Metropolises like Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and London definitely soak up most of the limelight when it comes to craft beer in the United Kingdom.
While some will certainly talk up the brewing prowess of places like Norwich and Cardiff or brag about those in Yorkshire, you typically won't hear folks crowing about the Cornish craft beer scene.
After a recent trip to this gorgeous coastal county, (and spending plenty of time in local pubs doing "research"), I can personally say Cornwall can hold its own when it comes to craft beer and cider.
Here are a few of the best:
Sensational Cider
The Cornish Orchards brand is ubiquitous in Cornwall and, if you are like me, you will quickly start associating their shimmering label with a "holiday state of mind". Their Gold variety is the most commonly spotted, and it is refreshing with just a touch of effervescence that hits the spot after a day spent at the beach.
Perhaps the star of their cider show is the Cornish Orchards Blush, as it has just the right amount of raspberries added for a gorgeous pink hue-without falling into the trap of being too sickly-sweet.
Polgoon is an upstart winery and cidery located near Penzance that makes apple, pear and berry varieties. The slick design of the bottles is the perfect preview for the smooth flavor of their cider that lies within.
The tradition of cider-making in Cornwall goes back centuries. Haye Farm, who has been making cider by hand here since the 13th Century, is the oldest recognized orchard. Today, you can find their liquid gold in a handful of quality local pubs and retailers.
Craft Credentials
Harbour Brewing Company uses pure Cornish spring water in their line of globally-inspired craft beers. Their Antipodean IPA takes inspiration from Down Under, while the Light Ale has just a touch of tropical fruit flavor.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Bee Sure to Check out Manchester's Craft Beers[/READMORE]
Based in the postcard-perfect harbor town of Padstow, Padstow Brewing's cloudy wheat beer, Lobster Tale, pairs well with fresh local seafood.
Keltek Brewery pays homage to Cornwall's Celtic history in its name and line of beers. All varieties are inspired by the tale of King Arthur, who, according to legend, was born in local Tintagel Castle.
King Premium Bitter is an especially royal brew.
You can't walk into a bar in Cornwall without seeing Betty Stogs' mug staring back at you from the tap handles. Betty is a famous character in Cornish folklore, well known for loving her beer and living life on the fun side. She is also the inspiration for Skinner's Brewery best-selling beer of the same name. And while they are not a boutique brewery, no trip here would be complete without a pint.
Fruity Fun
Jubël is a peach lager that pairs perfectly with the beach.
The idea was actually born in the snowy Austrian Alps when the co-founders of Jubël stumbled across a popular post-ski drink that combined beer and peach syrup. The result is fruity without being too tart and simply tastes like summer.
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