News of the brews

Black Sheep Brewery is launching a new seasonal ale, Shearer, as a tribute to the sheep farming heritage of its North Yorkshire home in Masham.

The 4.1% straw-coloured ale, brewed with citra hops, has a full-bodied zesty flavour profile with a hint of lemongrass.

Rob Theakston, managing director of Black Sheep Brewery, said: “In the Masham area, we are well known for two things in particular, sheep and beer, both of which are traditions that have been passed down through the generations, not least with brewing in my own family.”

Shearer slots between Black Sheep’s two autumn and winter ales, along with the return of Blitzen at Christmas.
It will be available for pubs on cask throughout November.

Sussex-based craft brewer, Bedlam, has agreed distribution deals with two of the UK’s prominent pub groups.

The 16 sites of Brighton-based Indigo Leisure will introduce Benchmark amber ale and Porter beers, while Metropolitan Pub Company will receive the new Pilsner and cask range across its 75 London sites.
Major investment this year means construction of Bedlam’s new state-of-the-art brewery can take place over the next 18 months as production levels rise to meet demand. 

“With both Indigo and Metropolitan groups taking beer from us, it’s a sign that there’s a decent appetite from within the on-trade to champion smaller breweries like ourselves,” Dominic Worrall, Bedlam MD, said.

“The fact you’ll be able to find our offering in more pubs than ever before is a testament to the talent of the team here.”