also known as Harveys Brewery, is the oldest brewery in the southern English county of Sussex, with a reputation that reaches much farther.

John Harvey built his brewery on the banks of the River Ouse in the medieval town of Lewes in 1790. The original brewery was partially rebuilt in 1880 and stands intact today as a beautiful example of a Victorian Country brewery, one that helps define this popular town and give it its character. (Some of the locals waggishly refer to the brewery as “Lewes Cathedral.”) Harveys has remained a family brewer through more than 2 centuries, and the seventh- generation descendants of John Harvey are still active in the running of the business.

Harveys Imperial Stout (9% ABV) is revered worldwide, bottle-conditioned with a distinctive squat, long-necked bottle design. The brewery suggests it can improve for up to a year, but connoisseurs have aged it far longer than that.

Harveys is best known for its Sussex Best Bitter (4% ABV), ubiquitous and beloved in its hometown, with a fanatical cult following throughout southeast England. In December 2006 it was removed from sale at the Lewes Arms by the pub’s owners, Greene King. See greene king. This prompted a 133-day boycott of the pub by the population of Lewes that made national headlines across the UK and resulted in an embarrassing climb-down by the larger brewer-cum-pub company.

As well as inspiring such dramatic protests, this pale, hoppy ale was named Campaign for Real Ale’s Champion Best Bitter in Britain 2 years running in 2005 and 2006—just part of the reason why this charming brewery has an international reputation and following that is dramatically larger than its mere size (47,000 UK barrels) would suggest.