An award-winning brewery in Cornwall has launched a brand new lager with a 'Cornish legend'. 

Keltek Brewery in Redruth has been brewing for 28 years, but 2024 has been a year of growth and recognition for the Cornish business. 

After 25 years of releasing beers under the "Authoritarian" range, the brewery wanted to re-energise its brand and connect more deeply with its local roots.

With a focus on celebrating their Cornish heritage, Keltek invested in a new graphic designer and developed ten unique beer names inspired by Redruth and Camborne.

The results proved popular with every single new product winning either gold, silver, or a commended in various awards.

Cornish Chuckle

This achievement fuelled Keltek's desire to amplify their brand's voice.

Stewart Cawte, managing director of Keltek Brewery, told the Packet: "We wanted to shout about our success, so we brainstormed who could help us. Johnny Cowling immediately came to mind - a true Cornish icon!"

Johnny Cowling was 'blown away' by the idea of the a new larger Johnny Cowling was 'blown away' by the idea of the a new larger (Image: Stock image) The collaboration with Johnny led to the creation of "Cornish Chuckle," a four per cent pilsner lager that is already proving to be a popular choice.

"Johnny was blown away by the idea," said Stewart. "We were both excited to create something special, and we believe Cornish Chuckle embodies the spirit of Cornwall."

This year, Keltek has also cemented its position as a champion of quality.

The brewery's "Pilot Gig" 5.2 per cent beer was crowned Beer Champion of 2024 at the Taste of the West Awards, marking the second consecutive year a Keltek product has won this prestigious title.

Pilot Gig 5.2% beer was crowned Beer Champion of 2024 at the Taste of the West AwardsPilot Gig 5.2% beer was crowned Beer Champion of 2024 at the Taste of the West Awards (Image: Keltek Brewery) "We're delighted to be back-to-back champions," said Stewart. "It's a testament to our unwavering commitment to crafting high-quality beers and to our dedication to sustainability."

Recognition for Keltek Breweries.

Keltek Brewery's dedication to quality is evident in its impressive collection of awards from the Taste of the West Awards. These include:

  • Panning for Gold: Commended at the 2024 Taste of the West Awards.
  • Beheaded: Gold at the 2024 Taste of the West, Champion in 2023, and Silver at the 2022 European Beer Challenge.
  • Grim Reaper: Double Gold at the 2022 European Beer Challenge, Gold at the 2023 and 2024 Taste of the West Awards.
  • Pilot Gig: Gold at the 2023 Taste of the West, Finalist in 2024.
  • Engine House: Gold at the 2024 Taste of the West.
  • Miners Gold: Silver at the 2024 Taste of the West.
  • Heart of Kernow: Bronze at the 2024 SIBA Southwest Independent Beer Awards.

Charity 

As proud sponsors of the Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival, Keltek Brewery helped raise £18,000 for this year's event.