Cotleigh Brewery

Cotleigh Brewery began brewing in Devon in 1979 in the old stable block of Cotleigh Farmhouse at Washfield near Tiverton, starting as a five-barrel plant with Tawny as its first brew. In 1980 it moved to the historic brewing town of Wiveliscombe in Somerset. Its original owner Ted Bishop was succeeded in the early 1980s by John and Jenny Aries, and the brewery expanded in 1985. Core brands included Tawny Owl, Commando Hoofing, Golden Seahawk, Buzzard and Barn Owl, available in cask and 500ml bottles, with permanent cask beers Harrier, Cotleigh 25 and Honey Buzzard, and bottled beers Red Nose Reinbeer, Peregrine Porter, Snowy and Old Steamer. Laurence Russell of Albert Goodman LLP was appointed liquidator of Cotleigh Brewery Limited on 29 September 2021.

Cotleigh Brewery began life in Devon in 1979, in the old stable block of Cotleigh Farmhouse at Washfield near Tiverton. The original operation started as a five barrel brewing plant, with Tawny being the first brew. Immediate success meant that in 1980 the brewery moved to the historic brewing town of Wiveliscombe in Somerset. Its original owner Ted Bishop was succeeded in the early 80's by John and Jenny Aries, a husband and wife team. The brewery expanded in 1985 in order to fulfil ever-increasing demand. In 2007 Master Brewer Jeff Curd joined the business. Laurence Russell of Albert Goodman LLP was appointed liquidator of Cotleigh Brewery Limited on 29 September 2021.

Somerset craft brewer

• Tawny Owl Bitter

  Produced since 1979, brewed using Devon pale and crystal malted barley and Herefordshire hops; a finalist in the Champion Beer of Britain Competition and a two-time Good Beer Guide 'Beer of the Year'.

• Commando Hoofing

  A pale golden beer originally brewed to celebrate the Commando Royal Marines return from active duty in Afghanistan; five pence for every bottle and pint sold is donated to the charity 'Go Commando'.

• Golden Seahawk Premium Beer

  Formerly known as Golden Eagle, became a regular brew in Summer 2001; brewed with Devon pale and crystal malted barley and Goldings, Challenger and Styrian hops.

• Buzzard Dark Ale

  A traditional dark ale brewed with pale, crystal and chocolate roasted malts and Herefordshire hops.

• Barn Owl

  Placed supreme champion of the SIBA Maltings Beer Festival in 1994 and twice a finalist in the GBBF Champion Beer of Britain.

• Honey Buzzard

  Brewed with local Wiveliscombe honey from David Pearce's honey farm.

• Cotleigh 25

  Awarded category winner for the Best Alcohol Product of the year, beating a recognised Champagne to first place.

• Red Nose Reinbeer

  Part of the range of 500ml bottled beers.

• Peregrine Porter

  Part of the range of 500ml bottled beers.

• Snowy

  Part of the range of 500ml bottled beers.

• Old Steamer

  Part of the range of 500ml bottled beers.

• Commando Hoofing Cider

  Produced in partnership with Somerset cider producer Sheppy's, in 500ml bottles.

1. 1Welcome - Cotleigh Brewerycotleighbrewery.com
2. 2About Us - Cotleigh Brewerycotleighbrewery.com
3. 3Core Brands - Cotleigh Brewerycotleighbrewery.com