Magically inspired beer

• British style pub serves a craft brew inspired by fantasy novel
• They usually clear out the shelf at the store for the main ingredient

Welton Arms Craft Beer and Restaurant pride themselves on making traditional English ales but also experimental ones too. One of their most popular brews is the British Warlock, inspired by a worldwide movie and book franchise.

“It is loosely based on butterbeer from the Harry Potter series,” Simon Welton, owner of Welton Arms told Kelowna10.

“Obviously, we couldn’t call it that because Warner Brothers would sue us. But we wanted to pay homage to something that is very dear and near to my heart which is those books.”

Welton sports Harry Potter themed tattoos on his forearm like the dark mark and the Deathly Hallows symbol.

Many other restaurants around the world have attempted their own version of butterbeer. Welton had access to those recipes but chose to make his unique blend by using Werther’s Original to make the distinct butterscotch taste.

Welton explained the name ‘British Warlock’ is a subtle reference to the Harry Potter origin.

“I wanted something that people might get the nod of butterbeer without infringing on anybody’s copyright. So British Warlock felt like it was a bit of a nod towards that. Though I’m sure it went over a few people’s heads.”

Paul Rakoczy is the head brewer at Welton Arms. When Kelowna10 spoke with him he was in the middle of unwrapping around six kilograms of Werther’s Original which takes him about two and a half hours.

He said they acquire this many candies just from local box stores.

“Walmart has a ton. Honestly, I just go there and grab seven bags. People look at me like I’m crazy but I’m sure people buy weirder things at Walmart,” Rakoczy said.

He explained there’s a balance in the ingredients used to make the British Warlock. Previously they used only five kilos, but it wasn’t enough. Smaller test batches proved that using too much cinnamon or nutmeg could also overpower the final product.

Ruining a batch can have a financial impact on a smaller brewery like Welton Arms, which has only been open since last June.

The last time Welton Arms brewed the Warlock was in June, so this next batch is expected to last two to three months.

Despite using Werther’s to flavour it, Rakoczy said it isn’t strictly a dessert beer like some of their other drinks.

“It is sweet of course, all these Werther’s going in do add to the sweetness of it, but it’s not overly sweet. I find it’s a nice balance between the spices and the beer.”

Rakoczy recommends pairing it with your upcoming Christmas dinner while Welton recommends accompanying it with a sticky toffee pudding or a red meat dinner.