“We weren’t sure how many people would turn up,” said Pipeline Brewing Co owner Jonny, as he surveyed a packed beer yard outside the brewhouse.
Where the magic happens: the brewhouse at Pipeline. Photographs: Beer Today
Those of us who visited were. That’s why I made sure I was there for 5pm, when the session officially started. Even then, we claimed the last table!
If you’re not familiar (and there’s a fair chance you’re not — this is a brewery that lets its beers speak for themselves), Pipeline brews small batches of modern, hazy, juicy, unfined pale ales and IPAs. Its Untappd average rating is 3.98 out of 5, which is incredibly impressive. And when you taste the beers, you can see why. It is one of Cornwall’s sleeping giants of brewing.
Part of the outside drinking area
Stargazing at Midnight, for instance, showcases Citra and the (in my opinion) under-appreciated Nelson Sauvin hops in a juicy, piney brew, made smooth and easy drinking by oats and wheat in the malt bill, despite its 8% ABV.
I tried New Zealand Farmhouse Pale, low ABV for Pipeline at 4.6%, but then I was driving. Fresh hops from the southern hemisphere dance in the murky, juicy brew, that was perfectly sessionable on this most sociable of afternoons. Drinkers of all ages enjoyed the fresh brews, and there were cans to take away (which we did).
Pipe Time lager
For a first session, Pipeline had its team well organised. Three or four taking orders and serving, Jonny following up with his mobile card reader, which gives him the entrée to talking to customers about the beers. The feedback was unanimously positive, from what I heard.
Good, too, to catch up with Sharp’s head brewer, Aaron McClure, also very complimentary about the Pipeline brews. Always good to see brewers supporting others in their trade — one of the reasons why I find this such a great industry to follow.
Whasson? The Pipeline menu
In the week when we’re allowed back to pubs and bars for drinking (albeit, outside only), the Pipeline tap experience comes highly recommended. It’s opening up every Friday evening, although from what I can see other sessions may have to be created to keep up with demand!
