St Austell to launch new bitter next spring

St Austell is planning a major launch of a new draught bitter, containing Australia hops, next spring.

The as-yet-unnamed beer will be 3.8 per cent ABV - and brewed using hops from the island of Tasmania.

It will enjoy the same status as St Austell's flagship brand Tribute.

Jeremy Mitchell, St Austell's marketing director, said the reason for the launch was to create a beer for the mid-range session ale market.

Three different versions of the beer, which will initially only be available in draught, are currently being tested.

"We've had local CAMRA members, licensees and customers in for blind tastings," said Mitchell. "We need to make sure whatever we decide on will have a market."

Mitchell said he expected the beer to be released in June 2011, after the next harvest comes through of the Galaxy hops.

It will also coincide with the brewery's 160th anniversary.

St Austell is also planning to release a draught version of its Korev lager next year, Mitchell added.