The best beer in Dorset

Sophie Atherton reveals the brewing highlights of this south coast county

It's had its share of fame but I sometimes feel Dorset is tragically underrated. Sure there's been the recent Broadchurch phenomenon highlighting the beauty of the Jurassic Coast; there's the famous scene from the film of The French Lieutenant's Woman shot on The Cobb in Lyme Regis and of course there's Thomas Hardy – but people don't seem to speak of Dorset in the same way they romanticise counties like Cornwall.

So I'm here to urge you not to miss out. The beauty of the Dorset countryside is magnificent, characterised by rolling green hills and patchwork fields fringed with rugged coast and sandy beaches. It's a landscape that never fails to touch me. The cherry on the cake is it's also awash with great beer from breweries old and new. Too many to fit in one article in fact.

Let's begin in Bridport with Palmer's Brewery – producer of marvellous beers since 1794. It's also the only thatched brewery in the UK and has pubs throughout the county in which to quaff their ales. Brewery tours are offered between Easter and October and are a great way of finding out more about how beer is made.

Head east and inland to find a much newer brewery with its own small but perfectly formed tap room. Sixpenny Brewery makes the sort of beer that enlivens the tastebuds and lives on in the memory. I discovered them more than three years ago and was blown away by their delicious Sixpenny IPA (5.2%) which is a zesty delight, marrying melon and lychee flavours with thirst-quenching bitterness and a beautifully balanced barley sugar malt aftertaste. Drink the cask version to get the best of it.

In between these two there's Dorset Brewing Co (aka DBC) which makes a pleasing session bitter called Dorset Knob (3.9%) and for those who prefer the darker side of bitter, Flashmans Clout (4.5%) as well as many occasional and seasonal beers which regularly prove to be a tasty delight.

Sometimes it's easy to finish writing an article but I don't want this one to end so soon. I'll leave you with a plea: book a beer-based trip to Dorset soon or, if you live there, make the most of how much great beer is brewed on your doorstep!

The best beer:

As well as those already mentioned look out for another Sixpenny beer, a stunning chocolatey porter, Black (4.4%) and from Palmers Tally Ho (5.5%) - a strong traditional bitter - as well as some more modern and 'crafty' seasonals. Also look out for Starstruck (6.6%), a porter made with the addition of star anise and Toujours Saison (4%) from vegetarian and vegan-friendly Gyle 59 brewery.

Where to drink:

Lyme Regis is soon to have a new beer-focused watering hole, Cellar 59, courtesy of the same people behind Gyle 59. Find it at 57-58 Broad Street, Lyme Regis. The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, near Bridport has long been a favourite with cask ale fans. Sixpenny Brewery's lovely little tap room currently in the village of Sixpenny Handley, near Blandford Forum, plans to move to a larger site in the near future.

Extra tipple:

It's not just beer, Dorset also has its own gin. Conker Spirit (40%) is a dry gin packing zesty sherbet flavours and warming, spicy aniseed notes making it a versatile drink all year round.