There's Only 1 bottle!

Test Umpire Dickie Bird MBE signing the exclusive bottle

The first ever bottle of Trueman ale off the production line has been personally signed by Yorkshireman and test umpire Dickie Bird.

This extremely rare bottle of beer is going to be put on the auction website ebay for 7-days from Thursday March 18th and will be sold to the highest bidder. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Dickie Bird Foundation.

The foundation’s aim is to assist underprivileged people (under 18yrs old) to participate in the sport of their choice irrespective of their background, enabling they to improve their chances both inside and outside sport.

Dickie, friend of Freddie “can think of no better way to raise valuable funds and awareness for the foundation”.

Copper Dragon would personally like to thank Dickie for all his support with the new beer and are delighted to be involved with the Foundation’s fund raising activities.

The ebay bidding link will be posted here at 12 noon on the 18th March so that interested parties can bid.

With Thanks

Dear Copper Dragon Brewery Staff,

What a surprise it was for me today when I received a package from The Copper Dragon!

Thanks for your generosity in sending me some of your awesome merchandise.  You brought a smile to my face, not to mention a piece of America!  I know the letterhead reflects Department of the Army, however, I am a member of a team of Air Force personnel performing an Army function and anytime we can feel at home, our daily duties are easier to manage. 

We know that the real warriors are folks like you that continue to provide support back home so we can do what we do….keep the fight over here and maintain freedom in our own “backyard”! 

Please pass on my sincere gratitude to all of those involved in making my day!   I’ll be sure to stop by next time I’m in town to thank the staff personally and enjoy a cold brew.

Respectfully,

Kenneth S. Tate, MSgt, USAF
22nd Movement Control Team
NCOIC, Operations

Trueman Takes Off!

Trueman Ale brewers Oli Fozard and Matthew Taylor with test umpire Dickie Bird

After much speculation, at last the day has arrived for the official launch of Copper Dragon’s latest real ale, Freddie Trueman Finest Yorkshire Ale.

The ale, specially commissioned to celebrate the life and times of Yorkshire fast bowler, Freddie Trueman, was officially endorsed by test umpire Dickie Bird and Veronica Trueman at the ceremony today.

The launch took place in the brewhouse where a lucky few were invited to sample the first ever pints of this wonderfully traditional bitter (brewed with Yorkshire know how tha knows!) and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The ale will be going on sale from Monday 15th February in cask followed by a bottled version a week later.

A list of cask stockists will be available online from the 15th.

Click here to view photos from the day

Visit the Trueman Ale section of the website

Mine’s a pint of Fred!

Dickie Bird MBE launches Copper Dragon’s Trueman Ale

The much loved former umpire Dickie Bird MBE has raised a toast to the first pint of an ale dedicated to one of his closest friends, Yorkshire and England cricket legend Fred Trueman

The Freddie Trueman Yorkshire Ale, brewed by Skipton-based Copper Dragon, was
officially launched at the HQ of the seven-year-old brewery by Bird together with Freddie’s wife Veronica and a party of local dignitaries on Wednesday 10th February.  

The launch of the ale, a hoppy, amber creation with all of the distinctive character of the renowned fast bowler, is a prelude to the unveiling in March of a bronze statue of Trueman in full flight created by Barnsley-based sculptor Graham Ibbeson.

“It’s a great honour,” exclaimed Dickie “to be able to pay tribute to a character that lit up the game of cricket and I’m sure Fred would have wholeheartedly approved of an ale being brewed in his name!”

The first 200 bottles of the historic beer will be individually signed and numbered by Head Brewer, Gordon Wilkinson and made exclusively available to guests attending an exclusive Gala Dinner, hosted by Harry Gration and attended by both Dickie Bird and Veronica Trueman in aid of the Freddie Trueman statue appeal, created and supported by train operator Northern Rail.

The dinner will give beer and cricket lovers  the chance to join stars from sport and showbusiness including Brian Close, Geoff Boycott and Ray Illingworth and sports impressionist Kevin Connelly in the celebrations at The Queens Hotel, Leeds on Wednesday 17 March 2010.

