Location: Leeds, UK | Date of first visit: Feb 2024 | Find them: DMC Brewery
Located under the railway arches, just off Marsh Lane in Leeds, this cosy taproom serves a range of DMC brews on tap, as well as a variety of guest beers, ciders, and cocktails. As beer fans, we’re always up for trying new brews and we do enjoy a good ginger beer. Plus we love being able to support local businesses whenever we can, so a visit to DMC ticked a lot of boxes for us.
About DMC
DMC is run by a husband and wife who specialise in brewing alcoholic ginger beer.
According to their website: “DMC began as a kitchen brew back in 2018 with husband and wife team Gez and Ele. A new baby and long working hours left them little time or energy to go out. Disappointed by the lack of good quality alcoholic ginger beers on the market, sharing a natural passion and interest in brewing, they decided to make their own.
Using only fresh ginger root combined with natural ingredients to preserve the true flavours, Gez and Ele have created a range of ginger beers that focus on bringing a genuine depth of flavour and clean, fresh, natural taste. All the ginger beers are brewed using natural ingredients and use innovative and interesting combinations to enhance the flavour of the ginger beer without changing it from being what it is; an alcoholic ginger beer that is completely gluten-free and vegan friendly.”
What we loved
What we loved about this venue (aside from the fact that it’s walking distance from our house) is the friendly atmosphere. They took the time to explain all the different beers and were patient with us while we decided which we wanted to start with.
Fortunately, they offer flights of beer, which allowed us to try a good selection while we were there.
The venue itself is small and quirky. There’s a bookshelf full of books and board games, and there’s even an arcade machine. We visited in February so the front shutter wasn’t open, but in the warmer months, they open it all out and offer outdoor seating. Inside there’s a selection of seating options, including a couple of comfy sofas.
They also host quiz nights, live bands and open mic sessions. Plus, if you don’t like beer, they have a range of cocktails on offer.
What we drank
OGB: Original Ginger Beer (5.2%)
This was a strong start – it’s what you’d expect (and want) from a ginger beer. The great thing about this is it could be used as a mixer for a Dark ‘N’ Stormy or Moscow Mule if you like your cocktails. And let’s face it, there aren’t many occasions where you’d want beer in a cocktail.
Brewer’s note: “The true original ginger beer. Based on the traditional recipe founded in Yorkshire in the 1700’s, brewed and fermented with a traditional recipe using only fresh ingredients. It doesn’t get more authentic than this. A drink steeped in History.”
Aradia: Ginger beer with lemongrass (4.5%)
This one was very light and refreshing – it reminded me of the Fentimans soft drinks (and went down just as easily). Good job it was only 4.5% as you could easily drink it like pop.
Brewer’s note: Infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves makes this the perfect summertime drink. Fresh citrus notes with floral tones combined with fiery ginger flavour. Named after the daughter of a moon goddess, bringing refreshing mystical enlightenment to your senses. A drink alive with magick!
Valhalla: Ginger beer spiced with cinnamon, star anise and orange (4.5%)
This one had a lovely flavour but it was a bit flat. We think it was maybe because they had to change the keg halfway through pouring so it probably wasn’t at its best. Would give it another go because the flavour was very good.
Brewer’s note: “Inspired by the long dark nights of Yule, Spiced with cinnamon, star anise and orange. This ginger beer tastes perfect next to a roaring fire any time of the year indoors or outside. A drink worthy of the gods!”
Chaac: Ginger beer flavoured with chocolate and chilli (5%)
Another well-flavoured ginger beer. For me, it wasn’t quite as good as the OGB or Aradia, but I would happily drink it again.
Brewer’s note: “When trekking through the Yutucan jungle in Mexico, we learnt how the Mayans would blend chocolate and chillies to create a fiery drink that is truly the Elixir of the Gods ! We just had to try it with ginger beer! Our fiery Chaach hits you with earthy, sweet chocolate, before smokey, sweet ginger beer takes over. A smooth chili heat finishes off a truly unique drinking experience.
Ales from the Crypt: Ginger beer with pineapple and Carolina Reaper chilli (5.5%)
We were expecting this to be ‘blow-your-mouth-off’ hot, but it wasn’t. It was a lovely well-structured beer. It had a bit of heat from the chillis but the pineapple flavour really came through and balanced it out.
Brewer’s note: “Our collaboration beer with Dean of the Dead’s Horror Hot Sauce is as crazy as you would expect a tag-team of a heavy metal and pagan-flavoured Ginger Beer brewery and a horror movie-obsessed spice slinger to be! Combining ginger, pineapple and Carolina Reaper chilli to create a beer that is like nothing you’ve tasted before – spicy yet refreshing!”
Cyser: Cider mead (6%)
No brewer’s note on this, but it was what you’d expect from a cider mead – apple and honey. It was very light and refreshing. A nice change after the ginger beers. I’m not a huge fan of apple cider, but the mead element made this an enjoyable brew.
Raven Forge: Imperial stout (8%)
We finished our visit with the imperial stout and it was a strong finish. As you’d expect from an imperial stout, it was rich and smooth. Very tasty.
Brewer’s note: “A dark and rich, traditional imperial stout with unctuous layers of roasted grains, chocolate tones and a smooth malt finish.”
Visiting DMC
If you’re Leeds-based, I’d definitely recommend popping to DMC for a visit. Their taproom is small and cosy and the staff are friendly. The beer is excellent and offers something a bit different, plus there are plenty of options for anyone who doesn’t like beer.
You’ll find DMC at 78 & 79 Railway Street (off Marsh Lane) Leeds, LS9 8HB.
(The taproom is in an old railway arch, so if you visit in the winter, make sure you wrap up as it can be a little bit chilly).
If you’re not near Leeds, you can still support this independent brewery via their website or by picking up a few of their beers at one of their stockists around the UK.
Venue website: Alcoholic Ginger Beer DMC Brewery
Join our mailing list
Beer related content and upcoming event dates delivered straight to your inbox.
Follow us:
