Here for the Duration

I've previously explored the creation of a unit based around whisky, and also written about the role of the brewing industry and the terroir of wine.

This would only really be useful for older students as beer is not necessarily an appropriate topic for younger students in a school situation. I had an excellent module on the brewing industry and its development as part of my degree, which looked at the changing nature of the industry with technology such as kegs and transport options.

A few miles from where I live is the Duration brewery. They sell some of my favourite beers and I always like to have some in stock - the shop in Castle Acre has a good range but the brewery itself is only a few miles furthr from home.

The team use the word terroir, which is also used in the wine industry to describe the process which helps create their distinctive ales.

This could be linked with the geographical concept of place.

The water in Burton on Trent has long been said to provide a particular taste to the beer.

On a visit to the Adnams Brewery we were told that the water they use for brewing has been 'Burtonized'.

Rooted in our majestic West Acre home we pour nature into our beers to celebrate the Nar Valley and all its rich produce. Cultivating time, terroir, and purpose in an estate approach to beer making.

Each beer in the range has an invidual design of can, which are very artistic and lovely to handle as well. They look very nice on the shelf, but don't stay there too long.

Their names are often geographical in nature e.g. a beer called Sweeping Coast.

"Coastlines define Norfolk as much as the vast skies. Instantly recognisable, its coastal dunes perpetually shift with each tide, gently changing the landscape in a state of continual variation. Sweeping Coast is resinous, bright and fresh."

This article goes into some good detail on the location of the brewery and its back story. It also describes the brewery's location, and the efforts made to reduce the impact of the creation of the brewery on the local landscape - including the River Nar - and also the sensitive renovation of the main barn. It's a good read, written by Lily Waite.

Another article on the firm here. I think this could very well be developed into a useful case study on small scale industry. 

Here's a short film on the brewery:

Cheers :)