Youngest ale expert in the UK reveals the top regional beers after travelling and tasting across the country
Booze buff Hywel Evans became a taster for Asda at the age of 25 after completing a chemistry degree, so he knows the science behind a good beer
BOOZE buff Hywel Evans has travelled across Britain to find the UK’s best brews.
The 25-year-old craft beer fan is the nation’s youngest beer expert and became a taster for Asda after completing a chemistry degree.
Here, he reveals to EMMA PIETRAS his top tipples from around the UK.
You can win a can of one of Hywel’s faves – the American Pale Ale from Fourpure Brewing.
Fill in the form at . We have 100 cans up for grabs.
Only one entry per person. Online access required. 18+.
Contest closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, August 27, 2017. Winners chosen at random. T&Cs apply – .
1. North west
Robinsons brewery, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Old Tom – Old Ale
Hywel says: “This is a dark strong ale, which is very rich. It’s a multi-award winner and has been brewed since 1899. It’s a classic beer of Britain. “
2. North East
Maxim Brewery, County Durham
Double Maxim – Brown Ale
Hywel says: “This is a well- rounded ale with a bitter-sweet finish which is light and refreshing.”
3. South West
Powderkeg Brewery, Woodbury, Devon
Cut Loose – Pilsner
Hywel says: “This is a nicely hopped pilsner, which is dry and satisfying. It won best lager at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) last year.”
4. South East
Hogs Back Brewery, Farnham, Surrey
Traditional English Ale (T.E.A) – Bitter
Hywel says: “It’s a nice full bodied beer, which is a classic example on an English bitter - just a good take on a classic style. It’s a really nice beer and very easy drinking.”
5. East Midlands
Thornbridge Brewery, Bakewell, Derbyshire
Jaipur IPA - IPA
Hywel says: “This is one of the first British takes on an American IPA. It’s a fruity IPA, which is packed with citrus tones and is a fan favourite. It’s a really pleasant introduction to the style.”
6. West Midlands
Purity Brewing, Alcester, Warwickshire
Longhorn - IPA
Hywel says: “It’s full of flavour and fruit aromas. It’s a nice, lower ABV IPA.”
7. Yorkshire and Humber
BAD Co. Brewing and Distilling Company, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Wild Gravity - IPA
Hywel says: “It’s a nice tropical, hoppy IPA with a smooth malt backbone. Its signature ‘360 Lid’ cans mean you get the full aroma when you drink out of the can. It also saves on washing up as there’s no need for a glass!”
8. East of England
Adnams Brewery, Southwold, Suffolk
Ghost Ship – Pale Ale
Hywel says: “It’s one of my go-to pale ales. I find it really sessionable – you don’t get sick of it after a few bottles. The last bottle is always as good as the first. It’s won many awards.”
9. London
Fourpure Brewing Co, Bermondsey, south east London
American Pale Ale - American Pale Ale
Hywel says: “This California-style pale has a lovely fruity, hoppy aroma. I think it’s a great beer and one that stands out. It’s a brilliantly refreshing beer.”
10. North Wales
Conwy Brewery, Colwyn Bay, north Wales
Honey Fayre - Golden Ale/Blond Ale
Hywel says: “This is an extremely refreshing golden ale is made with Welsh honey. This beer has won many awards and it’s an easy to drink, tasty sessionable pale ale.”
11. South Wales
Boss Brewing, Swansea, south Wales
Boss Boss DIPA – DIPA (Double IPA)
Hywel says: “I’m a Swansea boy so I had to go for a Swansea beer for south wales. This is a strong ‘hop forward’ - where brewers use more hops than malts in the brewing process - double IPA. This is for the more adventurous beer drinkers.”
