The beer must have been good that day because by the time we went our separate ways our daydream was a real ambition. After some encouraging market research, the die was cast. Twelve of us invested into the business and the Cwrw Llŷn Brewery produced its first batch of beer in 2011.
‘Cwrw Llŷn’ means ‘Llŷn Beer’ and our beers are inspired by the people, places and things we love most about this beautiful corner of North Wales. That includes great friendships, wonderful local food, our many local legends and, of course, our exhilarating land and seascapes. We raise a glass to them all. Frequently.
As a group of friends united by beer, us brewers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. Amongst our number are a couple of farmers and carpenters, a cheese producer, a printer and publisher, an accountant, a social worker and a sales executive. It’s proved to be a remarkably useful skillset.
Our first brews were produced in the middle of the Llŷn countryside using restored brewing equipment in an old cow shed. Our maximum output was limited to six firkins per brew, and demand soon outstripped our ability to supply. By January 2012 we had moved to our brand-new purpose-built brewery in Nefyn.
All our beer is still hand-made in small batches, which means we can ensure its quality and consistency. We produce around 180 firkins per week. Conscious of our carbon footprint, we recycle and reuse as much of our raw materials as we can. Spent brewing grains are used to feed local pigs and our waste hops are also recycled.
‘Cwrw Llyn’ means ‘Llyn Beer’ and our beers are inspired by the people, places and things we love most about this beautiful corner of North Wales.