Heartbreak Hill - beer to cry into
Wales’ most famous - and saddest - love song has inspired a new beer.
The song Myfanwy tells the tragic story of the unrequited love of a penniless young poet called Hywel ab Einion for a beautiful young noblewoman who lived in Dinas Bran castle high above Llangollen in the 14th century.
The new brew, being unveiled at Llangollen Food Festival later this year, is called Hearbreak Hill - a tribute to Hywel’s spurned passion.
It was the brainchild of Ynyr Evans, head brewer at Llangollen Brewery, who was moved by Hywel’s response to being rejected by the woman who had captured his heart.
The brewery makes 1,000 gallons of beer a week sold in pubs, in North Wales and the North West.
Mr Evans said Myfanwy was the daughter of the Norman Earl of Arundel, and described as the “the most beautiful woman in Powys”.
“Young men came to Dinas Bran from far and wide to seek her affection but she rebuffed them, even if they were rich and handsome because they could not compose and sing poems that did justice to her beauty," he said.
“One man who did have the talent to satisfy Myfanwy’s vanity was the poor but richly talented Hywel ab Einion who lived in the Dee Valley below.
“And one day Hywel plucked up the courage to climb up the hill to the castle with his harp, to sing and play to Myfanwy.
“Hywel believed she had fallen in love with him because while he was playing and complimenting her on her beauty she could neither listen nor look at any other man..
“Sadly, his hopes were dashed when a richer, more handsome and more eloquent lover came along."
“Hywel was a broken man. His love lay in ruins just like Dinas Bran castle today.
"I thought Hywel’s ardour and how his heart was broken on the hill above Llangollen should be remembered. Heartbreak Hill is perfect for those who want to cry in their beer..”
“As well as launching Heartbreak Hill on our stand at the food festival, we’ll also put it into local pubs to see what people think of it.
"Festival goers are always keen to try something new and different so hopefully Heartbreak Hill will go down well.”
Festival committee member Pip Gale, who runs the family-owned Gale's Wine Bar in the town said: "I have lived in Llangollen all my life but I must confess I had never heard about the story behind the song Myfanwy. I’m sure Hearbreak Hill is going to be very popular
To find out more about the Llangollen Food Festival visit llangollenfoodfestival.com
