Since 1996, Sharps Brewery has been nestled in Rock, Cornwall. Their motto, “We’re only as good as our last pint,”speaks volumes. If you find yourself at their original tap house, you’re in for a treat with every sip.
The tap room offers plenty of space to relax at the bar and enjoy a pint with friends. Plus, you can purchase beer by the case or cask to take home—a perfect way to bring a taste of Cornwall with you. For a truly unique experience, don’t miss their beer tasting sessions, designed to change how you think about beer.
We sent our blogger in Rock, Suzie Inman, to check it out…
Sharps brews all its beer on-site in Rock, including its most famous creation, Doom Bar. Available in pubs across the country, Doom Bar is named after the infamous sandbar, which, according to local legend, was created by a cursed mermaid to cause shipwrecks. Each batch undergoes over 100 quality checks.
I had the privilege of being part of the first group to try Sharps’ new beer and food tasting sessions. These experts are passionate about elevating beer beyond a casual drink, aiming to have it appreciated like wine. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first, but Ed Hughes, Sharps’ ‘Beer Sommelier,’ was determined to change that by pairing their best-selling beers with delicious Cornish snacks.
The secret bar
We were ushered into the ‘secret bar,’ a cozy, dimly-lit room. In front of each of us were three-tiered bento boxes and a darkened glass.
Though this was the first food pairing event held at the tap house, Sharps had already showcased similar experiences at some of Cornwall’s most beloved food festivals. Their connections with renowned chefs like Paul Ainsworth, Jude Kereama, Nathan Outlaw, and Rick Stein (for whom they brewed Chalky’s Bite specifically to pair with fish) highlight their commitment to culinary excellence.
The low lighting is no gimmick—it’s meant to heighten our sense of taste, encouraging us to rely less on our eyes and more on our other senses. As Cornish choral music played softly in the background, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was what heaven might feel like. I was sold.
A lesson in taste
Ed began by teaching us the basics of beer, which dates back 9,000 years. We learned there are three types: ale, lager, and lambic (a lesser-known Belgian brew). To demonstrate how personal taste is, we each shared our favourite films and music.
After a virtual tour of the Rock brewing facilities, it was time for the tastings. But first, we learned how to reset our sense of smell by sniffing the back of our hands or forearms three times—a surprisingly effective trick.
Without giving too much away, the tasting involved sampling one beer alone, followed by pairing it with items from our bento boxes. These included Davidstow Crackler cheddar and Cornish hevva cake; Cornish cheese and aniseed salami on a Popti cracker; and a lemon shortbread with caramel sauce and grated wild gorse. As we moved to dessert, the lighting and music shifted, emphasising the importance of all our senses during the experience.
All the food pairings were chef-curated to complement specific ales, and the selection will change every few months to keep things exciting. While wine sommeliers pair bold wines with bold flavours, beer pairings allow you to enhance the tastes of both the beer and the food. Fascinating.
Visit the Tap Room
Though Doom Bar is their best-known beer, the tap room at Rock tells the story of their other award-winning brews. One of the perks of visiting is being able to try before you buy. Make sure to check out their ale, lager, or craft beer flights, complete with tasting notes to help you find your favourite.
Will we all be pairing beer with fine food in restaurants one day? Maybe. But after my experience at Sharps, I’m convinced it’s a real possibility. The team is welcoming, and this tasting session makes for a fantastic day out—especially if you’re looking for something fun to do on a rainy day.
Book your beer and food tasting experience today (you must be over 18) and find out more about Sharps at sharpsbrewery.co.uk/blogs/discover-sharps/visit-us
