Sharp’s Brewery has released a new limited edition amber beer, Saints Bay, developed in collaboration with St Austell RFC.
It will be available on match days (until stocks last) at the clubhouse from Saturday, 7th December, when the Saints host Marlborough RFC. It will also be available from Sharp’s Brewery’s shop and online.
Via its flagship brand, Doom Bar, Sharp’s has long been a proud supporter of grassroots rugby in Cornwall and, in 2024, sponsors 14 local clubs.
The brewery has sponsored St Austell RFC since 2014, and besides being their primary supplier of beers, wines and spirits, it has also provided Doom Bar-branded rugby post protectors, flags, water bottles, pitch branding and PR support.
The brewery was also the main title sponsor of the Cornwall Rugby League Football Club (RLFC) for 2023.
Saints Bay was created at the brewery’s dedicated small-scale pilot plant by eight members and volunteers of the rugby club, who came to the brewery in Rock last month. After a busy morning getting stuck into the brewing process under the guidance of the Sharp’s team, they enjoyed a well-deserved tour of the brewery and an insightful Secret Bar experience at the brewery shop and tasting room.
Saints Bay is a clean, crisp, and bitter 3.6% ABV amber ale with an enticing aroma. It has been fermented with a typical Sharp’s ale strain, driving those esters normally sensed in much-loved Doom Bar, despite being a very different beer with its own unique characteristics. The brewing team have added some complexity to the bill with a good variety of malts and the addition of wheat.
“We had a fantastic time developing and brewing Saints Bay with the rugby club,” said Sharp’s technical brewing optimisation manager, Jon Wide. “It was great to get them here in the pilot plant so they could be fully immersed in the process and take ownership of its creation, something which they and we are very proud of.
“We’re so pleased with the end product. It is a delicious brew with the use of new world hops in the recipe adding a burst of fruit and hop character. At 3.6% ABV we’re sure this will be the perfect beer for rugby players to enjoy in the club.”
Paul Hayes, St Austell RFC chair, said: “We are ever grateful to the team at Sharp’s Brewing Co for their ongoing support of our club. It was really special and so much fun to develop Saints Bay with the team at the brewery.
“Rugby and beer are a natural fit. To create a great pint of beer and excel on the rugby pitch you need the same values: integrity, dedication, focus, and respect. We encourage all to come to the club and sample Saints Bay, it is a very special pint and not to be missed.”
The small-scale pilot plant was installed at Sharp’s Brewery in 2016. So far, more than 50 beers have been created on the kit. It gives the entire Sharp’s team the opportunity to collectively develop and test new ideas, concepts, and flavour combinations.
Saints Bay is now available from various outlets in Cornwall, including, St Austell RFC, The Mariners in Rock, The Blisland Inn, The Front in Falmouth, and The Brendon Arms in Bude.
