News of the brews

Horse sense​

Eastbury Brewing Company​ has launched a brown ale tribute to the Lambourn Valley’s Grand National-winning hero, Many Clouds.

The ale, which shares its name with the horse, drew inspiration from the champion hurdler’s American lineage thanks to a hint of American hops on the nose with crystal and black malt influencing its unique colour. Bittering hops then add a slightly higher bitter taste than traditional English beers.

Brewed to be an ideal winter warmer, it pairs well with festive roast turkey and winter stews.

Oliver Sherwood, Many Clouds’ trainer, is well known to the brewery, having cut the ribbon at their official launch in June 2015.

World Beers

Speciality beer importer World Beers Ltd​ has agreed exclusive rights to distribute the acclaimed artisan beer range from Italian brewery Birradamare. 

Na Biretta Chiara (4.9% ABV) and Dammenipa (5% ABV) will be the initial duo to roll out across the UK, the former will be the craft beer of choice at Prezzo’s 200+ outlets having secured a listing with the Italian restaurant chain.

Peter Karsten, MD at World Beers Ltd, said: “The artisanal brewing going on in Italy is incredible at present and for me Birradamare are top of the pile.”  

The beers are available in 33cl bottles and come in cases of 12. 

Hogs Back​

Hogs Back Brewery is urging pub customers to mark the festive season with a pint of British ale as it launches its Christmas offering.

Their seasonal selection includes 4.4% ABV ruby red Advent Ale and 5.2% ABV full bodied ale Mistletoe & Swine, which will be available from November 23 and November 30 respectively.

The Surrey-based brewer will also encourage licensees to consider ale as a wine substitute when pairing with Christmas meals this year.

Rupert Thompson, MD of Hogs Back Brewery, said: “All too often, we see fixed price festive menus that include wine as part of the package. Beer is a more traditional British accompaniment to Christmas food.”

Dark Star

Sussex-based Dark Star Brewing Co.​ has launched one of its most in-demand beers, Revelation, in cans.

The launch follows the success of their first beer in a can, American Pale Ale, which hit the market in August and subsequently sold out within weeks of canning.

The decision to can Revelation, a beer that was crowned Champion Strong Bitter at this year’s Great British Beer Festival, is part of the brewery’s ongoing commitment to provide quality beer across a wide range of forms from traditional cask, through to 330ml cans.

Northern Monk

Creative collaboration between Northern Monk Brew Co​ and independent record label Hide & Seek has led to the joint release of a curated beer and album pairing.

Northern Industry, a New Zealand-hopped dark ale, features a link to an 11-track compilation from the North’s best new acts.