ShinDigger

ShinDigger is a part of the wave of craft ales that hit the many pubs, bars and restaurants around the UK. Formed back in 2013, this Manchester based brewery has seen itself organically grow and produce a selection worthy of any major brewery. But how did this all come about?

The two owners, Paul and George, are alumni of Manchester University, and when not studying, they invested jointly in a home-brewing kit. Using the space in their kitchen to brew, and the basement of their student house to ferment, they started to sell their freshly brewed beer in the scene they knew best – house parties.

In the Autumn of 2013, they applied and received a small loan from the government and expanded the business to include the producing of ShinDigger kegs. This kick-started the growth of seeing their ales within bars and pubs around Manchester, riding on the popularity with students. Within the 1st year, 5 expressions were launched and now use the sub-letting of a variety of local breweries to keep up with the demand.

So how do they fare? Well below, I give to you my tasting notes –

ShinDigger West Coast Pale Ale – 4.7%

Using hops from the American West Coast. Soft citrus and caramel upon the nose, with hints of dry lemon peel coming through. Light, soft and subtle flavours of dry citrus upon the palate, with a short finish that offers a subtle freshness combined with a slight bitterness.

ShinDigger South Pacific Pale Ale – 4.5%

Using hops of the Southern Hemisphere. Soft with a slight sweetness of caramelised fruits on the nose. Smooth upon the palate, with caramel, red fruits and natural sweetener coming through to complete a lingering finish.

ShinDigger IPA – 5.6%

Fresh on the nose with orange and apricot aromas present. Quite sharp on the palate, but softens to a tart, lingering finish with plenty of orange rind and a smooth finish of light, delicate citrus.

ShinDigger Pils – 4.1%

Conditioned for 3 weeks and dry hopped with Aussie hop Vic Secret and US hop Simcoe. Dry, delicate aromas of herbs and oak on the nose. Soft on the palate, with an immediate dry texture that delivers subtle herbal flavours on the lingering finish.

ShinDigger PIP – 6.3%

Lively dry hops with plenty of tangerine and earthy aromas coming through. Soft upon the palate, with the dry hops coming through again, offering a sweet fudge flavour. It develops into a tart oak hit on the long, dry finish.

A varied selection available, with a Black IPA also a part of the core range. Paul and George have also branched out into aligning ShinDigger into the world of music after collaborating with Werkha, an up and coming Manchester based music producer. Oh and the name ‘ShinDigger’? It’s said that the name embodies their ethos that beer is about having a good time with your friends and enjoying the moment. To find out how you can get your hands on the range, give them a shout. One’s to definitely look out for in the craft ale revolution

© David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.