Chiefs enjoy tour of Otter Brewery

By Mark Stevens

Regulars to Sandy Park know all about the half-time antics of 'Derek the Otter' - but this week it was the turn of the Exeter Chiefs players to get an insight into life at Derek's own home, namely the award-winning Otter Brewery.

Scrum-half Haydn Thomas headed up a Chiefs party, which also included Kai Horstman, Carl Rimmer, Brett Sturgess, Jack Yeandle, Phil Dollman and Will Carrick-Smith, for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the family-run brewery at Mathayes Farm, Luppitt, near Honiton.

Located in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, Otter Brewery - set-up initially in the 1980s by David and Mary-Ann McCaig - has over the years established itself into a brand which is not only known locally, but much further afield for it's variety and wholesome flavours.

For the Chiefs players, gaining an insight into the whole Otter Brewery operation was not only informative and enlightening, but it again showed the close links that the squad have developed with one of the club's leading sponsors.

"We had a fantastic evening up at the Brewery, especially thanks to Keith, the head brewer," explained Haydn. "Not only was it really interesting to see and hear all about the whole brewing process, but it was fascinating to see how far the company has come in such a short space of time. From what was a tiny micro-brewery only a few years ago, the work and money the McCaig family have put into building their business has clearly paid off as you can see the different Otter beers in so many pubs these days."

To find out more about Otter Brewery, click here