North East Beer Review

Today’s involved drinking a brew that celebrates not only a brewer’s milestone but also International Women’s Day. First and Last Embrace is the beer I will be reviewing today which was consumed on my visit to Corbridge with my girlfriend. Celebrating 10 years of brewing, this family-run brewery has released a number of interesting beers which includes a number of collaborations. So, during the course of this review I will cover the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, the taste and aroma and my verdict.

10 years of Northumbrian brewing

First & Last Brewery is a family-run microbrewery based in Bellingham, Northumberland. The brewery was founded in 2016 by Red and Sam Kellie and originally operated in Elsdon. In 2022, the brewery relocated to Bellingham where it operates its brewery and taproom. With roots in the likes Stu Brew and Twice Brewed, the brewery takes pride and consideration with its surroundings. First & Last describes its beers as being “inspired by the wild, untamed landscape and dark skies of Northumberland”, while its brewing philosophy centres around producing balanced beers that encourage you to come back for another sip.

First & Last uses ingredients that have been locally sourced or foraged including the likes of gorse flowers, spruce tips, bullaces and wild raspberries. The brewery views foraging as a way to insert the local landscape in to its beers and influence them. The brewery has also developed into more than simply a place to make beer. Its Bellingham site incorporates a taproom and community space, hosting events ranging from art workshops and literature events to gigs. Sustainability and community are important parts of the brewery’s ethos, with First & Last actively working to reduce its environmental impact and support local causes through some of its beers. In 2026, to celebrate 10 years of brewing, First & Last set out release 10 unique beers throughout 2026. This includes a variety of different styles and collaborations which reflect their ethos and values.

First & Last Brewery Embrace is a 4.9% hazy pale. This is the 2nd beer of their 10 years of brewing collection. This one is particularly interesting as it was brewed on International Women’s Day by 13 women from the local community and brewing industry. International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. For this brew, a donation has been made to International Association of Premenstrual Disorders and Grace Northumberland. They were joined by Sandy from Stu Brew, Daisy from Craft Beer Newcastle and Shona & Lauren from Hadrian Border Brewing. They also got women from outside the industry to gather and share the experience of brewing a beer. Annie from Moss Folk Designs in Northumberland who went away from the brew day and created a bespoke original lino print especially for the beer.

The beer itself was brewed using delicious hops from New Zealand and North America, which included the likes of Moutere, Citra, El Dorado, Mosaic and Krush. First & Last claim that this beer has a “tropical fruity flavours and aroma and a smooth and fluffy mouthfeel.”

A soft and hazy pour

Embrace pours a pale golden to yellow colour which has the distinctive opaque hazy appearance. A bright white head forms which caps the beer throughout the drinking experience. Theres a good level of retention thus leaving a decent level of lacing down the glass. The beer carbonation is moderate with a steady stream of bubbles travelling up the glass. Overall, a soft and inviting pour.

A juicy and refreshing taste and aroma

Aroma

Embrace hazy pale reveals a fresh and hop forward aroma. Notes of ripe grapefruit and orange, follow notes of pineapple and mango with a touch of stonefruit. Beneath this is a gentle bready and sweet malt note which adds extra balance. Overall, this is a fresh and fruity pale ale which certainly invites you for a sip.

Taste

On the palate, Embrace hits you with its fresh hoppy nature. Opening with flavours of orange, grapefruit and mango and touch of peach. Beneath the fruity forward nature, is a sweet malty note which is more reminiscent of a light toasted bread. This is restrained enough to give this beer balance whilst allowing the hops to shine. As the beer continues to open, a gentle almost dank bitterness provides a refreshing edge and giving Embrace extra depth. The finish is clean with a slightly citrusy aftertaste. The mouthfeel is soft and smooth. Overall, Embrace is extremely easy drinking and it does well to offer degrees of both balance and depth. This would be perfect for those looking for a light and fruity ale.

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Time for my verdict

I have tried First & Last a few times and have always found their brews to be decent. I am really looking to actually visiting Bellingham next week as I do the Hareshaw Linn walk. Anyways, Embrace was a nice and refreshing brew which certainly quenched my thirst whilst exploring Corbridge. This was a light and smooth and certainly would be a great brew for those who want a fruity forward hazy without the overpowering bitterness. Overall, I rate this a solid 4 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer from Pele Tower Bar in Corbridge. This is a cozy and historical bar which I highly recommend visiting.

Thanks for reading my review. If you enjoyed my review, you will love my review of Durham Brewery Haka 1769.