Rarely available outside of the Sam Smith’s pub estate, the Staffordshire pub will serve the brew from traditional wooden casks this weekend.
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The pub, which was crowned the Great British Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards (GBPA) last month, after scooping the Best Pub for Beer award the same evening, shared the update on social media.
Writing on Facebook, the Tamworth pub said: “There’s something special on the bar… we’ve got Sam Smith’s beer, served from wooden casks!
“We’re especially excited to give you the chance to enjoy a pint poured from the wood and to share a little of the tradition behind it.”
Sheer persistence
Owner of the Tamworth Tap George Greenaway told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) it managed to get hold of the beer by “sheer persistence”.
“I first had the idea speaking with the dray, asking if he would put in a good word for us,” he continued. “Ultimately we sowed the seed with a wholesaler who represented us.
“It took a few failed attempts but we were set on having it in the bar so didn’t give up with Sam Smiths eventually supplying us through them.”
The award-winning operator added the brew had attracted customers from all over the Midlands, with customer queuing out the door.
“We have always kept our ears to the ground for celebratory, birthday, seasonal and themed beers. It’s safe to say that it’s always a beer festival at the Tap.”
Brewing heritage
He also stressed the importance of operators continuing to champion cask beer, highlighting how traditional serves could help preserve brewing heritage.
“As it’s served in wooden casks, it’s preserving the ancient skill of the cooper. It also focuses on British hops,” he continued.
The pub is also preparing for a tap takeover with Bristol Beer Factory this week, showcasing eight of the brewery’s cask ales, including Champion Beer of Britain winner Independence.
“The theme is champion beer at the champion pub!”, Greenaway added.
In addition, the venue is working with the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW) to organise a “mini festival” featuring beers served from wooden casks, with further details expected to be announced at a later date.
