This year the City of Ale Norwich is having the theme of heritage Norwich and Norfolk brewers – the likes of names no longer with us such as Morgans, Phoenix, Star, Bullards Anchor and the original S&P and Lacons.
So, we thought that it would be fun to delve into the history books and check out the style of beers that these brewers were brewing in days gone by – the hops that they used, the barley they favoured and the styles and strengths that were top of the pops back then.
The job was made easier thanks to local maltsters Crisp Maltings who themselves have resurrected two of the most popular barleys of days of yesteryear; Chevalier and Plumage Archer. The two most favoured hops; Goldings and Fuggles have stood the test of time and so are readily available today – interestingly hops which are also favoured by many Belgian brewers.
So, all that was needed was to check out typical bitterness levels of the historic beers, the colours they would have been and we were able to brew all old school.
There will be two beers in our herniate range:
HERITAGE HARE 3.8% abv Heritage ale – a resurrection of a 1960s style best bitter – heritage malt, Fuggles and Goldings hops
GOOD OLE HARES 3.4% abv PINT OF TWOS – who remembers mild and bitter? Well this special brew recreates the tasty combination but cleverly takes the recipe of each and rather than mixing in the glass at the bar we mixed it in the brew!
Both brews available w/c 18 May 2026