Award-Winning Microbrewery Doubles Production

A North East microbrewery has topped off an award-winning year by more than doubling its production.

Figures just released by Sonnet 43 Brew House, at Coxhoe, County Durham, reveal that the firm brewed 512,346 pints in 2014 – with three weeks of busy trading still to go.

These figures, almost double the 264,644 pints produced in 2013, mark the close of a successful and award-winning year for Sonnet 43, which offers a range of craft ales for sale across the UK.

The firm, which was recently included in Mitchells and Butlers list of recommend beers for the first time, has claimed a raft of accolades in the past 12 months, including two star Great Taste Awards for its American Pale Ale and Bourbon Milk Stout.

Earlier this year, Sonnet 43 was also recognised at the Independent Brewers Beer X awards, with a high commendation for its business development and an overall win in the Customer Support category.

Sonnet 43's founder, North East restaurateur Mark Hird, said: "Since its launch in 2012, Sonnet 43 Brew House has experienced strong growth, with demand continuing to climb across the UK.

"This has already allowed us to double production, with plans for further expansion now in place for 2015 and beyond."

Sonnet 43, named after the well-known verse by Elizabeth Barratt Browning who was born and raised at nearby Coxhoe Hall, currently produces a core range of five beers, including American Pale Ale, which also achieved silver for best bitter over five per cent ABV at the North East Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) awards 2014.

The microbrewery's core range and special editions are already widely available in pubs and bars across the North East and Yorkshire, including the brewery's own brewtaps at Coxhoe, Hebburn and Chester-le-Street. It is also sold online in bottles or kegs, alongside a range of associated merchandise.

For more information or stockist enquiries call 0191 3773039 or visitwww.sonnet43.com

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Notes to newsdesks:

Pic caption: Sonnet 43 Brew House's Head Brewer, Michael Harker and Owner, Mark Hird

For more information, interviews, pictures or to arrange a tasting please contact Sorted PR on 0191 2656111