Hook Norton is releasing a series of special beers to mark its 175th anniversary, and first up is 175 Strong Ale, a robust dark red brew coming in at 7.5% ABV.

Hook Norton 175

As the name suggests, this is a strong brew, fruity and full bodied, with a hint of spice. It combines a trio of all-English hops: delicate and smooth Goldings, spicy Challenger, and floral Fuggles.

“We started the idea of brewing some anniversary beers a few years ago, when, on a whim as we were 167 years old, we decided to brew one beer at 6.7%,” said James Clarke, Hook Norton Brewery’s managing director.

“We have continued this tradition ever year since, bringing us to our 175th year. We may stop here! The 175 Strong Ale is based on our iconic Old Hooky recipe, but brewed to a much higher strength, and is a beer to share, to enjoy, and to respect.”

As a nod to the founding fathers, the bottle label features a photo of the workforce engaged in the construction of the main brewery, circa 1890. Flat caps and waistcoats seem to have been the high-viz attire of the day.

The expansion resulted in a six-storey tower brewery, designed by architect William Bradford. The ornamental brewery had become the norm by the late 1880s and he was a prolific exponent who built or altered more than 70 breweries and maltings. His distinctive decorative style featured much ornament, often in the form of ironwork, and a picturesque roofline.

The extraordinary building of brick, ironstone, cast iron, and timber closely linked each of the brewing stages, with the clever use of gravity aiding the brewing process. This process, and indeed much of the originally installed brewing equipment and machinery, is very much still in use today and can be seen in all its Victorian glory on brewery tours that operate seven days a week.

:: Enjoying Beer Today? Become a Patreon supporter from £1.50 a month