Freddie’s wife Veronica Trueman commented: “Both Copper Dragon and Northern Rail have been extremely supportive in making sure Fred will be properly remembered and his legacy will live on in the form of a stunning statue and a traditional Yorkshire ale.”

Steve Taylor, MD and founder of Copper Dragon, added: “We’re delighted to finally be able to launch the Freddie Ale which has been two months in development and we’re sure it will bowl over cricket and beer lovers alike!”

Head Brewer Gordon Wilkinson, who has masterminded the ale’s creation, said: “His reputation stretches far and wide but he has a special place in the hearts and minds of Yorkshire folk and it’s entirely apt that it’s been brewed in the Dales, an area in which Fred spent his later years and loved dearly.”

‘Fiery Fred’, as he was affectionately nicknamed, was regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in history and was the first Englishman to take 300 Test wickets. Born in South Yorkshire in 1931, Trueman made his Yorkshire first class debut in 1949 and went on to play 459 for the county notching 1,745 wickets. In 67 Tests for England Trueman took 307 wickets. He retired in 1972 to pursue a career in the media and passed away in 2006.

Steve Butcher, Area Director, Northern Rail, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project which celebrates one of Yorkshire’s most iconic and outstanding sportsmen and we know that Fred would have been happy at the prospect of having a special beer created in his honour!”

Established in 2002, Copper Dragon supplies its hand crafted Best Bitter, Golden Pippin, Scots 1816, Challenger IPA and Black Gold cask ales to over 2000 pubs across the UK as well as major supermarkets and foreign markets as far afield as Australia and Russia.

The bronze statue of Freddie in action will be unveiled on Thursday 18 March 2010 in Skipton.

For more details on the Gala Dinner and the opportunity to grab one of the first 200 bottles ring 01562 887323.

Click here to download Press Release

Beered Science

Ilkley Grammar School’s Yr11 Science Group recently visited Copper Dragon as part of their study on the utilisation of science & health and safety within the workplace.

A total of 60 students visited the brewery over 4-sessions where they were taught about the brewing process and the importance of health and safety within the work environment by Head Brewer, Gordon Wilkinson.

This was then followed by a guided tour of the brewhouse where key hazard areas and associated health and safety measures were discussed.

“Health and safety is of paramount importance at the brewery. It was a pleasure to show the Ilkley students around the plant and to discuss the Copper Dragon brewing process.

“The company is committed to helping local education and the positive feedback from both students and teachers alike was greatly appreciated.

“I hope that everyone left with a greater awareness of how science is applied within our industry.” said Gordon.

It’s hoped in the future to run similar schemes with other educational establishments building on the recent success of the Ilkley Grammar experience.

Nights are here!

The Bar Bistro recently opened it's doors in the evening for 3-nights a week (Thursday-Saturday) and the response has been absolutely amazing.

The first three nights were a total sell-out and subsequent nightime sessions are looking equally popular with record advanced bookings being taken.

Tempo in the evening Bistro is a more relaxed and intimate affair compared to the bustle of lunchtimes.

Candles, low-key jazz music and a superb evening-only specials board combine to make nightime in the Bistro a very special experience.

Positive comments from satisfied customers include “very good food & great atmosphere... superb & excellent... Just as good as ever”.

We strongly recommend that you pre-book for the Evening Bistro as we do get extremely busy and don’t like to let people down!

Thank you to everyone that have supported the Bar Bistro over the last 12 months and we look forward to continue offering a high quality, affordable dining experience.

To make a reservation, please call 01756 705460.

Pink Power

The office and Bistro staff at Copper Dragon were delighted to pink up and take part in the recent Wear it Pink charity day in turn raising over £100 for Breast Cancer Research.

Highlights of the day included Malc ”the Dray” having his fingers nails painted pink (apparently he normally only has them done on a Sunday!) and Marketing Director Ruth Bennett managing to wear the most enormous pair of pink false eye lashes for the whole day.

Pink Dragon!

This Friday (30 October) Breast Cancer Awareness are organising a nationwide ”Wear it Pink” day to raise funds for the charity and to raise awareness of the illness.

To help support and raise funds for the charity, staff at the brewery will be arranging a variety of pink-related activities including dressing up in pink clothing (even the MD is rumoured to be taking part!) and a special Copper Dragon Pink Dessert will be on offer in the Bistro (£1 per dessert sold will be donated to the charity).

