Swamp Dog Brewery has moved into Two Cocks Farm following the acquisition of Two Cocks Brewery in November, 2019.
Originally from South Africa and involved in the telecoms business internationally, Taryn and Paul Medlin become the third owners of the brewery which was founded by Phil Palmer and Michael Butcher in 2009. Caroline Davenport and Les Hanwell took over in 2017 and will remain at the farm focusing on developing the 40-acre farm’s other products.
Caroline said ‘We have been privileged to be caretakers of Two Cocks Brewery and delighted to have handed over to Taryn and Paul. We’re also thrilled that MENCAP will continue to hand label with the distinctive feathers for the bottled beer range which includes 1643 Roundhead and 1643 Cavalier.’
Based near Enborne, about three miles west of Newbury, the better utilised brewery will increase fermentation capacity in January and expand further within the existing barn.
Taryn and Paul are both passionate about good beer and lagers with very different tastes. Since 2014, they have showcased quality beers from microbreweries at The Edge at Cropredy festival in mid-August. In 2019, 17 breweries including Swamp Bog, Two Cocks and Saviour were featured at the event which raises funds for Dogs for Good, a national assistance dogs charity based in Banbury.
Now, with Two Cocks and Swamp Bog both brewed at the farm but catering to slightly different markets as separate companies, they are able to reach a wider audience and promote Berkshire as a centre of brewing excellence.
The core Swamp Bog beer range steers slightly away from normal styles. It comprises:
Pixie Piss, the original and popular 5% ABV IPA brewed for The Edge at Cropredy. An alternative label / pumpclip is available for this beer with the name Pixie Pee;
Edge Hopper, a 4.2% golden ale based on a family recipe with added honey;
Bottom Biter, a 3.6% copper coloured session ale and
The Ferryman’s Brew, a 5% dark Schwarzbier.
Needing extra time to mature, the 4.8% lager – Baba Laga – will stand out with its red colour and be released in the spring.
Visit www.twococksbrewery.com and www.swampbogbrewery.com for more information about the breweries.
