yorkshire – 4.3%)
“Fine example of a successful craft brewer, Ossett Brewery!”
Henry Boddington & Co Ltd The Original Boddingtons Bitter (Manchester – 3.5%)
“Back in the ’80s it was the beer that started my affair with real ale.”
And which beer (of those selected) do you regard most highly?
“Has to be Hawkshead Bitter. This brewery is a perfect example of how to grow a business, re-invest and succeed.”
The Meal
You can also take one meal to go with your beers, what would it be and why? Is it a ‘last supper’ or a perfect pairing for one of the beers?
“Definitely a last supper. Steak pudding, chips and gravy. Living in Barnsley they have never heard of this classic dish!
The Books
You might be waiting a long time on your lonesome on the desert island, so we will automatically allow you a few books to keep your mind busy. You can pick between two beer books and two tomes: ‘The Brewmaster’s Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer with Real Food’ by Garrett Oliver, or ‘Beer’ by Michael Jackson; plus The Bible, or another appropriate religious or philosophical work.
”It would have to be Garrett Oliver’s book as I was a chef before being a brewer and it may just relight my passion for cooking. And The Bible, it’s that long since I’ve read it I might just get the jist of it this time.”
And a non-beery, non-philosophical book, something a little less taxing on the brain, what would that be?
“Porterhouse Blue, Tom Sharp at his humorous best.”
The Record
You have a CD/mp3/long player but you can only take one album. Choose wisely!
“Rum, Sodomy & The Lash by The Pogues. Shane McGowan at his best.”
The Luxury Item
And finally, what luxury item would help make your stay on the island bearable?
“All Blackpool FC programs from last season (Premier League!). I can never tire of reading them.”
Thanks Dave! Enjoy the desert island, it’s your pennance for Blackpool’s 5 nil humiliation of Leeds at Elland Road this year! For more information on Acorn you can find their beers in many pubs and supermarkets, and online through the brewery website (We can recommend Gorlovka stout!)
This article is syndicated with Real Ale Reviews as part of our ‘Desert Island Beers’ collaboration.
