They say collaboration is the key to success. At Pellicle we’ve always admired how breweries have embraced this spirit, as—quite literally—thousands of businesses have emerged over the past few years, helping each other along as they work out new ideas, and build a true sense of camaraderie. It’s an attitude we believe is unprecedented in any other industry.

It was a thrill, then, to be invited by our friends at Oxford’s Tap Social Movement to collaborate on a beer. You might be surprised to hear this is the first time this has happened in our three-and-a-half years of existence, especially considering that my co-founder, Jonny Hamilton, is a brewer himself. This also comes with some advantages, as it means we got to properly back-and-forth on a recipe from the ground up, and produce something that’s not only reflective of both Pellicle and Tap Social, but also of the values we possess.

Tap Social is a brewery we deeply admire, not just because of the beers they create, but because of the way their business operates. There’s a good reason why they describe themselves as a “Movement” and not simply a brewing company. Around a third of Tap Social’s employees—spanning the brewery itself, their taproom, their fantastic pub, The White House, and their recently opened bakery, Proof—are ex-offenders.

In addition to the making and selling of beer, the brewery works with the local prison authority to secure genuine routes back to employment. Approximately 50% of people released from prison will reoffend within one year, having stable employment is proven to reduce reoffending, yet less than 20% of prison leavers have a job one year post-release. The work of businesses like Tap Social dramatically reduces those numbers. It’s a small example of how a brewery can be more than simply a beer-maker, and how beer can genuinely be used as an instrument for change. It’s this attitude that drove and inspired our collaboration.

Together we’ve produced Wake Up, a beer we’re referring to as a “Modern Best Bitter”. We wanted this beer to be a reminder that all beer is political, and meant for everyone—meaning that it should be affordable, accessible and exist without prejudice. You may have also noticed that the beer takes its name from a track by popular American rock combo Rage Against the Machine—who proved that rock music is a powerful voice, and can genuinely alter perspectives, and force real change.

We started with the best bitter style as a template, because we feel it's a style that’s accessible to both newcomers, and those who’ve been drinking beer for a while. We used heritage Plumage Archer malt from Crisp Maltings in Norfolk to give the beer a distinctive, subtly sweet and nutty flavour, plus a wonderfully deep copper colour to ensure it suited the winter season in which it will be enjoyed.

In terms of hops we went for a blend of both English and North American varieties. The idea behind this is that the modern, citrus flavours of the American varieties would bring familiarity for those who enjoy bolder, stronger beer, while the English hops would bring the classic character a good bitter is known for. As a twist, we decided to dry hop the beer, again with English varieties, to really accentuate the latter, adding an almost forest fruit (blackberry, raspberry, strawberry) tinge to the beer.

We’re really pleased with it, and we hope you will be too. The beer will be available on draught via both keg and (if you’re lucky) cask, and in can if you’d prefer to drink at home.

Cans are available on Tap Social’s website, and as an extra special limited deal, you can also buy a three pack of Wake Up along with a signed copy of my book, Modern British Beer. Honestly, the perfect Christmas gift for the beer enjoying a loved one.

The beer will also be on tap in selected venues, listed below. While Tap Social beer doesn’t often find its way outside of the local area, we’ve worked with the folks at Euroboozer to ensure a decent supply has made it up to the North West. This is mostly so I can drink it, and I will be doing a little tour of the Manchester venues when it’s on tap. There’ll be no talks or any nonsense like that, but I’d be happy to chat to you about the beer, or anything really, if you spot me supping while I’m doing my rounds.

Thanks again to Tap Social for inviting us to brew, and yes I did dig out the entire mash tun by myself. Enjoy, and if your venue has the beer but isn’t listed below, drop me a note and I will get you added. Please keep an eye on the socials of each venue, as most only have one cask and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Cheers everyone!

Oxford
Tap Social Taproom
The White House

Banbury
Lock29

Manchester
Reasons to be Cheerful
Ladybarn Social Club
Café Beermoth

Leeds
Arcadia Ale House

Huddersfield
The Sportsman

Chester
That Beer Place

Thanks to both Tap Social for the invite to brew, and to Euroboozer for ensuring its distribution. Both of these businesses are among our pro-tier Patreon supporters, without who’s support Pellicle would not exist. If you enjoy our content and can afford to support us, subscribe from as little as £1 a month, here: patreon.com/pelliclemag.