Our Beers

Alfie's 4.4%

A real ale for a real king, this golden bitter is well hopped with a bursting twist of spice.

King Alfred the great was born just a stone's throw from the brewery at Ardington.  England's ninth century monarch spent most of his reign fighting the hordes of Danish Vikings who seemed hell-bent on conquering these shores.  In fact, without his efforts, our island may have been lost to a future of smoked fish and pilsner lagers.  Brewed to a traditional recipe, Alfie's is a true English ale to honour a true English hero.  We're very proud of it, and we're sure King Alfie would be too.

Vicar's Daughter 3.7%

A tasty and light refreshing session bitter, packed with mild hoppy flavours with a citrus after taste.

What is it about the Vicar's daughter?  She's brought up to be sweet and innocent, but still somehow gains a reputation for being the exact opposite.  This got us thinking and we couldn't help but notice the similarities with beer.  This real ale has been created from only the most wholesome ingredients.  We've devoted much of our time to nurturing it and making sure it achieves its full potential.  Yet, despite its innocent looks and sweet taste, it still has the power to lead you astray!  We named this beer in recognition of this similarity, and to give everyone the chance to experience a night with the Vicar's daughter!

Scutchamers Knob 3.6%

Based on an old English recipe, this oaky coloured beer is blended with three types of hops to give you that rich and full taste you deserve.

Back when men were men and England was littered with Anglo-Saxons staking their claims to chunks of the British countryside, this site up on the ridgeway above The Hendreds, became the focus of much attention.  Many have speculated as to the Knob's actual significance.  Was it a burial ground, a religious site or a battlefield?  We prefer the suggestion that it was a 'moot', or meeting point where people would come together to resolve the issues of the day.  Thankfully things have moved on since those days and we're now able to get together in altogether more relaxed surroundings and iron out our problems over a few beers.  So, here's to problem solving!

Satan's Sister 4.5%

A very easy drinking flavoursome bitter, with a reddish hue and enticingly sweet and hoppy taste.

The link between the drink and the devil seems to be almost as old as the brewing process itself.  History is littered with people who have been inspired to produce fine intoxicating beverages only for someone else to condemn them for doing the Devil's work.  While we aren't expecting quite such an extreme reaction to our latest offering, we thought it might be worth acknowledging the obvious evil we are doing and highlighting this fact!  We're sure you will agree that while it may not exactly be the work of Satan, his sister may have had a hand in it somewhere!

Midsummer Madness 3.9%

A cool refreshing summer ale.  Perfect for cooling you down on a hot day.

Back in the spring we decided to brew a new ale, but were struggling to come with a name for it.  We racked our brains and drew a blank, so decided to pose the question to the people who drink our beer.  Lots of you responded, and after much deliberation, we settled on Sarah Kelly's offering of Midsummer Madness.  The name says it all really.  What could be better than a cool, refreshing pint on a long hot summer's day?  But, therein lies the rub.  With the sun high in the sky and a beer in your hand, it's all too easy to bring on the madness.  Still, here at Best Mates Brewery we think sanity is overrated.  Enjoy your summer - however mad!