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First brewed on 29^th January 1997 and not seen since our silver anniversary three years ago, we’re THRILLED to announce that Last Rites is finally back, and it’s available now, in (very limited) cask, keg, and 750ml bottle!

One of our most iconic beers, our delicious barley wine has truly stood the test of time. Last Rites was originally created from the first runnings of our flagship pale ale, Moonshine. That very first brew almost 28 years ago therefore resulted in two beers (one each of Moonshine and Last Rites) – gyles 49a, and 49.1. We’ve never done things the simple way around here.

Last Rites is at heart a strong barley wine with tons of flavour. Our brewery founder and beery mastermind Patrick Morton originally set out to create a high gravity beer which somehow still managed to be eminently drinkable. Last Rites is just that – full of rich flavour to tease and satisfy the palate, an unusually smooth beer with tempting tones of caramel and a hint of roasted sugar. The bitterness from the hops keeps the sweetness in check and allows the full spectrum of flavours to reach the palate without becoming cloying. In keeping with the original recipe, this brew has been single hopped with Willamette (still the key hop in Moonshine too), for delicately spicy notes alongside hints of zesty lemon.

The brewday itself was relatively straightforward, but has the key challenge of enabling the conversion of sugars from our malted barley to ensure a highly fermentable wort, so that the beer can reach the desired strength of 11.0% ABV. To achieve this, Last Rites is mashed in at a lower temperature (63 rather than 68°C) and is fermented warm so as to not limit the yeast potential. We used an American ale yeast, which gets less stressed at higher alcohols and temperatures than our house culture. It took around three times as long to ferment than our beers usually do, requiring concentration, care and attention all the way through the process. The beer has also already had a longer conditioning period before packaging than is usual for us, and it will continue to age well.

First given a new look by our designer James Murphy in 2019, when it was re-imagined to bring it in line with our Brewers Emporium range, the 2024 release sees a refined update to the distinctive artwork, and the move to 750ml bottles gives it more a sense of occasion which we feel is befitting of this very special beer. A thoroughly delicious drink which has been brewed with every care for depth of flavour and true drinkability. Smooth and robust with a huge depth of flavour and a lingering finish, it’s one to truly savour and a beer we’re very proud of.

Next in our series of introducing you to the people who make up Team Abbeydale, we’ve headed back to our pub, the Rising Sun, to say hello to someone who our regulars there will find very familiar! And if you don’t know him yet, make sure you get up there for a pint. Over to Fin.

First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?

I’m Fin MacDonald, and I’m from Sheffield born and bred. My mum is Dutch and my dad is Scottish, though! (Editor’s note – Fin then said he can speak a bit of Dutch, in Dutch, which I’m not going to attempt to type out!)

What is your role at the Rising Sun?

I’m a bartender, I’ve been working there for 6 and a half years. My first day was also our GM Garry’s first day! I am also the self-proclaimed social secretary for the pub and recently initiated the first Rising Sun vs Abbeydale Brewery football match, where we were the proud winners of the inaugural Daily Bread cup!

What’s your favourite beer and why?

You can’t beat a Daily Bread – specifically, in a pint glass with a handle. But after finishing a shift at work, I’d usually pick an Absolution.

What’s your favourite thing about working at The Rising Sun?

It sounds a bit soppy, but it’s the people that I work with, they’re a great group. I also love the regulars, it’s always great to have a chat with them over the bar.

Favourite place to enjoy a pint?

Two answers locally – well, everywhere’s my local! – but I like the Beer House on Ecclesall Road and the Hally House (Hallamshire House) up on Commonside, especially their GM Doug and also their snooker table!

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

Well, I’ve got a story for this one. Me and my dad went up to Scotland and to the most remote pub in the whole of the UK, you can only get there either by boat or a two day hike. We chose the boat option. I was 17 at the time and dad panicked so I only got a pint of lemonade – to this day he regrets not getting me a beer!

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer?

Jalapeno pretzel pieces. The best were Snyder’s but post-Brexit they aren’t available in the UK.

When you’re not behind the bar, what do you get up to?

I’m actually a qualified teacher and finished my PGCE this summer. I’d like to teach abroad in the future. I also like to play tennis and am a qualified coach. But I reckon the best part about a game of tennis is the pint afterwards – normally a Heresy shandy!

And finally… If you were a fictional character, who would it be?

I feel like my cartoon icon, not necessarily who I’m like, is Homer Simpson. I think that might be my future.

We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Funk Dungeon Lead Brewer, Jim Rangeley, has been named the Brewer of the Year at the 2024 Brewers Choice Awards!

