Hook Norton Brewery Sails into History for Flagship IPA’s 20th Anniversary

 Hook Norton Brewery is marking a significant milestone this month: the 20th Anniversary of its celebrated Flagship IPA

To honour the occasion, which ties into the Battle of Trafalgar Bicentenary that inspired the brew’s 2005 launch, Brewer Rob Thomson undertook a pilgrimage to the most famous “flagship” of all: Admiral Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory in Portsmouth.

Rob was granted special access to the historic warship, retracing the steps of Nelson and exploring key areas, including the famous Great Cabin and the solemn spot on the lower gun deck where Nelson was taken after being shot on deck during the battle on October 21st, 1805.

The brewery captured the emotional journey on film, releasing a short documentary for fans to watch online.

“Our Flagship IPA was first brewed to commemorate the spirit and heritage of Trafalgar, so there was no better way to celebrate its 20th birthday than by taking it back to its spiritual home,” said Rob. “It was an incredible, humbling experience to stand on those historic decks and connect our award-winning beer to such a monumental moment in British history.”