Did you know our Botanically Brewed Ginger Beer is our original and best-selling product?
It all began in 1905 when Thomas Fentiman, an iron puddler from Cleckheaton, received a recipe for Botanically Brewed Ginger Beer as security for a loan. The loan was never repaid, so Thomas Fentiman became the owner of the unique recipe.
Thomas began using the recipe, and started producing the Botanically Brewed Ginger Beer, which he delivered door to door using a horse and cart for transport. The Ginger Beer was stored and delivered in stone jars known as ‘Grey Hens’.
At the heart of our drinks is the time-honoured craft of botanical brewing, which has been handed down from generation to generation of the Fentimans family. Botanical brewing is a multi-stage process, which involves the metabolic process of fermentation in classic open square fermentation vessels, using live yeast, milled ginger root and selected botanicals. And it’s during fermentation, that the magic takes place, allowing rich and complex flavours to slowly develop, which contribute to the overall depth, complexity and flavour of the finished drink.
Over 100 years since we first started making botanically brewed drinks, the business is still in the Fentimans family, owned by the Great Grandson of Thomas Fentiman. The old stone jars have been replaced by our iconic and instantly recognisable glass bottles. And our traditional Ginger Beer is enjoyed by people all over the world. Cheers!