How did it all start
The idea of a brewery came to being during a Sunday lunchtime pint with a friend. A visitor to the Peak District asked the Landlord for a pint of the local beer, but he was unable to produce any. After much discussion it was decided that what was needed was a micro-brewery to start in the area. After much investigation and planning a location was offered by a local farmer at Peakstones Farm, Alton, Staffordshire. The brewery now had a name, which was taken from the Peakstones rock that is located nearby.
An old calf pen was renovated and vessels sourced and installed. The fermentation vessel was an old milk tank that was converted. With expert advise and help the first brew, Nemesis was produced in May 2005. At this point it could have been David's (owner/brewer) nemesis, but fortunately it wasn't and he went on to produce Oblivion, Black hole and Chained oak. One batch of Earl Shrew was produced, but David wasn't happy with it so it has been shelved for now
Demand for the beer meant autumn 2006 saw expansion of the brewery with the introduction of a second fermentation vessel. Now there was time to experiment and create a new beer, after much trial and error Alton Abbey was added to the range.
In December 2007 Peakstones Rock Beer opened on Cheadle indoor market to sell cask condition beer direct to the public. January 2008 saw the arrival of a bigger copper allowing for bigger brews.
In 2006 with support David, staged the first Cheadle Beer festival which has now become a regular event on the calander.
During 2009 and 2010 David has added and refined two more beers. Dimmingsdale blonde, which takes it's name from the view of the Dimmingdales woods from the brewery door, and Submission. Due to it's light and refreshing flavour Dimmingdale blonde has become a preferred summer season ale. Whilst the stronger Submission is kept for the winter months.
In December 2010 Black Hole was awarded third place in the West Midlands CAMRA, beer of the year, strong mild category. In December 2011 Black Hole achieved first place in the same category.
During spring 2012 Pugin's Gold was added to the range in honour of the Victorian Architect. A lot of his work can be seen in the area around the brewery.
The future?
The plan is to increase the range of beers and develop the plant.
