Happy International Beer Day folks! We believe it is no coincidence that this very special day has fallen on a Friday and we intend to enjoy it! 

 

Here at The Cycle Jersey, we are lovers of all things beer and have many collaborations with Scottish breweries as well as breweries a little further afield! We thought we might share some of our favourite collaborations from the past couple of years! 

 

The story of Thornbridge Brewery starts back in 2005 when founders Jim Harrison and Simon Webster recruited two young brewers to brew on a second hand 10-barrel kit in the ground of Thronbridge Hall. 

 

Originally the brewery was based in the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall which is surrounded by beautiful gardens within the 100-acre estate. The buildings were renovated in 2004 in preparation for the brewery and their first brew was Lord Marples, a 4% classic bitter which went on to become a core Thronbridge beer.

 

For their next beer they wanted to create something a little different, a IPA which packed a punch in terms of both flavour and ABV. In mid-2005 Jaipur was born. This is a 5.9% IPA packed with American hops which was completely different to anything else in the industry at the time. With Jaipur, Thornbridge was catapulted into the spotlight after an array of awards and national recognition. Demand for the brewery outstripped supply and they realized they needed a new brewery. 

 

This new brewery was built in 2009 and allowed Thornbridge to develop their range of beers! Thornbridge was voted UK Brewer of the Year 2022 by the International Beer Challenge 

Check out Thornbridges range of beers here and their cycle jerseys here! 

 

Not only has Black Isle Brewery been at the forefront of organic craft brewing since 1998 but they recently joined over 6,200 businesses around the world dedicated to creating a more sustainable and inclusive economy by becoming a Certified B Corporation. B Corp Certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. To become certified, companies must undergo an in-depth assessment process and meet strict criteria set by B Lab, the non-profit body which oversees the certification process. 

 

Black Isle Brewery have craft beer and pizza bars in Inverness and Fort William bringing together locals and visitors from all walks of life. Both bars have a huge range of fresh, exciting beer, delicious pizza and the finest local produce, much of which is grown or reared on their own farm! 

Check out Black Isle Brewerys offering here and their jerseys here!

Named in RateBeers's 100 best breweries in the world you can trust that Tempest make some smashing beers. Not only are they incredibly talented in the beer making department but they are also looking to the future and how they can make it better. In 2019 Tempest became the first brewery in the UK to join 1% for the planet and donate 1% of their sales through a mix of monetary, in-kind and approved promotional support to environmental non-profits. This means they get involved in various different projects to offset their carbon footprint and connect with local environmental causes. 

They have also just updated their jersey range with a super modern and cool enduro jersey. Show off your love for all things Tempest beer whilst doing with you love; rolling down some crazy hills! You can purchase it here.

Windswept was created from a love of beer and the great outdoors. The name was inspired by the windswept beaches of Lossiemouth on the Moray coast. In this part of the country, like-minded people gather together for adventures and to pursue their outdoor passions whatever the weather.

The owners, Al Read and Nigel Tiddy felt that their brand should capture the spirit of the adventure found on the edge of the Scottish Highlands where they are based. They believe whole heartedly that a good beer tastes better when you have earned it and what better way to enjoy a well earned beer than after a long ride on the bike. 

Check out their jerseys here and Windswepts huge range of beers on their website here!