St Austell launches special beer to mark International Women’s Day
Cornish brewer and pub operator St Austell has announced the release of a special-edition golden ale to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD).
Krushin’ It was brewed up by a 20-strong group of employees from across the business led by Brewing Director Georgina Young.
Using Krush™ hops from the USA, the 5% beer boasts tropical fruit flavours, including notes of peach, mango, and guava.
The special brew, which kicks off the brand’s annual Cask Club programme, will be available in selected St Austell sites from Friday 7 to Monday 10 March.
Volunteers taking part in the brew got stuck in adding hops and malt, mashing in, digging out spent grain, learning all about brewing – and one another – in the process.
Young said: “With nearly 2,000 employees across the South West, it’s not always easy to connect with colleagues on a personal level, so this event was a fantastic chance for women from all areas of the business to come together and leave their mark on a beer.
“It was also a meaningful way to honour the women who have shaped the business and continue to do so.”
St Austell also recently revealed a line-up of five movie-themed beers.
The range is set to be released across much of its pub estate and the free trade throughout 2025.
Shark Bait, Outta Time, Breakfast Club, Maverick, and Jingle All The Way complete the line-up. Read more here.
Vocation releases Hilltop Lager on draught
Yorkshire-based brewer Vocation has announced the release of its Hilltop Lager in draught format for pubs.
From March, the 4.3% ABV lager will be available in 30L and 50L kegs via selected regional and national wholesalers. Branded glassware will also be available to support the launch.
The brewery described Hilltop as a “bold and flavourful craft beer” with “easy-drinking approachability”.
Additionally, Vocation said the brew marked a “major step” in the next phase of its growth by appealing to lager drinkers seeking “authentic flavour and genuine craft quality”.
Inspired by its hilltop location, Vocation said Hilltop pays homage to its beginnings in an old chicken shed high up on a hill, 1,000 feet above sea level.
Vocation marketing manager Chris Mitchell said: “Hilltop Lager is a tribute to where we started – a small independent brewery founded 1,000 feet above sea level in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
“We wanted to capture that sense of adventure and resilience that has always been a part of our story.
“This lager isn’t just refreshing, it’s brewed with purpose, and we’re thrilled to be offering pub and bar drinkers a premium beer that’s as authentic and bold as our beginnings.”
Gipsy Hill unveils new tropical stout
South-London brewery Gipsy Hill has introduced a new tropical stout, Breakbeat.
The 5.6% brew, originally released as a special beer to celebrate the start of the 2025 Six Nations, is said to deliver a deep, roasted character with a smooth and unexpected twist.
Inspired by traditional tropical stouts, breakbeat is brewed with Sabro hops and fermented with lager yeast, boasting hints of vanilla and coconut with a delicate finish.
The badge for Breakbeat features Lee, a member of the brewery’s ops team who keeps things “running behind the scenes” at the brewery by day and fuels his passion for music by night with his band.
Describing its latest release, Gipsy Hill said: “Tropical stouts have been gaining popularity, offering a unique alternative to traditional porters and heavier stouts.
“With consumers increasingly looking for beers that push boundaries while remaining approachable, Breakbeat delivers both depth and drinkability.
“It’s crafted for stout lovers and those looking to explore something new—whether celebrating a win or reflecting on a hard-fought match.”
Breakbeat is available direct from the brewery now in 30L Kegstar format and in 12x440ml cases.
MONIN introduces two new syrup flavours
Syrup brand MONIN has introduced two new flavour innovations to its collection, Toasted Marshmallow and Rhubarb.
The brand said both new variants could help bartenders “elevate their serves” as consumers increasingly look for “new and modern” cocktails.
Both flavours are vegan and available direct from MONIN in 70cl glass bottles at RRP £7.99 each.
MONIN senior beverage expert Lee Hyde said: “Toasted Marshmallow brings a unique and layered flavour to both hot and iced drinks, it’s the ultimate treat.
“Meanwhile, Rhubarb is a versatile, fresh flavour that we predict being popular in lemonades, spritzes and even frappés.
“The market has been in need of a quality rhubarb syrup for a long time, so I’m really excited to see this one launch.
“With consumers increasingly looking for new and modern cocktails, we recommend shaking up a Rhubarbarita, an innovative yet familiar twist on the classic Margarita that consumers are sure to love, or paired with our Vanilla syrup for a Rhubarb & Custard Spritz.”
Suggested serve:
Toasted Marshmallow Iced Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 20 ml MONIN Toasted Marshmallow syrup
- 30g chocolate powder
- 150ml milk of choice
- Glass of ice
Method:
- Add the milk and chocolate powder to a steaming jug and heat until combined but not hot
- Add the syrup and chocolate milk to a tall glass with ice and stir to combine.
- Optionally, top with whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow
Molson Coors releases Madrí 0.0%
Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC) has announced the launch of Madrí Excepcional 0.0%.
