A West Yorkshire brewer has marked his half century with a nod to real ale tradition.  Ian Cowling, who runs Keighley’s Old Bear Brewery, was very proud to  receive his own wooden firkin as a 50th birthday gift.

The firkin was made by North Yorkshire’s Theakston Brewery cooper, Jonathan Manby, as a demonstration at September’s Keighley Beer Festival. Theakston’s is one of only two Yorkshire breweries still delivering ale in wooden casks; Old Peculier was available at Keighley Beer Festival “from the wood”.  Each wooden barrel takes around two to three hours to produce and has a life span of 30 to 40 years.

“It’s a rare treat to own a traditionally made wooden cask. They are truly works of art”, said Ian.  Ian was presented with the firkin by Theakston brewery boss, Simon Theakston.  Ian thanked him with a donation to The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Theakston’s chosen charity.