Little Valley Brewery set to make a big impression
Posted: Nov 20, 13:43
A new brewery specialising in high quality natural ingredients is about to make its presence felt on the taste buds of real ale enthusiasts in Calderdale, Kirklees and the surrounding areas, with an inspired range English ales and Continental beers.
The Little Valley Brewery is based in a converted farm building above Cragg Vale near Hebden Bridge.
For owner and master brewer Wim van der Spek it’s the pinnacle – so far – of a lengthy professional career in brewing. Dutch-born Wim has an MSc in food technology and is a qualified Master Brewer. He has produced award-winning beers in Holland, Germany and the Scottish Highlands.
There’s no doubt that he’s a serious contender in the world of connoisseur beers. ‘I’ve never worked for a major industrial brewery because there’s nothing to learn when quality always comes second to profit.’ Wim is a hands-on professional who knows exactly how to transform good ingredients into terrific beers; his mission can be summed up by a single phrase from the Little Valley Brewery brochure – ‘responsible beers for responsible drinking’.
He aims to ensure that all his beers are environmentally sound, using not just the best natural ingredients but wherever possible, locally sourced ingredients. That starts with the local water, which Wim rates as perfect for quality beers and is one reason for siting his brewery in Cragg Vale.
He’s setting the bar particularly high by working towards full Soil Association organic certification for his entire production – a prized status that very few UK breweries achieve.