An alcohol-free version of its Spanish style lager, the new variant has been created in partnership with La Sagra brewery in Spain.
Madrí Excepcional 0.0% will be available for on-trade venues in the UK from Monday 3 March. Read more here.
VK unveils new RTD flavour
RTD brand VK has expanded its portfolio with the release of a new Lemon & Lime flavour drink, inspired by consumer demand.
The citrus vodka-based serve was a ‘fan favourite’ from its We Are Flavour campaign, where consumers pitched weird and whacky ideas, VK said.
In addition, the brand it had made a “bold step” by releasing the serve as a clear liquid and moving away from its traditionally more vibrant colours.
The 3.4% ABV drink will be available to the on-trade later this month in 275ml bottle format with a wider off-trade launch planned for April.
VK brand manager Holly Bolus said: “Flavour is at the heart of what makes VK stand out, and we’re thrilled to bring VK Lemon & Lime to our range.
“It’s a flavour that Gen Z love and one that Millennials remember fondly. Plus, with our first-ever clear fruity VK, we’re proving that the flavour speaks for itself – it’s a clear choice in every way.
“We’ve gone all out to make this our biggest launch yet, with huge activations, retail expansion, and party experiences to match.”
Arkell’s unveils new IPA
Arkell’s Brewery has introduced Jack’s Juicy IPA, a new special-edition and hop-forward beer boasting notes of guava and peach.
Created by Arkell’s brewing operative, Jack Bridgman, as part of his brewing apprenticeship, the 4.5% ABV IPA has been made using Krush hops, the first time Arkell’s has used the variety.
Bridgman said: “Designing this beer has been a huge learning experience. I wanted something fresh, vibrant, and full of tropical fruit character, and Krush hops gave me exactly that.
“Once the recipe was complete, Alex Arkell and I reviewed it together and decided it would be perfect as one of Arkell’s special ales this year. Seeing it go from an idea on paper to a beer pouring in Arkell’s pubs is an amazing feeling.”
Following its official launch at The Moonrakers pub in Swindon, the new brew is available on cask in participating Arkell’s pubs.
Head Brewer Alex Arkell said: “We’re incredibly proud of Jack and the dedication he’s shown in creating this exciting beer as part of his brewing qualification.
“His knowledge, passion, and attention to detail shine through in Jack’s Juicy IPA and this is a milestone achievement in Jack’s brewing journey.
“It’s set to be a superb flavour bomb - a fantastic, modern take on an IPA. We’re all really excited for our customers to try it.”
Heineken introduces new Strongbow flavour
Heineken has expanded its Strongbow range with the release of a new flavour.
Strongbow Strawberry (4% ABV) is gluten-free and vegan, made from real fruit juice and free from artificial flavours, sweeteners and colours.
Available on draught and in 500ml bottles, the variant was first introduced in the off-trade in August last month.
Announced last month, the launch marked the first flavour innovation in the on-trade from the brand for more than a decade. Read more here.
Shepherd Neame adds session IPA to permanent range
Britain’s oldest brewer has added First Drop session IPA to its permanent range.
First Drop was originally created as a limited-edition craft keg beer in Shepherd Neame’s small batch brewery, a 15-barrel kit installed in 2023, but will now be produced on a larger scale due to its popularity.
The Kent-based operator and brewer said the 4.3% ABV kegged beer was a fusion of four UK and US hops.
Made at Shepherd Neame’s Faversham brewery, the beer is made by combining English pale malt with water from the site’s well, which is then infused with UK Challenger and Jester hops as well as US hops Mosaic and Amarillo.
The result is a “crisp and zesty brew”, Shepherd Neame said. Read more here.
Greene King brings back seasonal ‘favourite’
Greene King has brought back a seasonal “favourite” as part of its seasonal cask calendar.
Spring Break (4.4% ABV) is a golden ale offering aromas of peach, lychee, and tropical fruit.
The cask beer was originally brewed in 2022 in collaboration with two apprentices studying at the University of Nottingham’s brewing programme.
In celebration of St George’s Day on Wednesday 23 April, the Suffolk-based pub operator and brewer has launched a new pump clip for Spring Break, branding it ‘George & the Flagon’. Read more here.
Crayfish processing firm launches craft gin
Kennett Crayfish Company has released a new craft gin, made using crayfish claw shells and botanicals.
The crayfish oil is said to produce a mellow gin, smoothing the edges of the botanicals and enhancing the flavour of mixers.
Kennet Crayfish Company a fully licensed UK plant for processing wild caught American signal crayfish in the riverbanks of the Kennet in Berkshire.
Crayfish Gin has been crated in collaboration with Hawkridge Distillers, which produces award winning gins including ‘Best London Dry Gin in England’.
Kennett Crayfish Gin is available direct from the company’s webshop in 70cl bottles at RRP £40.
- To be featured in the next round-up please email rebecca.weller@wrbm.com. Check out the previous round-up here.
