Hook Norton launches seasonal cask calendar

The brewer, which is celebrating its 175^th​ anniversary this year, has already put two of its 10 beers on the bar of pubs with a third expected in April.

The first two of these seasonal specials are Outside Half, which is a rugby-themed amber ale the brewery said is “perfect to help you celebrate or commiserate. When you’ve got a scrum at the bar, don’t buy the dummy, try this to ease the pressure, convert and go for the grand slam”.

Outside Half is a 3.8% ABV light amber ale that is claimed to smell of light fruity malt and tastes bitter-sweet.

Fine example​

Meanwhile, Double Stout 4.8% ABV is brewed to the company’s original 19th century recipe and is said to “deliver a unique smooth chocolate, coffee and caramel taste” and is “a fine example of a traditional English stout”.

Double Stout is said to look dark ebony, smell of roasted coffee and taste of dry burnt oak.

In April, Crafty Fox black IPA 4.4% ABV will hit bars and  is said to taste of rich, dark fruit with a hint of toast.

Long running beers such as Haymaker Premium Pale Ale 5% ABV (available in July and August) and Twelve Days Porter 5.5% ABV (available in December) are joined by new arrivals such as Lock Steady 2.5% ABV (July and August), which is said to be “an easy drinking, low strength pale ale with no concessions made on flavour” and Autumn Ways 4.2% ABV (September and October) that is claimed to be “perfect for the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness with its floral aroma and soft dark fruit flavour”.

Great mix​

Hook Norton Brewery managing director James Clarke said: “We’ve worked hard on this year’s range and it includes a great mix of our classic beers we all love and look out for, and some really exciting new styles that we think will tick the variety box people are looking for more and more these days.”

The range of cask ales will be available throughout the year on the bar at the brewery, in Hook Norton pubs and at selected pubs across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

All Hook Norton’s seasonal beers are available in firkins and pins.