RedWillow Brewery’s Tilting Ale: Enjoy the Perfect Beer on the Train
RedWillow’s Tilting Ale is a standout item on Avanti West Coast’s food and drink menu. When it comes to savouring the quintessential British ale, few experiences can match the joy of enjoying a pint while rolling through the picturesque countryside aboard a train. For those traveling the Avanti West Coast line, RedWillow Brewery’s Tilting Ale offers just that—a unique and exclusive beer crafted to complement the rhythm of rail travel. With its distinctive character and rich heritage, Tilting Ale is as much a part of the journey as the landscapes it traverses.
The RedWillow Story: A Brewery Rooted in Passion
RedWillow Brewery, based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, is a shining example of what happens when passion meets craftsmanship. Founded in 2010 by Toby and Caroline McKenzie, the brewery began as a dream fuelled by Toby’s passion for flavour. What started as a personal quest to create the styles of beer they enjoyed drinking, grew into a business that now supplies beer lovers across the UK and beyond, whether in a pub, a bar, or aboard an Avanti service.
Caroline McKenzie brought a unique perspective to the venture, having worked as a Research Scientist at AstraZeneca prior to starting the brewery. Her background in scientific research equipped her with a meticulous approach to experimentation and problem-solving, which has been invaluable in developing RedWillow’s innovative and consistently high-quality beers.
At the heart of RedWillow’s philosophy is a commitment to quality and innovation. The brewery produces an impressive range of beers, from hoppy pale ales to robust stouts, ensuring there is something for every palate. Each brew reflects their ethos of creating beers that are "full of flavour, balanced and drinkable."
Those travelling by rail to or through Macclesfield, can catch a tantalising glimpse of the brewery operations from the train carriage. Conveniently located right next to the railway on the right as you approach Macclesfield station from London, it is a fitting connection between RedWillow and the rail journey, symbolizing the 12-year collaboration between RedWillow and West Coast main line train travel.
Tilting Ale: A Brew Made for the Journey
Tilting Ale holds a special place in RedWillow’s portfolio, as it’s the perfect alcohol to enjoy on the train. Made exclusively for the West Coast train line, this golden ale is a tribute to both traditional brewing techniques and the modern marvels of rail travel. The beer’s name is inspired by the tilting mechanism of Pendolino trains, which allows them to navigate curves at high speed, providing a smoother and more efficient journey for passengers.
The Brewing Process: Crafting Excellence
Tilting Ale is brewed with a base of Maris Otter malt, a classic British barley variety prized for its rich, biscuity flavour. This malt forms the backbone of the beer, providing a robust yet smooth character. A touch of caramalt is added to enhance the depth, lending a subtle sweetness and a warm, golden hue to the final brew.
The brewing process begins with mashing, where the malts are combined with hot water to extract fermentable sugars. This mixture, known as the mash, is carefully monitored to ensure optimal conversion. Once the sugars are extracted, the liquid, now called wort, is separated, and brought to a boil.
At this stage, Cascade hops are introduced. Renowned for their floral, citrusy profile, these hops are added at multiple points during the boil to build layers of flavour and aroma. Early additions contribute bitterness, balancing the sweetness of the malt, while later additions emphasize bright grapefruit and piney notes.
After boiling, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added. The yeast ferments the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, a process that also develops complex flavours. Toward the end of fermentation, Tilting Ale undergoes a dry-hopping process, where additional Cascade hops are introduced directly into the fermenting beer. This technique enhances the aromatic intensity, imparting vibrant floral and citrus notes without adding extra bitterness.
Once fermentation is complete the beer is chilled to zero degrees and prepared for packaging into cans on our onsite canning line.
Canning is a precise, technical process designed to preserve beer's freshness, flavour, and quality. It begins with manually loading the cans onto the conveyor, sanitizing to eliminate contaminants, ensuring a sterile environment. The beer then flows into the cans through a filling head, under a controlled atmosphere of carbon dioxide to minimize oxygen exposure, which can lead to spoilage.
After filling, lids are placed on the cans and hermetically sealed using a seamer that creates an airtight closure by compressing the lid's edge with the can's rim. This step is critical for maintaining carbonation and preventing spoilage.
Cans are then rinsed to remove any residual beer, labelled and date-coded on the base of the can for traceability. Quality control checks, such as seam inspection, fill level verification, and sensory testing, are conducted throughout the process to uphold standards.
Finally, the cans are taken from the conveyor and packed into protective cardboard boxes, palletised, and stored in temperature-controlled conditions before delivery to the Avanti station network and onto the trains.
This process ensures the beer remains fresh, flavourful, and ready to enjoy as part of Avanti West Coast’s alcohol menu. Aluminium cans are fully recyclable and lighter weight than glass bottles providing a more environmentally friendly solution.
Supporting Sustainable Practices
RedWillow Brewery takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and community, bringing it even closer to Avanti West Coast through shared values. By sourcing ingredients responsibly and minimizing waste, the brewery ensures its environmental footprint remains small. This ethos extends to Tilting Ale, which reflects the brewery’s dedication to creating products that are not only delicious but also ethically produced.
Raising a Glass to Rail Travel
In an era where convenience often takes precedence over quality, Tilting Ale stands as a reminder of the simple pleasures that make travel memorable. Much like the relaxing experience that is travelling by train, sitting back and taking in scenic views, Tilting Ale amplifies the small delights in life. With its expertly crafted flavour and thoughtful design, this exclusive brew enhances the journey for passengers on the West Coast line, turning each pint into a celebration of British brewing heritage.
So, the next time you board an Avanti West Coast service, be sure to order a Tilting Ale and savour a refreshing beer on the train. Sit back, relax, and let the flavours transport you as much as the train itself. Every great journey deserves a great beer.
