Northern Monk brewery hiked the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, to brew the beer at the The UK’s highest altitude beer was launched this week, after the team at Northern Monk hiked 4,000 feet up Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, to brew it.
Four of ‘The Monks’ hiked the peak in grueling conditions back in August, carrying 90KG of equipment for the durations of the climb. The 11% ABV Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is made from ingredients foraged from the mountain itself, including blaeberries and the famous ‘Dew of Ben Nevis’ water.
Once carried down from the mountain, the brew spent 2 months ageing in a whisky barrel donated by the Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery in Fort William.
Due to their exclusivity, the first 10 bottles came with a price tag of £1,000 per 330ml bottle. These sold almost immediately, paving the way for others to purchase the remaining 40 bottles at a more affordable price.
Those interested in purchasing this unique and limited edition product have an added incentive – all proceeds taken from the sale of the Ben Nevis beer will be donated to the For the North Foundation, a grant scheme created by Northern Monk back in September which dedicates all funding to projects that are ‘designed to benefit the North, its people and its communities’.
The first bottles of the Ben Nevis beer were auctioned off at an event at the Northern Monk Refectory in Manchester on Thursday 7th November, alongside an exclusive screening of a 20-minute documentary of the climb. More than £7000 was raised on the night ensuring funding for the first project.
Due to the incredible early response, the first two projects have already been selected to receive a £5,000 grant. The first, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, has worked alongside the Leeds community for over 40 years, bringing country life and important skills to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the inner-city area through volunteer-led training programmes.
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They are going to use the funding to develop and run a new volunteer programme for their market garden in 2020 and purchase critical infrastructure that will restore previously neglected sections of this area. It will allow the market garden to double the amount of produce grown, in turn increasing the amount of fresh seasonal fruit and veg boxes they can deliver to the local community, directly addressing the food needs of the area.
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The second is a donation to the Jon Muir Trust, who work to manage visitor impact to Ben Nevis. Northern Monk made it a clear focus to leave no trace of their visit to the summit, and the John Muir Trust helps educate others on the importance of doing the same.
Northern Monk Founder, and one of the Monks tasked with completing the high-altitude brew, Russell Bisset, said: “This has been a groundbreaking project to be a part of. When we launched the For the North Foundation, our intention was to create pieces of high-impact activity that will raise awareness and encourage donations. Brewing the UK’s highest altitude beer at the summit of Ben Nevis seemed like a pretty good place to start! To have raised over £7000 for the Foundation at our very first fundraising event is incredible.
“Since we launched the Foundation mid-September, we’ve received grant applications from so many thoroughly deserving causes. Together we’re going to be able to make a real difference to our communities, and our environment.
“We’re excited to announce Meanwood Valley Urban Farm as the recipients of our first grant. They’ve worked alongside the Leeds community for over 40 years, bringing country life and important skills to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our area through their dedicated, volunteer-led training programmes.
“Thank you to everybody that’s donated the For the North Foundation so far, your contribution has enabled us to fund our very first grant, and we can’t thank you enough for your support.”
A spokesperson for Meanwood Valley Urban Farm commented: “A very big thank you from all of us here at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. Your support is very much appreciated.”