Jim is responsible for heading up our mixed fermentation project, as well as being part of the wonderful team that crafts each and every one of our beers. Jim has worked in the beer industry for coming up to a decade, nine years of which have been right here as part of Team Abbeydale. The award, judged by a panel of industry experts, recognises Jim’s talent and passion, as well as his strong sense of values and commitment to progress within not just the Abbeydale team but the wider industry too.

Renowned beer writer and member of the judging panel Melissa Cole said of the award, “What Jim has achieved at Abbeydale is nothing short of excellent. From the Funk Dungeon to churning out great core ranges and being a decent human at the same time, this award is well-deserved.” Tim Sheahan, editor of the Brewers Journal (the industry magazine which organises the awards), added “The level of competition in the ‘Brewer of The Year’ category is always incredibly high and in 2024 this was no different. But the judging panel at The Brewers Choice Awards recognised not only Jim’s ability to produce a wealth of different styles with unerring ease but his commitment to the industry, too.”

Jim was shortlisted alongside Brian from Northern Monk and Alex at Full Circle, and said of the award (in his characteristically humble way) “to have even been shortlisted alongside two other fantastic brewers from the north, both of whom I have great respect for, was a real honour, let alone to have won! I’m privileged to have a job I truly enjoy, working for a company that puts its trust in me, and as part of a brilliant team. This award is for all of us.”

Previous winners of this prestigious award include Burning Sky’s Mark Tranter and Colin Stronge of Lost Cause Brew Co, so Jim is in very excellent company!

You can find out more about our Jim in his Meet the Team blog post here, and head to our online shop if you’d like to snap up one of the few remaining bottles of his recent limited edition Funk Dungeon releases.

(And yes, if you’re wondering, he did immediately have a well-deserved beer out of his engraved tankard prize!)

Congratulations, Jim!

Next in our series of introducing you to our team, here’s our Ops Director Toby to continue spreading the gospel of well kept cask and the benefits of mild!

First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?

Toby Grattidge, and I’m from a little village called Tarleton, between Southport and Preston

What is your role at Abbeydale Brewery?

Operations Director – basically anything financey, spreadsheety or businessy.  As well as being on the beer tasting panel. Smiley face.

What’s your favourite beer style and why?

As anyone who follows our social knows, I’m a founding member of the ABMAS (editor’s note, that’ll be the Abbeydale Brewery Mild Appreciation Society!).  Also love a well balanced West Coast IPA, and something low ABV but really well hopped – session NEIPAs really.  Plus any good cask in a pub over a Sunday Roast, preferably with an open fire. Also can’t not mention Last Rites – absolutely iconic beer.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Abbeydale Brewery?

The beer and the people.  Abbeydale were my favourite brewery long before I worked here, and it’s so refreshing working with people who love what they do.  We also get to make whatever beer the staff want to – I even got my Mild this year.

Best place to enjoy a pint?

Favourite pub in the world, I could probably narrow it down to about 100 if I tried hard, but I’ll name check the Rising Sun Fulwood (my last local) and the Waggon and Horses in Millhouses (my current local).  It’s entirely possible my first criteria when moving somewhere is a good ale pub.

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

The Coronation in Southport, favourite haunt in my college days. Recently closed, which was so sad.

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer?

A handmade pork pie, Wateralls in the Moor Market do a great one.  Had Pate de Campagne in France recently too and that was great.

Outside of beer, what do you get up to?

Often found playing or coaching football, enjoy a good history book, and spending time with my kids. If I ever get the time I’ll take up making charcuterie.

Who’s your hero?

Anthony Bourdain, if you don’t know, find out.

And finally… If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?

Peter Griffin.

If you’d like to find out more about Toby’s journey into beer, particularly in terms of cask ale and his top tips for looking after it, head to this piece here!

We’ve got a new collaboration available now!

You may remember that back in autumn 2023, we were privileged to be invited to take part in Collabageddon, a wonderful celebration of our beery community organised by Elusive Brewing. And for our “away” leg, we were paired up with absolute lager masters Utopian, visiting their state-of-the-art brewery near Exeter to be guided through our first ever decoction mash, creating a magnificent (if we do say so ourselves) Nelson Sauvin single hopped lager.

Well, we’re excited to say that we have now got the “home” leg under our belts too! In a reflection of what we brewed together last year, we decided to stick with the same ABV and hop, and go for the style we’re best known for here at Abbeydale Brewery, just as we did by creating a lager at Utopian’s place.

