Tucked away in the heart of Rock, Sharp’s Brewery hides in plain sight from the hustle and bustle of this desirable coastal village. Although it was established in 1994, you may not even know it was there, working day in, day out to produce an award-winning range of lagers and ales.
In celebration of the brewery’s 30th birthday, we were given the incredible opportunity to try Sharp’s ‘Secret Bar Experience’ – a fun and innovative way to sample a hand-picked selection of their beers, in a tasting room with a twist.
Wine tasting is an experience as old as wine itself, dating back to the earliest civilisations. Today, it has evolved into a popular travel activity, offering holidaymakers across the globe the chance to sample a region’s finest wines in a sophisticated ritual. We’re all familiar with the classic pairings – white wine with seafood, red wine with red meat etc. But if someone were to ask you which beer pairs best with lobster, would you even know where to begin? Sharp’s Brewery are on a mission to change this, aiming to prove that beer deserves a spot alongside wine in the world of fine dining, with the potential to create truly exquisite pairings.
The Secret Bar Experience was a sensory adventure, with every detail carefully considered - right down to the lighting and sound, which shifted with each beer served. We loved how personal the experience was, with a beer sommelier on hand to guide us through the process at our own pace and answer any questions we had. Even the self-proclaimed beer experts in the group were surprised by how much they learned; strategic lighting disguised the colour of the liquids, making it difficult to determine which beer was which by sight alone.
Fancy giving it a go?
The Secret Bar Experience runs every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at £20 per person. Sessions can be booked for up to eight people, so you can bring your friends and family along too. To book, simply call the brewery's friendly team on 01208 864885.
What's more, once the tasting is complete, you'll receive a 10% discount at the Brewery Shop and a complimentary tasting glass. But shh... it's a secret!
