A PASSIONATE brewer is making beer full character in an unlikely Chard location.

Millfield Trading Estate is more used to the clashing sounds of metalworkers or the industrial whir of tools and machinery than the fruity, hoppy smells of a micro brewery, but after months of hard toil James Davies has completed the construction of his hand-crafted brewery in a unit at Bartlett Park.

James, 31, decided to move on from his previous post in North Somerset where he was head brewer to go it alone and begin the mammoth task of setting up his own business.

He told the News his passion for the craft will help his burgeoning brewing business thrive.

He said: “I’ve been brewing all my life and about 18 months ago I decided to build my own brewery.

“I chose Chard because it’s near family and I love the area – it’s a great place to be.

“It was a massive challenge. I always wanted to own my own business and make exciting beers full of character.

“It has taken a lot of work, and it’s all self-built and custom-made, so it’s not just some off-the-shelfequipment.

“This will allow me to use my special brewing techniques and create some unique beers.

“I thought it was going to take me about three months, but it has taken 15 months.

“I’ve had to overcome all sorts of things you don’t foresee or under-estimate when you take on a project, but I’m there now, and up and running.

“I’m just so passionate about it, and I saw the end game and I just dealt with it all one brick at a time.

“The next step for me is to start growing my own hops at a nearby farm, which is pretty exciting, too.”

Tapstone Brewing Co already has beers stocked in Chard pubs including The King’s Head and the Bell & Crown.

At the moment the company has four beers to its name: a 4% best bitter called Barn Storm; a 4.2% citrusy pale ale called Sea Monster; a 4.5% IPA called Wild Woods; and a hoppy red double IPA called Voodoo Juice.

To find out more or to order some beer, call James on 01460-929156, email james@tapstone.co.uk or visit www.tapstone.co.uk