And so, we’re thrilled to introduce Nelson Pale, a 5.2% single hopped pale ale which features the glorious Nelson Sauvin hop in whole cone, T90 and Cryo form. Using the same hop in three ways enabled us to make full use of our brewkit, including our traditional hopback where the hop flowers were infused into the beer – a heritage technique that was pretty novel for team Utopian!

The brewday also just so happened to fall on the 16^th August, our brewery birthday! So we decided having Jeremy, Ben and Richard from Team Utopian with us was the perfect way to celebrate and declared collaboration day our birthday party. The night before we were able to show them the sights of Sheffield, with the Bath Hotel being a fantastic venue for pints and the Crucible causing much excitement as a tourist attraction!

And as for the beer itself – bold and hop forward, expect tropical fruit, citrus and hints of elderflower on the nose, followed by a smooth body and a crisp, clean bitter finish. It’s also vegan friendly and gluten free, and is available in cask, keg and can (including from our online shop).

Thanks again to Andy from Elusive for pairing us up with Utopian and demonstrating the spirit of collaboration that’s so important to our industry – it’s a privilege to have made such excellent new pals (and two beautiful beers) as a result.

Cheers!

The Rising Sun (winner of the 2022 Sheffield & District CAMRA Pub of the Year award, and 2023 Pub of the Year for Sheffield West) is a welcoming community pub based in the leafy Sheffield suburb of Fulwood. The pub has a long and rich history, of which Abbeydale Brewery’s ownership is the latest chapter. For today’s blog post we thought we’d take a deep delve into the past of our beautiful pub – there’s much to share!

A pub has been situated in the Rising Sun’s location since the 19th century, with its first appearance being in the 1859 General Directory of Sheffield. The name is said to have been chosen for pubs facing east and receiving the early-morning sun, which the original building did. The current building opened when the owners, the Sheffield Town Trustees, agreed to provide land for the widening of Fulwood Road to Sheffield Corporation, in return for the demolition and reconstruction of the original pub – which the widened road (to fit electric tram lines in the early twentieth century) was built right through the middle of! Scroll to the bottom of this blog to see a photo of the original building, with a much more familiar looking Rising Sun in the process of being built almost at a right angle to it!

In 1891, then landlord John Taylor was summoned to court for selling alcohol during prohibited hours, to around fifty Engineer Volunteers following their church parade. This event made the national news(!), with the Plymouth and Cornish Advertiser sharing the tale of John’s wife and daughter being caught in the act of pouring beer as quickly as they could into a random assortment of drinking vessels for the thirsty volunteers – the rascals! Sounds like John was usually on his best behaviour though, as he was let off with a £2 fine and allowed to keep his license due to his previous good character.

The pub has always been at the heart of its community, hosting events such as the Nethergreen floral and vegetable show just after the turn of the twentieth century, where it appears the “six dahlias” category was hotly contested and with no less than FIFTEEN prizes given out for differing types of award-winning kidney bean.

The existing building opened in July 1904, operated by the Sheffield Public House Trust Company and with J. Rowbotham as the first manager. A newspaper report from 1907 stated that “at the Rising Sun, the demand for teas, Bovril, meat sandwiches, and bread and cheese has been exceedingly great” (do give us a shout if you’d like to see this selection back on the menu!)

Mid-century, the license was taken over by the Courage group – and fun fact: according to long time regulars of the pub, until the 1950s, the car park behind the pub was a bowling green, with a wooden verandah spanning the back of the pub to make sure spectators had a good view. Interestingly, we couldn’t find any tangible evidence or photographs of such a bowling green, but we think it might still be hidden under the tarmac!

In the 1960s, to keep up with the fashions of the time, what is now the stage area to the left of the bar as you are facing it was converted into a fashionable cocktail bar, served by a hatch from the main bar. It was reportedly very popular!

The pub got a famous landlord in the 1980s, when Graham Pugh, football player for Sheffield Wednesday in the 1966 FA Cup Final, became the general manager.  And then in July 1992, the University of Sheffield Students’ Union took over the pub, who were in charge right up until…

Abbeydale Brewery took ownership just in time for Christmas 2005! We officially took over the pub on the 19th December, and reopened on Christmas Eve – some might say we don’t do things the easy way! In the days between taking the pub and reopening there was lots to do, mainly cleaning, painting, installing new cellar kit and restocking everything from beer (of course), wine and spirits to glasses and crisps. One morning whilst sitting outside enjoying a well-earned cup of coffee, owners Pat and Sue noted the sheer number of dog walkers passing by. There and then, the Rising Sun became dog friendly, and remains so to this day. At the same time, having cleaned and painted walls and ceilings stained by years of smoking and with the smoking ban announced but not yet enforced, the Rising Sun became smoke free too. 

