By Chris Story

Last updated at 08:54, Friday, 13 March 2009

A fledgling Cumbrian brewery has produced its first beer from a village base near Carlisle.

And the name of the Cumberland Brewery’s inaugural foray into production pays tribute to the place in which it was created.

Corby Ale is now on sale and is proving popular among those who have tried it, including drinkers at The Queen Inn in Great Corby.

Those behind the beer’s creation hope it will be the start of several lines from the hub of their operations at The Old Forge in the village.

A company spokesman said: “We are in our infancy at the moment.

“Our main product is Corby Ale. This is our first product and it is hoped we can expand and go on to produce two or three other beers together with lagers.”

The brewery – under the direction of head brewer Rod MacDonald – has been built, has a good capacity and it is hoped the business will grow.

It is thought that the lager would have to be produced at bigger premises, potentially handing the area a jobs boost.

But whatever expansion takes place, Cumberland’s spokesman said it would remain a Carlisle-based business and that it would stay in Cumbria.

He added: “The whole programme has been in development for more than two years.

“The first beer came off about two months ago and has been a great success, we have found.

“Sales are growing well in the area. A lot of freehouses are getting on board.”

A sales team has been recruited to help develop the brand.

Breweries are an increasingly important part of Cumbria’s economy with more than 20 of various sizes now in operation across the county.

That importance was highlighted to European politicians in Brussels when Dave Bailey and Ann Wedgwood, of The Woolpack Inn and Hardknott Brewery in Eskdale, called for decision-makers to cut red tape.

First published at 05:35, Friday, 13 March 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk