THERE’S A GOAT THEMED BREWERY, WE’RE NOT KIDDING!

For some reason dogs seem to be a reccurring theme in the beer industry, they’re a popular pet for brewers and you can see some at breweries, they’re used on pump-clips and there’s any number of breweries inspired by them, be them bullmastiffs, mad dogs, brew dogs or by dog’s in windows! But how about goats? Not any we can think of, but there is a new brewery in Pontardawe who’ve set up with a very big goat theme calling themselves Little Goat Brewery, we kid you not!

We caught up with Steff (one of the founders), to find out a little bit more.

When Steff and Eleri moved into their beautiful new home in the village of Ynysmeudwy near Pontardawe, they never imagined that the empty outbuilding that came with the property would soon be the home of something as new and exciting as a nano-brewery.

Mark, Eleri’s dad and a home brewer of forty years’ experience first came up with the idea, suggesting it initially to Steff, who had only taken up brewing himself a few years before, after discovering real ales after years of drinking bland lagers. The boys tested the idea (and the beer) out by supplying to a friend’s wedding, and the brew was a resounding success, with more requests coming in as people heard about the quality of their beer.

Inspired, and always driven, Steff started researching microbrewery equipment, and soon they were the proud owners of all they needed to start a brewery business thanks to Langton’s brewery in Leicestershire who were upgrading to larger equipment.

As with any small business, they encountered many challenges which needed to be overcome – from the logistical aspect of actually fitting the equipment, to sourcing bottles, labels, graphic design and licensing. And then there was a name for the brewery. At this point the whole family got involved and discussed many possibilities. They needed something memorable, catchy and unique. Eventually the answer came from Steff and Eleri’s baby daughter, Mabli, who made a little bleating noise when she giggled, almost like a little goat. And thus the brewery gained the name Little Goat Brewery.

Since trading commenced in December 2018, the brewery has gone from strength to strength, providing locally made real ale to many pubs, clubs and food businesses as well as appearing at local food fairs and farmers markets.

They have a core range of beers which are produced and sold year-round, which include the following-

Jumpin’ Jack

A 4.5% ABV best bitter.

A smooth, easy drinking, amber ale with hints of caramel and date.

Golden Goat

A 4.3% American style golden ale, single hopped with Simcoe hops, very aromatic with a citrus and fruit flavour.

The brewery also produces a range of special ales which appear seasonally. We’re always one for a good pun and Little Goat have some inspired names for their Winter beers which include ‘Duffelgoat’ a 7.2% winter warmer strong ale and ‘Satan’s Little Helper’ – a 6.66% stout.

Every year we do the legendary ‘Wales Ales 12 Beers of Christmas’ which features 12 Christmas Beers from breweries from all over Wales. This year one of Little Goat’s winter offerings will be included for the first time, keep your eyes peeled as this will be available shortly.

In the meantime they do local deliveries to the Pontardawe and Neath area which you can order via their website www.littlegoatbrewery.co.uk and regularly take beer to Tafarn Y Garreg near Dan yr Ogof Caves and The Swigg & Bar Americanos in Swansea. They also have a number of events coming up such as the Gower Autumn Food Festival 12th & 13th October, Llanelli Food Festival 19th October, Llandeilo Festival of the Senses 15th, 16th & 17th November, Pembrey Christmas Fayre 30th November & 1st December.