Butcombe Original
Awarded Best Session Bitter at the CAMRA Awards 2025, Butcombe Original continues to set the standard for classic, full-flavoured ale.
Butcombe Original is created from Maris Otter malt and a secret blend of English hops. Meticulously crafted before ‘craft’ was even a thing. Its distinctive bitter, clean and refreshing flavour has been Bristol’s go-to for good times since the 1970’s. From the first sip to the last drop, you’ll never taste a beer quite like it.
ABV 4.0%
Bristol born and made to stand out, Butcombe Brewing Co. began life at a time of cultural, social and political change, crafting beer before ‘craft beer’ was even a thing.
You see, at that time, no one was risking it all starting a brewery, making simple, premium, easy-drinking ale. To do so was an act of defiance. Or madness. But, over 45 years later and a lot of hard graft, by staying true to their beliefs and Bristolian roots, it looks like owning a resolutely maverick brewing company isn’t such a crazy idea after all. By going against the grain, to work intimately with it, they made their own statement with every pint. And what was true then is just as important today.
They aree made of different stuff at Butcombe. They are an eclectic bunch of passionate people, all brought together by their love of food, drink and service. Butcombe get the greatest buzz from seeing customers enjoying the food and drink they’ve made and served with love. Everything they do is from the heart…
Late Summer of ’78
Simon Whitmore founds Butcombe Brewing Co. using his Courage Western redundancy payment to convert his farm buildings and family home into a brewery.
The brewery equipment, purchased from Allied Breweries surplus plant in Burton-on-Trent, is driven back to Bristol in Simon’s Bedford 35cwt truck.