Worthington's new ale

Worthington's Red Shield will become a permanent addition to the Molson Coors portfolio from next summer as part of an increased investment into the parent brand.

The 4.2% abv cask ale, which is a sister variant of Worthington's White Shield containing Brambling Cross and Cascade hops, was created to reach drinkers who prefer traditional beers.

Red Shield, which is described as a blonde, zesty and refreshing ale, has been on trial in a small selection

of outlets for the past year, but the company now plans to give it a full launch next summer on the back of increased investment into the Worthington's brand.

"We plan to increase the capacity of White Shield next year to meet the current demand," said sales director for the free on-trade Steve Ellis.

"We plan to introduce a family of ale for the Worthington's brand with Red Shield being trialled at the moment and with good results."

Ellis admits that, as a company, Molson Coors, may have been weak in the past in meeting trends for cask and bottled ales but, he said, it will soon be taking steps to change that.

"The Worthington's brand will get a significant investment next year — we will be doubling or even tripling the investment into the brand," Ellis added.

Worthington's White Shield features as one of the 12 festive beers for women, which were recently identified by the BitterSweet Partnership, launched by Molson Coors to challenge the image of beer among women.

"It appeal to a wide variety of palates," said Ellis. "White Shield's heritage and provenance is one of the things that makes the beer appeal to women as well as men.

The beer also appears on Coors' newly-launched portfolio of premium drinks aimed at independent operators who want to offer "something different to their customers".