Beer on special ‘Offa’

A new beer has been brewed by a local brewery for one of Britain’s most iconic national trails.

‘Best Offa’ is the new official beer for the Offa’s Dyke National Path Trail and has been specially brewed by Monty’s Brewery, based just outside of Montgomery.

The first pint of 'Best Offa' was pulled by local TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams at the Cottage in Montgomery, Monty’s Brewery visitor centre.

He said: “Walking tourism is so important for this area so I’m pleased for this collaboration between the Offa’s Dyke National Path Trail and a local business. Monty’s Brewery is putting the local area on the map and I wish every success for ‘Best Offa’ and I look forward to seeing it in pubs and shops along the length of the Trail.”

Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer, said: “I had a conversation with the owners of Monty’s Brewery, Russ and Pam Honeyman, at the end of January to talk about developing a Trail beer. During my research I noticed they already mentioned Offa’s Dyke and walking on their website.

“They took the idea on straight away. Within a short period, Pam had developed the beer and after a few conversations and tastings, ‘Best Offa’ was born.”

Monty’s Brewery now has a trade mark licence agreement to use the acorn and National Trail name and be the official beer for the Trail for the next three years. In return, the Trail will get a donation from every pint and bottle sold, to help towards Trail maintenance and website promotion.

Russ added: “It’s great to be a part of this. We were really pleased to be asked by the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, and with Montgomery just getting Walkers Welcome status, it comes at a great time. We look forward to supporting Offa’s Dyke Path over the next few years.”

Cllr Stephen Hayes, county councillor for Montgomery, added that “Montgomery is proud of its position on the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail” and “welcomes the visitors it brings to the town”.

Monty’s Brewery will be marketing the beer along the entire 177 miles of the Trail, from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north.

PICTURE (by Michael Smith): At the launch of “Best Offa” are (from left) Iolo Williams, Rob Dingle and Pam Honeyman.