Hawkstone 3.8 Pilsner
We went day trippin’ to Hawkstone Brewery in the Cotswolds, UK. The brewery entrance isn’t high concept by any standard but then that’s what makes Jeremy Clarkson’s unique. It’s all about the product and not the label.
We drove inside the grounds, where you’re immediately wowed by a giant mural of Jeremy Clarkson and his farmer partner Kaleb Cooper dressed in North Korean military uniforms, painted in the same portrait style as the brutal dictator Kim Jong Un on the brewery wall. It’s super creative and hilariously funny much like Mr. Clarkson himself. While we were there we noted several motorists drove up, stopped to take photos, then parked their vehicles – and not the other way around. The mural is absolutely striking juxtaposing freedom and entrepreneurial grit against the brutal socialist dictator Kim Jong Un. The inscription reads “Welcome to the Mighty and Glorious independent Republic of Hawkstone”.
Making our way to the tent-covered taps, we passed by portapotties, each labeled with a competitor brewing company on the doors. Finally, we arrive at the tent where we’re greeted by a wooden door adorned with a sign atop which reads “Hawkstone Arms”. We entered, stepped up to the bar, and ordered the Hawkstone Pilsner which we absolutely loved. While light in taste, it’s a perfect pairing with any meal.
Staying with a traditional German style, the Hawkstone Pilsner places the hops at the forefront and adds tons of character to this light-bodied lager. Once poured, the beer provides fruity and floral aromas and, once you taste it, provides grapefruit notes up-front followed by a light, bittersweet finish. The naturally produced, lighter carbonation lends to a softer mouthfeel and helps give a more pronounced flavor to the beer at a reasonable 3.8% ABV.
Hawkstone Brewery is open every day from 11 am–6 pm and is located at College Farm, Stow Road Bourton-on-the-Water Gloucestershire GL54 2HN. And yes, they are dog friendly!
We most highly recommend this particular tipple and hope you get a chance to taste this fantastic brew on its home turf so you can get a feel for what Jeremy Clarkson’s brewery has produced.