Gadds’ Ramsgate Brewery

Gadds' Beer

On Thursday night I went to the Gadds’ Ramsgate Brewery, and had a most excellent time. I’ve been on a few brewery tours before but I have to say this was the best one and after my post about Thanet going to the dogs it’s nice to actually see a local independant business doing well.

The Ramsgate Brewery is run by Eddie Gadd, who really made it a great night out. The ales flowed, and Eddie gave a wonderful tour which showed his great affection for the job he does. On most brewery tours, the guide is simply going through the motions and working their 9-5 (or whatever hours they are), where as Eddie had been on since 6am that morning and was still there well in to the night, albeit with the aid of a few delicious pints.

We started off on Gadds’ No.7 – (Deliciously satisfying classic ‘session’ Bitter using local Fuggles hops. Dry and bitter with English hop flavours and aromas. 3.8% abv) and then as the evening went on, we switched to Gadds’ Dogbolter (Strong, dark and handsome. Available November to March. 5.6% abv), and then sampled a few other ales including No Tomorrow (8% abv), and Dark Star Imperial Stout, which at 10.5% abv is the strongest stout I’ve ever had, although this one isn’t brewed by Gadds but is still available in the shop.

Eddie Gadds

I can’t really remember what time we left, but Ian, Dan and myself popped into the Australian Arms for a cheeky pint and then I went off to get a takeaway as I’d not had any dinner which wasn’t a terribly good plan in light of drinking all that beer. I slept well that night I tell you, and didn’t feel too bad in the morning, which is good considering I had work. If you’re going to get sozzled on a work night then at least make it worth it. I’d recommend the brewery tour to anyone, which you can arranged by getting in touch with Gadds and cost £5 per head.

I for one will be opting for Gadds if it’s available in any pubs I go into, and it’s nice to know that I’ll be having a nice beer and also supporting a local business, something which I think we all need to try and do, be it going to the local greengrocers instead of Tesco, or just buying a pint you know has only been brewed down the road.