Unit 8, Tovil Green Business Park, Maidstone

Website: Goacher’s Maidstone Ales

About the brewery

When real ale enthusiasts Phil and Debbie Goacher started brewing in 1983 at a former paper mill in the Loose Valley on the outskirts of Maidstone, using a home-built seven-barrel kit, it marked the return of commercial brewing to Kent’s County Town for the first time since 1972.

Growing success saw a move to new premises on a small industrial estate at Tovil, also on Maidstone’s outskirts, where it remains to this day, serving two (soon to be three) tied houses and a healthy free trade throughout Kent.

The modern brewing plant was purpose-built and constructed along classical lines, allowing for full-mash brewing and open fermentation in stainless steel vessels. All the ales are produced from 100% malted barley and whole Kentish hops, without the addition of sugars or artificial colouring.

“We believe that our commitment to excellence and traditional methods produces ales of distinction and character much sought-after in this increasingly-standardised world,” says the brewery.

Regular beers

Best Dark (ABV 4.1%) is the brewery’s original ale, initially dubbed ‘Maidstone Ale’ and renamed ‘Dark’ as further brews were produced. This is a rich, complex, full-bodied ale with high proportions of crystal malt and East Kent Golding hops.

Crown Imperial Stout (ABV 4.5%) is Goacher’s version of a true, bottled Irish stout. Brewed with roasted barley and high levels of Kent Fuggles hops.

Fine Light Ale (ABV 3.7%) is Goacher’s best selling pale amber bitter, which has a floral hop character deriving from WGV and East Kent Golding hops.

Gold Star Ale (ABV 5.1%) is a true draught pale ale made with floor-malted low-colour Maris Otter malted barley and hopped with the finest East Kent aroma hops.

Real Mild Ale (ABV 3.4%) is a full-flavoured dark mild, brewed with chocolate and black malts and hopped with Kent Fuggles. It was originally produced to celebrate Goacher’s 5th anniversary.

Regular seasonal beers and specials

House Ale (ABV 3.8%) was originally produced as a blend of Goacher’s Fine Light and Best Dark ales as a special for a local pub, but is now brewed and supplied to several houses.

Old 1066 Ale (ABV 6.7%) is a fruity rich barley wine named after the original gravity of the brew. Old has been produced in small quantities every winter since 1983.

Silver Star Ale (ABV 4.2%) is Goacher’s palest ale, first produced in 2008 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This summer ale is hopped with Kent Fuggles producing a crisp, clean taste with a light, satisfying dry finish.

Fancy a pint?

Goacher’s has two tied houses: The Rifle Volunteers in Maidstone and The Royal Paper Mill in Tovil, less than a mile away from the brewery. In 2019, Goacher’s bought another pub – The Little Gem in Aylesford – which is currently undergoing renovation and expected to open in 2021.

Tours and takeaways

Takeaways are available from Goacher’s tied houses. Please enquire for details.

Reviewed by Kentish Mann 2021.