Gales Brewery

Gales Brewery

Gales Brewery was a historic brewery located in Horndean, Hampshire, England. It was founded in 1847 by Henry Gale and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality ales. The brewery remained in operation for over 160 years before it was closed in 2006.

History

Henry Gale, a local maltster, established Gales Brewery in 1847. The brewery started as a small operation but grew steadily over the years. In 1850, Henry's son, William Gale, joined the business and played a crucial role in expanding its production capacity.

By the late 19th century, Gales Brewery had become one of the largest breweries in Hampshire. It gained popularity for its traditional brewing methods and commitment to using only the finest ingredients. The brewery's ales, particularly its flagship brand, Gales HSB (Horndean Special Bitter), became highly regarded among beer enthusiasts.

In 2005, Gales Brewery was acquired by Fuller, Smith & Turner plc, a London-based brewery and pub company. Unfortunately, due to declining sales and changing market conditions, Fuller's made the difficult decision to close Gales Brewery in 2006. The production of Gales ales was subsequently moved to Fuller's Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, West London.

Beers

Gales Brewery was known for its wide range of beers, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Some of the notable beers produced by Gales Brewery included:

• Gales HSB: A rich and full-bodied bitter with a distinctive hop character.
• Gales Seafarers Ale: A refreshing golden ale with a crisp and citrusy flavor.
• Gales Prize Old Ale: A strong and malty ale with complex flavors of caramel and dried fruits.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Gales Brewery left a lasting legacy in the brewing industry. Many of its traditional recipes and brewing techniques were preserved and continue to be used by Fuller's Brewery. The Gales brand still lives on through the production of Gales ales at Fuller's Griffin Brewery.

See also

• Fuller's Brewery
• Beer brewing