Brass Castle Brewery in Yorkshire offers not just canned beers, but vegan cask ale too, proving that no brand needs to filter through animal bones or fish bladders.
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The Story of Brass Castle Brewery
Brass Castle is built on a simple belief that beer should be noble, and that you can make it well without using animal products. From its base in Malton, the brewery has grown from a close-knit group of friends into a respected producer with national reach. The focus has always been on flavour and a Yorkshire sense of pride.
The team champion traditional cask ale, with a modern, hop-forward twist. They work with quality ingredients and a clean process that keeps the beer bright and expressive. Right from the start they chose not to use animal-based finings like isinglass, which are still common in British brewing.
From racking casks to seaming cans, much of the work is handled on site, which keeps standards tight while allowing for seasonal creativity. Spent grain and hops do not go to waste, they go to an anaerobic digester where microorganisms turn them into biogas and fertiliser. That approach reflects a wider commitment to brewing ethically and sustainably.
Awards have followed, including recognition from industry bodies and independent judges, and their beers have poured far beyond Yorkshire. Yet Brass Castle remains rooted in Malton, and you can feel that connection at their Taphouse. It is the best place to try their freshest releases, catch a quiz, or join a tap takeover, and it anchors the brewery in its local community.
Roots in Yorkshire Craft Brewing
Yorkshire has a long brewing heritage, and Brass Castle wears that badge with intent. The early days were hands-on and modest, with production growing steadily as demand rose. Today, the brewery produces modern Yorkshire beers with a clear identity, balancing approachability and character.
A key milestone was establishing a crisp, hop-led pale ale as a calling card for the brand. Bright citrus notes, a firm malt backbone, and a clean finish made it a fixture in pubs and bottle shops. Crucially, the brewery stuck to vegan-friendly methods for clarity. Rather than using isinglass, they rely on natural settling, careful temperature control, and modern filtration. That choice shaped their ethos and their flavour profile.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
Brass Castle is fully vegan, which means no gelatine, no isinglass, and no animal-derived processing aids. The entire range is brewed to be vegan friendly, and it carries gluten-free certification, so it suits a wider audience. The brewery draws on high-grade hops and malts, and where possible supports producers that share a similar outlook on quality and responsibility.
Sustainability sits beside taste. Spent grains and hops are sent to an anaerobic digester, diverting waste and producing energy and fertiliser. Water use is considered, processes are designed to reduce waste, and the brewery favours local supply chains. These choices echo a wider shift in UK craft beer toward plant-based methods and transparent ingredients.
Why Choose Brass Castle’s Vegan Beers?
Vegan beer is about more than ethics. It is also about clarity of flavour. By skipping animal finings, Brass Castle lets the beer settle naturally or uses modern, vegan alternatives. That keeps hop aroma, malt character, and yeast expression front and centre. Drinkers get a pint that tastes honest and intact.
For vegans, this removes guesswork. Many traditional beers can hide animal products in the process, even if the label looks clean. Brass Castle avoids that and labels with confidence. People with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity can also drink with ease, as the beers are gluten-free certified. That combination, vegan and gluten-free, is rare in British brewing and makes the range inclusive.
Interest in plant-based choices keeps rising in England, and beer is part of that picture. More than a million people now identify as vegan, with many more cutting back on animal products. Brass Castle meets that demand without trading away taste. You can expect bright pales, rich dark beers, crisp lagers, and creative specials that suit different moods and menus.
Pairing is straightforward. A citrusy pale ale loves salt and vinegar crisps, grilled veg skewers, or a spicy tofu burger. A roasty porter shines with a slice of vegan chocolate cake or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Quality brewing makes food matching simple.
Health Perks of Plant-Based Brewing
Vegan beer can suit drinkers with allergies to animal products, since no fish or gelatine is used to clarify. Natural settling and modern filtration techniques help keep the flavour clean, without adding animal-derived agents. Some drinkers also prefer unfiltered or minimally processed beers for their fuller mouthfeel.
Brass Castle’s range is made for everyday enjoyment. The gluten-free certification adds peace of mind, and the straightforward ingredient lists make choices easier for people who track what they consume.
Taste and Variety in Their Line-up
Expect range and balance. Pale ales lean into citrus, pine, and stone fruit from bold hop varieties, while keeping a crisp finish. Stouts and porters bring layers of coffee, cocoa, and toasted grain. Seasonal releases add fruit-led sours, stronger IPAs, or malt-forward specials, depending on the time of year.
Vegan brewing does not limit flavour. Hops supply bite and aroma, malts give depth and colour, and yeast adds subtle esters. The result is a line-up that feels complete, from low-ABV session beers to more robust, contemplative pints.
Must-Try Vegan Beers from Brass Castle
Brass Castle’s core range covers everyday styles, supported by specials that keep things fresh. Availability changes, so check local pubs, trusted bottle shops, and the brewery’s own channels for the latest. The Malton Taphouse is the best starting point for current taps, takeovers, and limited releases.
- Bright pale ales: Around 4 to 5 percent ABV, with zesty citrus and light pine. Ideal for pub nights, barbecues, or pizza with friends. Often available in cask, keg, and cans.
- Modern IPAs: 5 to 7 percent ABV, with juicy hop character and a firm finish. Good for curry nights or bold, spicy vegan dishes.
- Rich porters and stouts: 5 to 6.5 percent ABV, layered with chocolate and roasted coffee notes. Perfect by the fire or paired with vegan brownies.
- Crisp lagers and Kölsch-style beers: Clean, snappy, and food-friendly. Great with tacos, salads, and tempura veg.
- Seasonal specials: Fruit-forward sours, dark winter warmers, and hop-driven one-offs. Catch them at the Taphouse while they are fresh.
For home tasting, chill cans to style, use clean glassware, and line up a simple pairing. Try salted almonds with a pale ale, grilled mushrooms with a porter, or citrus-marinated tofu with a hoppy IPA. If you prefer drinking at source, the Taphouse typically opens Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday, and regular events that showcase new pours.
Signature Pale Ales for Everyday Enjoyment
Brass Castle’s pales are designed for balance. Expect bright hops from American and Southern Hemisphere varieties, backed by a light, biscuit-like malt base. Most sit around 4 percent ABV, which suits longer sessions without losing flavour. You will find them in cask for that classic pub feel, and in bottles or cans for the fridge at home.
Bold Stouts and Porters for Cosy Nights
When the weather cools, their dark beers come into their own. Roasted malts bring chocolate, espresso, and caramel tones, while a smooth body keeps each sip satisfying. Look for higher ABV options for special occasions, and pair with vegan chocolate tart, sticky toffee pudding, or salted caramel ice cream for a simple, indulgent match.
