Beer is a story told in suds and sips, highlighting the craftsmanship and community that brought it to life. At Dorking Brewery, we don’t just brew beer; we brew experiences, connections, and a taste of our local spirit. Nestled in the heart of Capel, we're a local brewery with a passion for quality, dedicated to crafting beers that resonate with both the palate and the soul.
This guide isn't just about the flavours of our brews but about the journey they take from grain to glass. We invite you to explore the story behind our beers, discovering the dedication, local inspiration, and community spirit that infuse every pint we pour. Join us as we delve into the heart of Dorking Brewery, where every brew is a testament to our commitment to excellence and connection.
The Art of Brewing: Crafting Quality, One Batch at a Time
Brewing is a meticulous process that blends time-honoured techniques and a relentless pursuit of quality. It all begins with our unwavering commitment to using only the finest ingredients. We source high-quality malts and hops from trusted suppliers, ensuring that every batch of beer starts with the best possible foundation.
Our brewing process is a testament to our attention to detail. We adhere to traditional brewing methods, carefully monitoring each stage to ensure consistency and excellence. Every step is executed precisely, from the precise mashing process, where grains are steeped to extract sugars, to the careful hopping and fermentation. We use specific hops and malts that contribute to the unique flavour profiles of our beers. For example, the aromatic blend of El Dorado, Citra, and Mosaic hops in our Temple Pale creates its signature tropical and citrus notes, while the five different malts in our Pilcrow Pale provide a balanced and complex backbone.
The expertise and passion of our brewing team are the heart and soul of Dorking Brewery. Our brewers are dedicated craftsmen passionate about their art and committed to creating beer that exceeds expectations. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable, ensuring that every batch is brewed to perfection. They deeply understand the brewing process, from selecting the right ingredients to fine-tuning the fermentation process.
Equally important is the water we use. The quality of water plays a significant role in the taste of beer. We use super-soft water, which contributes to our lagers' smooth and delicate character and the overall clarity of our beers. This attention to detail, from the selection of ingredients to the meticulous brewing process and our water quality, sets Dorking Brewery apart. We take great pride in brewing and are dedicated to continuous innovation.
Local Roots, Global Flavours: A Blend of Heritage and Innovation
Dorking Brewery thrives on a hybrid yet harmonious blend of local inspiration and global brewing trends. We believe in honouring our roots while embracing the ever-evolving world of beer. Our beers are a testament to this philosophy, drawing inspiration from our picturesque surroundings and the inspiration from brewing traditions all over the world.
Our connection to the local area is evident in the names and stories behind our brews. Temple Low Alcohol Pale, for instance, is named after Temple Lane in Capel, the very location of our brewery, grounding our beers in the landscape that inspires us. Similarly, West Street Lager pays homage to the historic Dorking Street, where our flagship pub, The Old House At Home, resides, a link between our beer and the community we serve. These local references are more than just names; they are a celebration of our heritage and a way to share our story with every pint.
We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of beer styles, from classic lagers like West Street Lager, which pays tribute to traditional Czech pilsners, to modern IPAs like Freedom Trail, which showcases the vibrant hop-forward character of New England IPAs. This diversity reflects our commitment to catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Balancing tradition and innovation is at the heart of our brewing philosophy. We respect the time-honoured techniques that have shaped the beer world while embracing new ingredients, brewing methods, and flavour profiles. This balance allows us to create both familiar and exciting beers, appealing to traditional beer enthusiasts and those seeking new and adventurous flavours.
The support of our local community is invaluable to us. We are deeply grateful for the patronage of our neighbours and friends, who have helped us grow and thrive. Their enthusiasm for our beers fuels our passion and motivates us to continue crafting exceptional brews. Beer is a social beverage meant to be shared and enjoyed with others, and we are proud to be a part of the vibrant Dorking community.
A Taste of Community: The Dorking Brewery Experience Beyond the Brew
Dorking Brewery's connection to the community extends far beyond producing quality beer. At the heart of this community spirit lies The Old House, our flagship pub, which serves as a warm and welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike. It's a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the simple pleasure of a well-crafted pint is celebrated.
Our beers themselves play a role in fostering community. They bring people together, whether it's a shared pint at the pub, a twelve-pack enjoyed with friends at a garden barbecue, or a celebratory toast at a local gathering. They are a part of the event, a symbol of shared experiences, and a reminder of the simple joys of life.
We are also committed to sustainability and responsible brewing practices. We understand the importance of minimising our environmental impact and preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. We strive to reduce waste, conserve resources, and adopt eco-friendly practices. This commitment reflects our respect for our community and desire to create a sustainable future for future generations.
Lastly, we hugely value the feedback of our customers and community members. Open communication and collaboration are essential for building strong relationships and improving our offerings. We encourage our patrons to share their thoughts and suggestions about our beers, pub, or community initiatives. This feedback helps us better understand our community's needs and continually enhance the Dorking Brewery experience. If you have any feedback, simply get in touch.
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Dorking Brewery
Step into Dorking Brewery and the sweet and unmistakable aroma of hops and malt will instantly greet you. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, a testament to the passion and dedication that fuels our team. Every moment is filled with purpose and enthusiasm, whether it’s the first or last moment of the day.
Our brewers begin the day by preparing and inspecting the ingredients, ensuring that each batch starts with the highest-quality components. The brewing process is collaborative, with team members working seamlessly to monitor temperatures, adjust timings, and ensure that every step is executed precisely. Teamwork is paramount, as each member plays a crucial role in creating the final product. There’s a constant exchange of knowledge and experience, a shared commitment to brewing exceptional beer.
The passion and dedication of our brewery staff are palpable. They approach their work with scientific precision and artistic flair, constantly striving to improve their craft. Their enthusiasm is infectious, creating a positive and supportive work environment. A genuine love for beer can be found in every corner of the brewery, from brewing to customer interactions.
Our customers are eager to see the magic behind the scenes, which you can do easily thanks to our brewery tours. We believe in transparency and sharing our passion with our community, and we are always looking for ways to provide a more immersive experience for our visitors.
A day at Dorking Brewery is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that go into crafting our beers. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Cheers to Craft and Community
Dorking Brewery is a testament to the power of crafting quality beer while nurturing a vibrant community. Our commitment to using premium ingredients, employing time-honoured techniques, and building a spirit of collaboration shines through in every pint we pour.
We invite you to experience the Dorking Brewery difference, taste the dedication and passion that infuses our beers, and join us in celebrating the art of brewing.
Visit Dorking Brewery or one of our pubs (The Old House, The Brewery Inn, The Greyhound, and The Dolphin) to experience the taste of community. We look forward to sharing our passion with you.