Renowned author Simon Jenkins has unveiled the highly-anticipated third edition of the “Yorkshire Beer Bible,” a comprehensive guide that navigates the diverse landscape of Yorkshire’s breweries and venues. This latest edition delves deeper into the rich tapestry of Yorkshire’s brewing heritage, highlighting both traditional and contemporary aspects of the county’s beer scene.
The book casts a wide net, exploring the full spectrum of Yorkshire’s beer culture. It showcases fiercely traditional brewers, steeped in time-honored traditions, crafting their beers in iconic Yorkshire squares. Simultaneously, it shines a spotlight on the innovative new-wave craft brewers who eagerly embrace an array of imported hops to create an exciting variety of flavors and styles.
Author Simon Jenkins has embarked on an entertaining journey across the county, leaving no stone unturned. He has discovered and documented every brewery he could find, a remarkable tally exceeding 180. In this meticulously researched work, Jenkins chronicles the indomitable spirit and resilience displayed by Yorkshire’s breweries during the tumultuous period of the pandemic and the subsequent closure of the hospitality industry.
Jenkins notes, “Those breweries equipped with canning and bottling lines, along with robust contracts with supermarkets, were perhaps best shielded from the abrupt closure of traditional on-trade outlets.” Yet, he also highlights the adaptability of the Yorkshire brewing community, as many swiftly pivoted to build online shopping platforms, offer take-out services directly from their breweries, and form new partnerships for packaging and distribution. Additionally, some breweries availed themselves of government support, while others had to make the difficult decision to furlough staff in order to weather the challenges of the past few years.
The “Yorkshire Beer Bible” is not merely a guide; it is a testament to the enduring spirit and ingenuity of Yorkshire’s brewing industry. It captures the essence of Yorkshire’s brewing heritage while celebrating the innovation and adaptability of its contemporary brewers, making it an essential read for beer enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike.
