Thornbridge Brewery’s 2024 Brewer of the Year, Dominic Driscoll, and 2024 Michael Jackson Beer Writer of the Year, Ruvani de Silva, have collaborated on a limited edition cask ale to celebrate their joint recognition at the last British Guild of Beer Writers Awards.
Ruvani, a turmeric and ginger IPA (6% ABV), released earlier this month, acknowledges Ruvani’s Sri Lankan heritage and Thornbridge’s on-going commitment to quality and innovation – combining classic modern IPA flavours of Amarillo and Citra hops with a Maris Otter-forward malt blend and two traditional Sri Lankan spices.
Dominic started his brewing career at Marble Brewery in Manchester in 2005, before moving to Thornbridge at the end of 2010; for the last 14 years he has been the company’s production manager.
Ruvani de Silva is a British Sri Lankan beverage and food writer based in Austin Texas, and the first writer to win in five categories in the same year. Her work covers beer culture, history and community, with a focus on issues including diversity, equality and inclusion, sustainability and innovation.
The unique new IPA, inspired by a beer that Ruvani created at home with her husband during lockdown, combines two South Asian spices with contrasting but complementary flavours – both known for their healing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger’s tangy sweet heat is often paired with turmeric’s warm, earthy bitterness in dishes including curries and soups, teas, health drinks and even desserts.
Dominic drew on his brewing expertise to adapt Ruvani’s concept to produce a British-South Asian fusion IPA, bursting with bright hops and a unique blend of spices.
Although this cask ale can’t be sent out for us to review, fortunately for us we’re based fairly close to the brewery, so we can visit their taproom to sample Ruvani, whilst the driver enjoys an alcohol-free version of their excellent IPA, Green Mountain.
For more information about Thornbridge Brewery visit their website