Introducing Sobremesa Drinks: A Taste of Wales, Rooted in Sustainability
At Natural Weigh, we’re proud to support producers who align with our values – sustainability, quality, and connection to place. That’s why we’re so pleased to introduce Sobremesa Drinks, a new Welsh supplier creating small-batch, terroir-driven farmhouse beers and natural ciders that are as thoughtful as they are flavourful.
Founded by Adrián Morales Maíllo, Sobremesa Drinks is more than a drinks brand. It’s a regenerative, circular economy project rooted in Talgarth, with fruit-growing operations in Hay-on-Wye. Every element – from the hand-picked apples to the locally grown soft fruits – speaks to a commitment to low-impact, hyper-local production.
“We grow the fruit, use it within the drinks, and then valorise the sub-product and close the loop,” explains Adrián. “The whole project is based on a circular economy model.”
This approach extends beyond the drinks themselves. Working with Cardiff Metropolitan University, Sobremesa Drinks have explored how to make use of every part of the production process. One result? A creative collaboration with local food producers Cradoc’s Crackers, using spent grain to craft flavourful, sustainable crackers – a true example of waste becoming resource.
Sobremesa Drinks – Fermentation With a Sense of Place
Sobremesa’s ciders are wild-fermented using only the natural yeasts found in the environment. The process is unfiltered, unfined, unpasteurised, and free from added sulphites.
“Our approach to cider making is simple: nothing added, nothing taken away,” says Adrián. “Pretty much all the apples from our Vintage 2023 were handpicked from unsprayed orchards within 8 miles of our premises. We want to encourage people to drink and enjoy the Welsh Pomona.”
This sense of place is central to Sobremesa’s identity. The team uses only British malts and hops for their beers, while also experimenting with Welsh heritage grains, such as Hen Gymro. Perhaps most impressively, their farmhouse yeast strain was isolated directly from their own land, and has since been recognised by the National Collection of Yeast Cultures.
“We’re one of the few breweries using only British malts and hops – and incorporating ancient Welsh grains,” Adrián adds. “It’s all about showcasing what’s possible when you work with what’s around you.”
A Spanish Soul in Welsh Soil
The name “Sobremesa” carries with it a cultural richness that reflects Adrián’s roots. Born in Spain and later making Wales his home, Adrián has blended the warmth and sociability of Spanish mealtimes with the abundance of Welsh agriculture.
“Sobremesa is a fantastic word that doesn’t easily translate into English,” he says. “It’s the time you spend at the table after your lunch in Spain, drinking and chatting with the people you are with.”
It’s this spirit – of slowing down, appreciating food and drink, and being present with others – that Adrián hopes people experience when enjoying Sobremesa drinks.
“It resonates with how I want our products to be enjoyed; with good company and without rushing. I feel privileged to work firsthand with the fantastic produce Wales has to offer and spread that message through the untranslatable word of Sobremesa.”
Changing the Food System, One Bottle at a Time
For Adrián, the goal of Sobremesa is as much about impact as it is about flavour. The business is built around a vision of a better food system – one that prioritises short supply chains, local ingredients, and ecological responsibility.
“Our main goal is to play a part in changing the current food system, by making drinks in a more sustainable way that prioritises short supply chains, local produce, and the Welsh terroir.”
Whether you’re enjoying a crisp cider, a bold farmhouse ale, or savouring crackers made from brewery by-products, Sobremesa Drinks invites you to drink with purpose – and to celebrate the landscapes, traditions, and people behind what’s in your glass.
You can learn more about Sobremesa through their recent feature with Business Wales or watch Adrián in action on Chris Cooks Cymru.