Fylde's real ale drinkers could be in for a real treat in the coming months with the emergence of more and more small local brewers.
Microbreweries, those which produce less than 60,000 hectolitres of beer a year, are now receiving a tax discount under the Progressive Beer Duty (PBD) system.
It allows them to pay less duty on their beer and compete fairly with larger conglomerates such as Greene King and Interbrew.
This has led to local producers popping up all around the Fylde, making their own unique and varied ales for the more discerning drinker.
Nationally, there were 570 microbreweries up and running in April last year, up 29 per cent since 2002.
And real ale experts say the number is set to rocket this year as more and more publicans and beer fans get brewing.
One of those taking advantage is aptly named John Smith.
He runs the Hart Brewery, based at the Cartford Hotel, Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, and now supplies beer to many local pubs.
Mr Smith said: "I'm not employing anyone so I'm a one-man band at the moment. I run the operation myself and it's really helped in putting the love back into the business. The PBD tax relief is really helping small brewers to compete and be able to produce unique beers.
"However, it has encouraged more and more people to brew beer so it is actually giving me more competition."
Mr Smith produces three special beers, all four per cent ABV, which he makes by hand using regional produce.
His Ice Maiden ale is a very light brew with a refreshing citrus flavour, Dishy Debbie is another blend with a slightly darker but still golden ale with a more intense flavour and his Squirrels Hoard ale has a nutty taste to it.
The Campaign for Real Ale say micro or craft brewing is the fastest growing sector in beer production today.
Roger Protz, editor of the Good Beer Guide 2007, said: "There has never been greater choice and diversity for real ale.
"Progressive beer duty has been a boon to craft brewers.
"They have been able to invest in new equipment and even buy a pub or two to act as shop windows for their beers."
joe.robinson@blackpoolgazette.co.uk