Blackjack

Blackjack Brew Co has been making beer under the railway arches in Manchester since 2012. The brewery sits in the Green Quarter near Angel Meadows, and it is a firmly local operation with a reputation built on consistency and range. Their focus is on styles done properly: balanced pales, session ales, stouts and IPAs that follow the brief rather than chasing novelty for its own sake. They also run a brewtap on site with a beer garden that opens through summer.

The core output is full-strength craft beer sold in cans and mini casks, distributed through independent retailers and online. Wholesale supply to pubs and bars is a meaningful part of the business alongside direct consumer sales.

The alcohol-free offering is minimal at present. Electric Circus is a 0.5% pale ale available in 440ml cans, and it sits alongside the regular range rather than being pushed as a standalone product line. There is no indication the brewery is building out an extensive AF portfolio, which makes sense given the brand's traditional craft focus.

Blackjack is a solid mid-tier Manchester brewery with a well-established identity. The AF drinker is not really the primary audience here, but Electric Circus provides an option for those who want to stay in the same drinking session without switching to something completely different.

The Collection

Electric Circus