Tap Handle #643: Charles Wells - Dry Hopped Lager

Tap size:  11"
Rarity:  10 or less seen, import
Mounting:  custom 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt with set screw

Feast your eyes on this amazing tap! Courtesy of the wonderful people at Charles Wells Brewing, this tap is an absolute stunner. It is modeled after the brewery's founder, with tattoos on his chest that hint at various aspects of the brewery, such as its founding date (1876), location (Bedford), and Charles Wells' worldly travels in the Merchant Navy. He has one leg placed on top of a barrel that bears the name of the brewery and the beer, while the name of the beer is also tattooed on his back. The tattoos are not decals but are actually sculpted into the figure. I included an extra photo of the base of the tap to show the addition of a hexhead setscrew that can be used to tighten the ferrule to a 3/8" bolt during mounting. I'm thrilled to add this tap to the collection, as it is highly detailed and difficult to find.

In return for the brewery's generosity to the museum, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the brewery's charity partner, MIND. MIND are the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding, and their mission is simple: they won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. MIND also provides help and support directly to those who need it most. Their network of more than 130 local MINDs offer specialized support and care based on the needs of the communities they support. You can find out more on their website at http://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/.

For more about Charles Wells Brewing, see this post.

Click through to read more about Charles Wells' Dry Hopped Lager and to see more photos of this outstanding tap...

Charlie Wells Dry Hopped Lager is brewed with natural mineral water from a well sunk by Charles Wells himself in the early 1900s, and the brewers combine several varieties of hops from around the world to create the beer’s slight bitterness, hoppy aroma and subtle maltiness with a deliciously smooth finish. Brewed in true continental style, they use 100% malt in the mash and add in Target hops followed by a late addition of Styrian Goldings to add that really noble hop aroma. They ferment the beer cool with lager yeast for seven days, and what makes this beer really special is a two week cold conditioning stage with Australian Galaxy and Ella hops which brings out all that depth of flavor and dry hop character.

Ratebeer weighted average:  3.21 out of 5

Beer Advocate:  no score