So why not raise a glass to just 10 of the area’s beers and breweries – while also toasting any absent friends we have missed?
5. Waggle Dance (Vaux Breweries)
Golden ale named in honour of the movement performed by beers to alert hives to a source of nectar. Produced by London brewery Young's since Vaux's demise. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Durham Brewery
This year marks a quarter of a century since the brewery founded in 1994. Known for its extra-strong ales, among its delights are Evensong ruby ale, 7.2 per cent White Stout and 12 per cent Redemption Belgian ale. Photo: Marcus Corazzi
7. Vaux Stout (Vaux Breweries)
Vaux sold more stout in this country than Guinness before alcohol contents nationally were reduced during the First World War so factory workers were in better states to work. Photo: Stu Norton
8. Swedish Blonde (Maxim)
Maxim's most popular original beer was named after sales manager Anna Goransdotter-Bell, pictured here with managing director Mark Anderson. Anna even appears on its pump clips. Photo: sunderland Echo