One of Wales' leading breweries, Celt Experience, has announced that it has ceased production.
Nearing its 10th birthday, Caerphilly-based Celt Experience was the brainchild of the perpetually creative Tom Newman, a home brewer since his teens. Rapidly gaining a reputation for beers with a difference, sales spread across the UK, with turnover north of £1m and exports to over 20 countries. Often combining Celtic influences with their branding, hops, fruit and spices played a strong part in the impact of Newman’s beers.
Writing on Facebook, Newman cited 'personal reasons' and 'family commitments' for this decision, plus 'a few operational & investment requirements', adding: 'I absolutely intend to continue and to hold the same morals and passion for this exciting industry’.
Stock of the beers are still available – ‘email me’, says Newman – as is his gin, Eccentric.
No stranger to the Imbibe audience, Newman was one of five finalists Centre Stage at Imbibe Live in 2015 with his palate-tingling Goddess of the Spring, made with 'a tonne of fresh strawberries'. Chair of judges Mark Dorber called it 'a stunningly bold fruit beer'.
Buster Grant, founder of Brecon Brewing and one of SIBA's two Wales & West Region's representatives, said: 'It's a great shame that Celt Experience has ceased production. Tom Newman and his beers are widely regarded as some of the best in Wales. He is a great ambassador for brewing and beers. I sincerely hope that a package can be put together and that the Celt bounces back.'
