The multi award-winning 8 Sail Brewery is located in the shadows of the unique giant windmill in the village of Heckington, Lincolnshire. Established in 2010 when proprietor Tony Pygott realised a personal dream, the 5.5 barrel brewery (22 cask capacity) produced its first beer in June of that year.
A unique project initiated by miller Jim Bailey produced Rolling Stone, Britain’s only “stoneground” beer. The windmill dedicated a set of stones purely to mill barley for the brewery enabling them to brew with grain crushed as it would probably have been done before the Industrial Revolution.
Over the years a reputation for good beers has been established with many awards coming their way both from drinkers (CAMRA) and through our trade organisation (SIBA). At the most recent regional competition last month they returned with gold awards for Froglet and Windmill Bitter, with bronze awards for both Victorian Porter and Old Colony.
To cope with demand for their products the brewery has had to grow and a new 7 barrel kit was purchased and installed early this year. Already they are outgrowing the site at the windmill and planning is in place to have a larger brew house in a nearby farm.
The Brewery Tap is mentioned in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. With 5 changing 8 Sail Brewery beers on handpump the bar has become a well supported and lively hub within the village.
Tony has grown the team from one part time helper to the current workforce of 4 full and 3 part-time employees.