Hidden away behind the Black Bull in Coniston is the Coniston Brewing Company, run by Ian Bradley.  This small but very perfectly-formed outfit has been cookin' with gas ever since its Bluebird Bitter won the Supreme Champion Beer of Britain Award at the Great British Beer Festival in 1998 - just 3 years after the brewery began production.

This delicious bottle-conditioned Bluebird XB is a stronger but paler version of Bluebird and is brewed on behalf of Coniston by Peter Scholey of Ridgeway Brewing and carefully follows Ian's coveted recipe.  Roasted Barley, Crystal and Pale Ale malts combine deftly with American Mount Hood and Challenger hops to create this exciting interpretation of the English Pale Ale tradition.  A golden colour and lovely soft hoppy aroma with touches of blossom, white flowers and garden herbs.  On the palate, the flavour is softly bitter, again a little herbal, with a lovely rounded finish.  Excellent stuff!

PLEASE NOTE: As this beer ferments in the bottle sediment will exist.  As a guide store upright and pour extremely carefully.