It has been a long seven years since ex-Top Gear presenter Clarkson got fired for punching a BBC producer over a dry steak at a restaurant. However, like his two co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May, the loss of the show did not spell the end to his career. Quickly picked up by new-on-the-block Amazon Prime, Clarkson took a gamble with a “streaming service” launching The Grand Tour – a new automobile focused series, that would definitely not be a new Top Gear (for legal reasons of course), and would only be available to watch online. The show quickly became a success, and since then, the iconic trio have done nothing but well for themselves.
Now, Jeremy Clarkson owns a farm in the Cotswolds. Diddly Squat, it’s called, and with its own documentary TV show, Clarkson’s Farm and accompanying bestselling book. We’ve come to see a whole new side to the man who was once only known for his love of cars and abruptly witty manner. Alcohol, characteristically, is the bumbling pint and petrol-head’s latest offering to the world, and it’s good, trust me, I bought a box.
£15 later, I took my own gamble and purchased some of his finest lagers, branded “Hawkstone” in gold dusted lettering on the cardboard box (yes, I too was surprised with this extravagance). With all the malt and barley grown on his little farm, the man has achieved quite a feat – producing and distributing his own local beer, and running a highly successful marketing campaign for it too.
The lager itself has a classic malty taste, a nice fizz, and that yeasty moreishness that any beer-drinker would be perfectly happy with. Chilled, straight from the fridge, cracking open one of these classy bottles is a pleasure. Already rapidly growing, Clarkson’s “Hawkstone” brand, which also offers two lighter lagers (a session and a pils), an IPA, and even a cider from locally picked apples, is seemingly bound for more success and national fame. If beer or cider isn’t your thing, Clarkson also has you covered with his very own “Hawkstone Vodka”. The stuff is made with wheat from his farm, fermented, distilled and purified to create what they describe as ‘a smooth, creamy texture and just a hint of the grain from whence it came.’ 40% ABV, this vodka is strong enough, but also maybe a little pricey to bring to pres, retailing at a rather un-student friendly £37.50.
Regardless, Jeremy Clarkson’s brewing business venture is one to keep an eye on, after all, who knows, maybe Hawkstone will become Britain’s version of San Miguel?