Tap Handle #96: Black Sheep - Monty Python's Holy Grail

If you are a fan of Monty Python, you'll think this tap is awesome. If your not a fan or have no idea what that is, you'll probably be puzzled. Based on the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this tap captures the nonsense and buffoonery that makes the movie popular.

Black Sheep Brewing was established in 1991 in Masham, North Yorkshire, England by Paul Theakston. Theakston's family had been in the brewing business since 1827, and when the family business was taken over by Scottish and Newcastle, Theakston started his own brewery. An old maltings building, once part of Lightfoot's Brewery, on the banks of the Ure River, became the new brewery. Theakston criss-crossed England for equipment, sometimes barely obtaining unused pieces before they became scrap. They put a lot of effort into renovating the old malting building. But before Theakton could resurrect the name Lightfoot, or even the town of Masham's name, Scottish and Newcastle made claim to the names. Therefore the brewery became Black Sheep, named for the area's association with sheep. The first beer sold was Black Sheep Best Bitter. Over the years Black Sheep survived when many traditional breweries failed, thanks in part to local support. In 2006 Black Sheep completed a major development that included an extra brewhouse and new fermenting, conditioning, and racking equipment, which increased brewing capacity by 65%. Theakston's sons, sixth generation, are now involved in the business.

Holy Grail Ale was created on the 30th anniversary of the movie, in 1999. A premium bitter golden ale, fruitiness is balanced with biscuity malt to create a crisp bitter finish. It is Black Sheep's most popular beer in the U.S. and Canada. Weighted average on ratebeer.com is 2.89 out of 5.

Black Sheep Brewery Official Website