Pat’s brother, Chris, was the first Abbeydale landlord. He did not take to it as a long-term prospect and was replaced by Dave and Karen Beaumont, already known to many regulars as they used to run the Beau Deli in Broomhill. Since then, Dave had worked as a drayman for Kelham island Brewery and when they too left the pub Dave continued to work for the brewery as a delivery driver until he retired in 2020. And our long-standing regulars will likely also remember Rob and Julie, who managed the pub for many years including overseeing the original Sunfest! The idea of the festival came about one bank holiday when Rob was chatting to Pat, and suggested a beer festival to help to put the pub on the map. “Absolutely!” said Pat. “How many beers could we do?” asked Rob – “At least 100” was the reply. “I was thinking 6!” said Rob. Pat of course got his way. 

An extensive refurbishment took place in 2014, with the addition of a full kitchen and a feature glass-roofed extension creating the wonderful, welcoming and spacious venue we have today. The extension was designed by David Uhlar of Robin Ashley Architects. Much of the interior design was done by David, ably assisted by Dawn Milton, the business’ Finance Manager, and Nicole, then manager of the pub along with her husband Ryan. Dawn and Nicole had great fun sourcing things like the leather armchairs, Tiffany style lamps and many of the ornaments and pictures which adorn the pub today (and did a much better job than the design company we’d previously approached who seemed insistent that the pub needed to be covered in tartan upholstery!).

And as of 2018, we’ve had Absolution’s number one fan Garry at the helm, who has successfully steered the pub through challenging times and continues to strengthen the Rising Sun’s links with local people whilst showcasing what we at Abbeydale Brewery do best! We’re incredibly proud of our pub and the team there and it’s a privilege to be a part of such a long-standing community venue’s history – we can’t wait to see what the future will bring.

*As well as our own research, we’d like to extend thanks to Dave Pickersgill for contributing towards the historical background in this piece. If you enjoyed learning about the Rising Sun of yore, you can find much more about Sheffield’s pubs of historical interest in Dave’s book, Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs, which you can download here or head to our online shop to buy a physical copy.

We’re incredibly proud and absolutely delighted to share the news that we’ve been shortlisted in TWO categories at this year’s Brewers Choice Awards!

Firstly, our beautiful Travel Poster series is up for Branding of the Year! As a range of beers which are released in cask alone, this feels extra special – you’re hopefully all aware by now how absolutely vital we consider cask beer to be as part of our past, present and future, as well as hugely important to our culture and heritage more widely, and the Travel Poster series really demonstrates how much this means to us (you can read more about this range here). And arguably, pumpclips on a bar don’t always get their fair share of time in the spotlight compared to cans, so it’s especially nice to have an extra reason to shout about them! Congratulations to our designer James for creating such a stand-out series – there’s so much hard work and research that goes into each and every design, and it’s great to see that recognised.

It’s also particularly humbling to have been shortlisted in the Branding of the Year category as we brought this award home in 2022, for our Funk Dungeon series… and talking of the Funk Dungeon, the second nomination is for our mixed ferm master Jim Rangeley, who has been shortlisted for the Brewer of the Year Award! A phenomenal achievement and a wonderful recognition of his talent and passion as he comes up to celebrating a decade of working in the beer industry, nine years of which have been right here as part of Team Abbeydale. Jim has been shortlisted alongside Brian from Northern Monk and Alex at Full Circle, so not only is the standard incredibly high, it’s also brilliant to see the northern powerhouse in full force too!

Judged by an amazing panel of industry professionals, the Brewers Choice Awards are organised by the team behind the Brewers Journal. You can read more about the awards, and view the full shortlist, here.

It’s a huge honour to have made the shortlist (twice!!), and we can’t wait for the awards next month, which take place at the Brewers Congress in London… wish us luck! 

Apparently, some people think that the most wonderful time of year is Christmas – at Abbeydale Brewery we reckon it might actually be PUMPKIN SPICE SEASON! Yes, that’s right – our most hotly anticipated annual release is soon to be on the way… it’s (almost) Pilgrim time, and this year, it’s brought not just one but TWO pumpkin spiced pals along!

After the success of the Pumpkin Spice Latte inspired Twilight Pilgrim stout version (5.0%) last year, we’re pleased to say that’s making a very welcome return, and as an all new addition for 2024 we’ve ramped things up another notch and are thrilled to introduce you to IMPERIAL PILGRIM! The Pumpkin Spiced Ale you know and love, but BIGGER! Weighing in at 8.0% ABV and with double the pumpkin, it’s bold, rich and full bodied, showcasing the same deliciously cosy blend of spices as the OG Pilgrim (5.0%), which of course completes the trilogy for maximum autumnal vibes.

