Purple Moose Brewery, Porthmadog, North Wales
Brewed in the historic harbour town of Porthmadog, Purple Moose’s award-winning ale is a must for beer-loving visitors to Snowdonia. Produced using Welsh mountain water, Purple Moose ales are now amongst some of the most revered in Wales.
Demand for local Welsh produce and micro brewery beer has rocketed in recent years. Established in 2005, the Purple Moose Brewery/Bragdy Mŵs Piws is now entering its 10th year of production and business is booming. If you’re a beer enthusiast and find yourself in the area, why not take time to do a brewery tour and stock up on supplies.
- Tour the brewery
- Taste Welsh beers
Tour North Wales’ Micro Brewery
Visit The Purple Moose Brewery to do a tour and you’ll most likely meet Laurence Washington, its founder. A music graduate and volunteer railway worker at the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, Laurence’s interest in beer started with home brewing and, in 2005, he produced his first pale ale aptly named “Number 1.” He completed his first 150 brews entirely on his own. The company has now expanded and its products are served and sold in outlets all over North Wales.
Taste Welsh Ales
Purple Moose produces 5 standard beers in both cask and bottled formats and they’ve won numerous awards both within and beyond the borders of Wales. After a tough day climbing Snowdon, enjoy a pint of Snowdonia Ale, a refreshing pale ale with a delicate combination of aromatic hops which is perfect as a thirst quencher. Try Madog’s Ale a “crisp malty reddish session beer with a bitter finish,” named after William Madocks, the 19th Century architect of Porthmadog harbour and the Cob.
Try Seasonal Beers and Ales
Who can resist buying a Christmas ale called ‘Merry X Moose?’ It’s a great stocking filler for beer-lovers. The more unusual Myrica Gale, made with bog myrtle, is also available in the winter months.
Tips
- Brewery tours are from 1pm-3pm, Tuesday to Thursday. Advanced booking is recommended
- If you fancy sampling Purple Moose ales from the pump, pop into Spooner’s Bar and Café in the Harbour Station, Porthmadog
- Ale explorers should visit North Wales in May for the Welsh Highland Railway’s Real Ale Festival
Where to Stay in North Wales
Plas Bodegroes
Lyn Peninsula, North Wales
Country house restaurant with rooms in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty just a mile from the sea.
Rooms from £99 a night.
Dogs
Please check with The Purple Moose Brewery directly.
How to Find the Purple Moose Brewery
Purple Moose Brewery, Madoc Street, Gwynedd, Porthmadog, North Wales LL49 9DB
Website: www.purplemoose.co.uk
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.