The history of Tennents dates back to 1556 when the brewery was founded by Hugh Tennent in Glasgow, Scotland. It has since become one of the oldest and most iconic breweries in the country. Over the years, Tennents has grown and evolved, adapting to changing tastes and trends in the beer industry.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and studying Tennents beers. The brewing process is fascinating, and Tennents takes great pride in their craftsmanship. They use only the finest ingredients, including locally sourced barley and hops, to create their distinctive beers.
The brewing process starts with milling the malted barley, which is then mixed with hot water to extract the sugars. This mixture, known as the mash, is then transferred to the mash tun, where enzymes convert the starches into fermentable sugars. The liquid, now called wort, is separated from the spent grain and transferred to the kettle.
In the kettle, the wort is boiled and hops are added at different stages to impart bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the beer. After boiling, the wort is cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added. The yeast converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and the beer begins to ferment.
The fermentation process typically takes several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the style of beer being brewed. Once fermentation is complete, the beer is conditioned, filtered, and carbonated. It is then ready to be packaged and enjoyed by beer lovers.
I had the opportunity to visit the Tennents brewery and take a tour of their facilities. It was a truly immersive experience, and our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the history and brewing process of Tennents.
The tour lasted about an hour, during which we were taken through the various stages of brewing, from the milling of the barley to the packaging of the finished product. It was fascinating to see the large fermentation vessels and learn about the different types of beers produced by Tennents.
The highlight of the tour was, of course, the tasting session at the end. We were taken to the onsite bar, where we got to sample a range of Tennents beers. From their classic lager to their craft ales, each beer had its own distinct flavor profile and character.
As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciated the attention to detail and the quality of the beers. Tennents has a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional brews, and it was evident in every sip.