AN Aberystwyth microbrewery inspired by the town’s rich beer-making past has been named one of the best new breweries in the UK.

Oast House Brewery Cyf, which only moved out of co-owner John Dyer’s bedroom in Penparcau and into a larger facility in Clarach earlier this month, has been named in the Good Beer Guide 2018, which is published by the Campaign for Real Ale.

John, 26, and from Wolverhampton, established the brewery three years ago with his friend and fellow Aberystwyth University computer science graduate, Steph Reveley, who is 27 and originally from Kendal in the Lake District.

Oast House currently sells three beers — Aber Dabba Doo, an amber ale; Lager Than Life, a lager; and Roses Are Red, a ruby ale — at selected pubs in town, including the Storehouse, Brynamlwg, the National Library and Libertine’s.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, John said the brewery’s labelling, which is an outline of the distinctive cone chimney of the malthouse, or oast house, in Trefechan, is a nod to Aberystwyth’s long history of making beer.

“We are very excited. Aberystwyth has needed a brewery again for some time, and with the Oast House, our namesake is kept alive,” he said.

“The Oast House in Trefechan was not a lime kiln as many people think. It was used to dry the hops used in the brewery across the road.

“They used to do these things in the harbour because that’s where it came in, and I wanted to bring Aberystwyth’s brewing history back to life.”

See the full story in this week’s south edition