THE WHOLE HOP BREWERY
The McMullen family have brewed in Hertford since 1827, albeit for the first three years somewhat bootleg before the introduction of the Beerhouse Act in 1830.
The original Mill Bridge brewery was behind the current Woolpack pub and production has remained broadly in the same area with several different brewhouses including the Victorian tower brewery on Hartham Lane. The liquor (the Brewers’ name for water) has been consistently drawn from the chalk aquifer 140 ft below the Brewery since 1891.
Today the wafting of brewing hops into our offices reminds us that beer is still at the centre of our Old Cross site. Here, our small modern brewhouse, designed by Chris Evans, our Head Brewer, ensures that we consistently produce a range of cask and kegged beers that meet stringent high standards and the changing demands of our guests.
Hertford used to be a great centre for maltsters and brewers, by virtue of its four rivers and canal into London, and at the time of Macs’ founding there were over 10 other breweries in the town. Remaining true to the town in which the family first settled is part of our brewing culture, as is retaining links with local suppliers.
We continue to source malt from our local maltster, French & Jupps, who are just 5 miles down the river and with whom we have traded for as long as their records suggest – at least 100 years.
McMullen AK
Cask - 3.7%
This Original Mild has been continuously brewed in Hertford by six generations of McMullens for over 185 years. A balanced mixture of pale, crystal and chocolate malts form the basis of this 3.7% amber cask ale, with one variety of Kentish hops - Witbread Goldings - adding bitterness and light aroma.
McMullen Country Best Bitter
Cask - 4.3%
Country Best Bitter has a distinctive aroma and flavour from a mix of English hops. The combination of locally farmed and malted pale and crystal malts with Fuggle, Progress and Bramling Cross hops bear a fruity, ripe pear and light caramel flavour with a pronounced, lingering bitterness.
McMullen IPA (East India Pale Ale)
Cask - 4.8%
Our IPA has proven heritage going back to 1840 and is one of the few remaining traditional East India Pale Ales from this time. Mahogany in colour, the blend of roasted malts and whole leaf hops combine to produce a rich, fully-bodied, 4.8%, classic strong ale with hints of chocolate, roasted coffee and orange zest.
McMullen No.1 Pale Ale
Cask - 3.8%
A traditional Pale Ale that is a refreshing beer with a full malty characteristic and a light bitter aftertaste.
McMullen Hertford Castle
Bottle - 5%
This premium beer from McMullen's Hertford Brewery is brewed in honour of Hertford Castle, once a royal palace and the home of Queen Elizabeth I for much of her childhood. A strong ale, Hertford Castle combines natural whole leaf aroma hops, best Suffolk malted barley and McMullen's own pure spring water. The result is a traditional English Bitter with a distinctively floral character fit for King and Queen.
McMullen Stronghart
Bottle - 7%
Specially brewed from the finest malted East Anglian barley and whole leaf English hops. CAMRA chose McMullen Stronghart as their first 'Best Festive Ale' award, describing it as "Liquid Christmas Pudding. A beer that is rich, dark and exceptionally smooth, demonstrating the very special skills of Hertfordshire's Independent Family Brewers".
McMullen Pale Ale
Bottle - 5%
A light pale ale brewed with Styrian Goldings and English Fuggles hops.
About us
OUR HISTORY
Hertford’s Brewery has been run by the McMullen family since Peter McMullen established it in 1827.
The Whole Hop Brewery can be found at 26 Old Cross, Hertford.
VISIT THE
McMULLEN SHOP
Our full range of Mac’s Heritage and Rivertown brews are available bottled, in kegs and boxes. Plus, shop merchandise and gift cards!
Visit the online shop to order now.