THE world of beer is fascinating. It is hard to be bored by drinking beer, talking about beer or seeing how beer is made.

Which is why any trip to any brewery anytime will always be interesting, this one, the Theakston's brewery, was particularly so.

In these days of mass-produced Tetley's and John Smith's, it is nice to see a traditional brew produced in a traditional brewery.

At nearly every point of call along this tour, our guide, explained that historical museums were interested in buying the equipment.

These beers are made in a way that is probably not particularly cost-effective or efficient, but if it gives the beer its flavour, then they will persist with it - and they have.

As the motley crew on the hourly tour is told, the brewery works almost exclusively on one of the cheapest forms of energy going, not electricity, not steam, but gravity.

Starting from the top we are shown how some funny looking, funny smelling, and funny tasting ingredients are thrown together using the power of nature and water to make our favourite tipple.

The tour is a fascinating mix of anecdotal and historical stories combined with well-presented factual information.

Unfortunately no beer was on the brew at the time of our visit, real ale demand is such that there is no need to brew everyday, so the equipment was empty.

We are lucky enough to see the fermentation tanks at war, with the layer of live yeast doing its business. It is fascinating to see your future drink sitting in a big tank with a forthy, Angel Delight-style topping.

The Theakston's tour lacks the user-friendliness of other beer tours, as other breweries built visitors centres for that purpose. But what it loses in facilities it makes up for in realism. The tours came as an afterthought, you have to go up steep stairs, squeeze past bags of hops, avoid workers cleaning, it is like a Big Brother brewery tour. You are looking in while everyone just gets on with it.

Undoubtedly the highlight of any tour is the product-testing part at the end. You've seen how it is made, you've smelt the smells, you've understand the process, now drink the drink.

The Black Bull in Paradise is the snug and warm visitors' bar where you can enjoy a free pint or two halves of your favourite selection.

Somehow that post-tour pint is always more satisfying then a trip to your local boozer, it is as if you have earned the right to be drinking it. It is beer at its most genuine.

Tours are every hour starting at 11am and closing 4pm. Visitors centre on 01765 684333.

£4 per adult, including entry and a complimentary pint. £3.50 for senior citizens, students.

£2 for children aged 10-17, and a free soft drink. Parking - in the market place, Masham.

Distance 45 miles. A59 Harrogate, B6265 Boroughbridge, then A61, then the road to Leyburn.