Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to the launch of Kirkstall Brewery’s latest beer, an India Pale Ale named after James Thomas Brudenell, the seventh Earl of Cardigan who led the Charge of the Light Brigade, writes IAN SMITH.
This beer has been made with Citra, Amarillo and Mosaic hops – and they’ve certainly not skimped on the ingredients.
India Pale Ale is traditionally heavily hopped and stronger than many beers, both these factors helping to preserve the product as it was shipped overseas, often by steam ship, by many breweries including the original Kirkstall Brewery.
This one is no exception and, since it weighs in with a strength of 6% should be treated with respect. It really gives a beautiful finish to an evening.

No surprise with the name they had chosen that they managed to persuade Brudenell Social Club to take a supply in both cask and keg formats.
Since we were going there for the official launch, it seemed a good idea to take along the Brudenell’s first-ever CAMRA Good Beer Guide pack, a couple of posters and stickers to advertise that the club has been recognised for its high-quality ales and service in this guide to the best pubs in the country.
The Leeds Metropolitan District only gets 30 entries for the whole city, so it is a feat worthy of note. Licensee Nathan Clark was presented with his pack by Leeds CAMRA’s Public Affairs Officer, John Rowe.

Whilst we were there we also took the opportunity to have a look at renovations going on in the former community room. A new large concert room is under preparation with separate bars, and is coming along strongly.
The venue was clearly popular with people of all ages, and was starting to get busy by early evening. Service and beer quality were both excellent and we found out the dates of their next beer festival into the bargain. Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January are firmly marked in my diary.
Good luck to Kirkstall Brewery with their new beer, which I am sure will be a great success, and also to Brudenell Social Club as they look to the future.