Our pumpkin spiced pale ale has become, dare we say it, a bit of a Halloween icon that heralds the arrival of spooky season across the beery land. First released in 2017, our Pilgrim was originally inspired by a trip to the States to visit World Beer Cup award-winning Griffin Claw Brewing Co. Pumpkin Spice *Everything* hadn’t really taken off in the UK at the time, but across the pond they’re known for being just that bit more extra, and we brought a little bit of that back with us in the form of a secret recipe provided by friend of the brewery and much acclaimed American brewer Dan Rogers. We knew were taking a bit of a risk that first time Pilgrim was unleashed upon our drinkers, but it immediately found its niche and it’s been an increasingly popular seasonal special every year since. Last year it sold out in record time, so this year, along with adding a new squash sibling to the family, we’ve upped the brewlength and have more Pilgrim than ever before available. GOOD GOURD!

Trade customers can contact our sales team now to pre-order cask, keg or can of any or all of this year’s Pilgrim releases for their venue, and cans are available to pre-order NOW on our online shop, alongside Pilgrim tees, and gift boxes showcasing all three of these glorious seasonal treats in one handy little package are coming soon too. The beers are all planned to ship w/c 23^rd September.

Let’s get this Pilgrim party started!

Time to get to know another of Team Abbeydale a little better! This time we’re chatting with our designer James, who began working with us back in 2016, when he was responsible for creating the distinctive look behind the branding for our Heathen. Since then, he’s become our in-house designer, and award-winning at that! Over to James to find out more…

First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?

Hi, my name is James and I’m from Leeds. I was born there and after living in London for a while, I now live just outside the city again in the countryside with my family.

What is your role at Abbeydale Brewery?

I’m very lucky to be the designer for this great brewery – constantly creating images for cans, pump clips and keg badges as well as merch, packaging and the promotional material we use to reach new venues and customers.

What’s your favourite beer and why?

My go-to beer is was the late, great Anchor Steam from San Francisco.

I’m a big fan of American lagers, cask stouts and Belgian ales and I like a well-made NEIPA.

It’ll be no surprise that I think we make some outstanding beers here and some of my favourites would be Funk Dungeon’s Ryes from the Grave, Pilgrim Pumpkin Spiced Ale and Restoration Baltic Porter.

What’s your favourite thing about working here?

I really enjoy working as part of the team that we have here – they are friendly, knowledgeable, hardworking people who are great at what they do.

That we produce a good number of beers throughout the year means that I’m always busy creating work for either a beer or another project. It’s an intense but incredibly rewarding job that allows us to constantly create something new that communicates with regular or prospective customers. It’s a great feeling seeing the beers out there, being enjoyed all over the country and elsewhere.

Do you have a favourite pub?

The Antelope in Surbiton, South West London. Owned by the fantastic Big Smoke Brewery, they have developed a space that is welcoming, relaxing and hard not to fall in love with – and their bar is full of Big Smoke brews and quality keg and cask guests on regular rotation alongside choice ciders and great food.

Another notable mention would be the Amity Brew. Co’s terrace in Farsley, Leeds which is great for the afternoon sun. Failing that – you can’t beat a cold beer on a sunny beach!

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

Possibly at Headingley Stadium on the rugby side watching Leeds Rhinos. It was probably a disappointing pint of Carlsberg in a plastic cup. 

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer? OR – Fries: Bacon or Scampi?

Something like a tapas plate really, maybe Patatas Bravas or Padron Peppers. And to answer the important question; Scampi.

When you’re not creating artwork for our beers, what do you get up to?

I also do varied freelance illustration work which helps me keep creative and I love to visit new places, learn languages and spend time outdoors – I’ve spent most of my life trying to learn to surf. Mainly though, I look forward to spending time with my wife and little boy somewhere fun.

Who’s your hero?

My sporting hero is an Australian rugby league player named Andrew Johns. 

Considered to be a modern great – as a kid he made me see my sport in a totally different way. He also lived life however the hell he wanted and has had fun doing so. The saying goes ‘never meet your heroes’ but he was incredibly humble and forthcoming when I had the chance to spend some time with him in Sydney.

And finally… If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?

Tough one. Parents of kids of a certain age may be able to relate here, but I’d like to see myself as Bandit from the fantastic Aussie kids cartoon Bluey – A laid back dad who likes to mess around and have fun with their family but is still mindful enough to know that time’s precious and you’ve got to give your children (and partner) someone to turn-to, look up to and rely upon. That show really hits hard sometimes.