Pomona Island Ghosts and Empties ESB

Manchester has always had a healthy appreciation for pubs, music and slightly chaotic creativity, so it makes sense that Pomona Island Brewing turned those ingredients into one of the UK’s more recognisable modern craft breweries.

Based in Salford, the brewery built its reputation through hazy IPAs, imperial stouts, fruited sours and beer names that often read like obscure jokes shared at closing time. Thankfully the brewing is considerably more focused than the naming strategy.

The pale beers sit at the centre of the range. Soft, heavily hopped and full of citrus, pineapple and stone fruit character, they helped establish Pomona Island as one of the key names in Britain’s modern IPA scene. The stouts often move towards richer territory with adjuncts, barrel ageing and plenty of indulgent flavours, but generally maintain enough structure to stay enjoyable.

There is a strong sense of personality running through everything they do. The branding, references and general atmosphere feel rooted in Manchester culture rather than copied from American craft beer trends wholesale.

What keeps people returning is that beneath the humour and colourful labels, the beers are consistently well made. Which is ultimately more important than having the longest beer name in the fridge.