So if you’re paying us a visit on Friday why not join in and wear something pink or try one of our Pink Desserts and help us raise funds for this worthwhile charity.

Tribute to Yorkshire Legend

One of cricket’s most iconic characters, Yorkshire and England fast bowler Fred Trueman OBE, is being immortalised in a new real ale brewed by Skipton’s Copper Dragon.

The Freddie Trueman Yorkshire Ale is currently being developed by the seven-year-old brewery, recognised as one of the fastest growing in the UK, and will be officially launched early in 2010 to coincide with the unveiling of a bronze statue of the cricketing legend created by Barnsley-based sculptor Graham Ibbeson.

The first 200 bottles of the historic beer will be individually signed and numbered by Head Brewer, Gordon Wilkinson and made exclusively available to guests attending a Gala Dinner in aid of the Freddie Trueman statue appeal, created and supported by train operator Northern Rail.

Beer and cricket lovers will join stars from sport and showbusiness in the celebrations at The Queens Hotel, Leeds on Wednesday 17 March 2010.

Freddie’s wife Veronica Trueman said: “Fred would be overjoyed that a real Yorkshire brewer is behind this. He loved his cricket and his beer as well as the wonderful scenery in this part of North Yorkshire where he lived out his final years. Both Copper Dragon and Northern Rail have been extremely supportive in making sure Fred will be properly remembered.”

Steve Taylor, MD of Copper Dragon, commented: “Freddie was a legendary Yorkshireman who spent many of his latter years in the Skipton area with Veronica and everyone at Copper Dragon is delighted that our newest ale carries his name.

“It will be a refreshing and light golden ale that brings back memories of cricketing summers and we are sure that Freddie would be suitably impressed when the first bottles land at Freddie’s tribute dinner and barrels hit the pubs and supermarket shelves,” added Steve, who is experiencing unprecedented growth in demand for his range of hand crafted cask ales since relocating to a new enlarged brewery, bistro and visitor centre in November 2008.

‘Fiery Fred’, as he was affectionately nicknamed, was regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in history and was the first Englishman to take 300 Test wickets. Born in South Yorkshire in 1931, Trueman made his Yorkshire first class debut in 1949 and went on to play 459 for the county notching 1,745 wickets.
In 67 Tests for England Trueman took 307 wickets. He retired in 1972 to pursue a career in the media and passed away in 2006.

The stunning bronze statue of Freddie in action will be unveiled on Thursday 18 March 2010 in the centre of Skipton. For more details on the Gala Dinner and the opportunity to grab one of the first 200 bottles ring 01562 887323.

It's a pleasure

Cricket fans will know the name Veronica Trueman (wife of former Yorkshire & England cricketer Freddie Trueman) and it was our pleasure to welcome her to Copper Dragon.

Freddie's passion for Yorkshire real ale was legendary and it was a delight to give Veronica a guided tour of the new Brewhouse and for her to sample the fabulous food in the Bar Bistro.

Festival Fun

Copper Dragon were one of the main sponsors at the 09 Keighley Beer Festival. Attendance as usual was high and the Copper dragon bar proved to be as popular as ever including a VIP visit by local Keighley Lady Mayoress who enjoyed sampling Copper Dragon ales.

Of particular interest was the cask-making demonstration by Theakston's cooper (one of only 4 in the country) Jonathan Manby.

We'd like to thank everyone who came and said hello to the staff and for all your positive comments and feedback and the Dragon Girls look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Hairy Bikers and the Brewer!

Hairy Bikers and MD Steve Taylor
As part of their tour recognising the culinary talents of the UK's Mums, BBC TV's Hairy Bikes recently paid a visit to Bolton Abbey where they both sampled and cooked locally supplied recipes and dishes.

Highlight of the visit was a private 3-course dinner cooked by the Bikers for Skipton's local dignitaries including Copper Dragon's own Steve Taylor and partner, Ruth Bennett.

The evening staged in a marquee in the grounds of the Abbey was a total success and included moreish offerings such as fishcakes, meat and potatoe pie “Grandmothers Pudding” to name but a few.

The Bikers proved to be as entertaining off screen as much as they are on providing a constant supply of whitty banter much to the entertainment of the assembled diners.

Bistro @ Night!

From Thursday 12 November, the Bar Bistro will be open at night (Thursday-Saturday 6-9pm). We will be serving the full Copper Dragon Bistro menu plus the usual packed specials board.

As per lunchtime, demand is high so we strongly recommend that you pre-book your table as we hate having to turn people away! For further information, please call the Bistro on 01756 704560.

Keighley Beer Festival

This year, the Keighley Beer Festival is celebrating it's 21st year of hosting one of the regions best beer festivals. As usual, the Copper Dragon Bar will be there offering all five of our real ales presented in tip top condition. Please feel free to come and have a chat with the staff and have a pint of course!

Noisy but Nice!

On 7th August the brewery was visited by 25 town criers & their escorts travelling from across the UK as part of the British Championships of Town Crying.

There's a strong link between town criers & brewers as one of the official duties of a crier was to be the town ale taster. So what better way to honour the old tradition than to go on a tour of the fastest growing brewery in the UK.

Entertainment included the customary Beer BELLy Jelly competition where judges had to pinch an inch of flesh & then tap the belly with a small bell to see which belly had the most jelly wobbles.

Town crier for Banbury (Anthony Church B.E.M.) scooped top honours with the prize of an engraved Copper Dragon tankard to mark the occasion.

After the tour all the criers thanked the brewery staff & management for allowing them to cause an hour or two of mayhem & a traditional bells up was carried out as a mark of thanks.

A torrent of Triumphs!

We were delighted to welcome the EasTRiding division of the TR Register and their wonderful cars to the brewery on Saturday 11th July as part of their annual Dales run out.

"We had an enjoyable, entertaining and informative tour with Copper Dragon’s MD, Steve Taylor.

"Steve was very proud of his Yorkshireman package boiler that powers the brewery and must have been a little surprised to discover its designer was in the second tour party.

"The food and service were really excellent, as of course are the beers. The Golden Pippin being a particularly palatable summer beverage."

If you run a club and are looking for the ultimate venue to gather with ample parking, food and drink and a warm welcome, give Visitor Centre manager Amy Tennant a call on 01756 702130.

Peak Condition

Congratulations to Copper Dragon staff Sarah, Avril, Darren & Emma for completing the infamous 3-Peaks walk in a respectable time of 11 hours 5 minutes.

Despite poor weather and plenty of blisters, the quartet (who normally work from the comfort of the brewery offices) had a great day out and are even talking about trying to better their time!

Hospitality at its best!

We were delighted to welcome Coutts & Co bankers and customers to the Copper Dragon Bar Bistro for an evening of fine food and drink.

The event went like clockwork with a tour of the state of the art brewhouse followed by an exquisite 4-course meal specially created by our chefs Karl & Marie Reader.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all and it really showcased the high quality of cuisine and service that we are able to offer corporate customers.

For further information on our corporate conferencing and evening packages, please contact centre manager, Amy Tenant on 01756 702130.

Puppy Power

We recently had some very special guests to the Copper Dragon Visitor Centre in the form of the North and West Yorkshire Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Walkers Group and their dogs.

Organiser Jean Endersby wanted the guide dog puppys to experience a social environment and where better than to visit a brewery!

The 16 dog and 40 handler party took full advantage of the Visitor Centre facilities, highlights included a tour of the new brewhouse for the handlers followed by lunch in the Bar Bistro.

Guide Dogs for the Blind is one of Copper Dragon's favourite charities and it was a pleasure to host such a special day out for a group of very special people and dogs.

Craft Brewers Visit

For the first in time 3-years, the Scottish & English sections of the Craft Brewers Association selected the Copper Dragon Visitor centre as the venue for their 80-Shillings contest.

We were delighted to welcome the delegates who made full use of the conference and banqueting facilities.

One of the UK's remaining coopers, Roy Dutson demomstrated to delegates the art of hand-manufacturing a traditional 9-gallon cask using only traditional materials.

The gathering was deemed a total success by all who attended and we were proud to be asked to host such a prestigious event.