BrandsBriefs

Neame's festive fare

UK's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has launched its seasonal Christmas Ale and claims it is a perfect accompaniment to Christmas pudding. With a strong 7% abv, it is available in 500ml bottles in selected Shepherd Neame pubs. Tasting notes on the bottle read: "Crystallised winter fruits combine with festive spicy hops - leaving a refreshing, cleansing hop finish." The seasonal ale will be closely followed by Shepherd Neame's Original Porter, which makes a return on draught at the beginning of December. Available until February, Original Porter is a rich full-flavoured 4.8% abv beer made with Target and Goldings hops.

Two new Tomintouls

Tomintoul Distillery has introduced two malt whiskies to bring its range to five distinct versions. A single peated malt has been added and is branded as: "Tomintoul, the gentle dram with a peaty tang". The Distillery is also launching a limited edition Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, aged 12 years. Distillery director Robert Fleming said: "This excellent whisky spent the last 18 months of maturation in Oloroso sherry butts and the result is a marvellously well-rounded product with delicious tones of sherry sweetness".

PoS kit from Badger brewer

Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse has launched a new range of themed PoS promoting cask ales across the south of England. The range sets out the case for charging a premium price point for cask ales, and tells how its Badger cask ales are crafted from grain to glass. Kit includes beer menus matching each beer with recommended foods. To order items, contact Hall & Woodhouse's sales team on 01258 486047.