Beer Today’s regular round-up of news in brief: new releases, venue openings, event announcements.
Hook Norton are to launch their new seasonal cask ale, Spring Light (3.2% ABV), on 2nd April. The official launch will take place at The Falcon, Thame, from 5-7pm.
Spring Light is hazy, zesty, and refreshing, bringing bright grapefruit notes with a gentle hint of coriander spice. It’s a light-strength beer, but full of flavour, says the brewer.
The event also celebrates an exciting new chapter for The Falcon, following a £50,000 investment and refurbishment by Hook Norton. The work has given The Falcon a fresh new look, inside and out, and a welcoming outdoor seating area, just in time for the warmer months.
• While preparations continue for a permanent space, Bearwood Brewing are hosting a pop-up taproom this Saturday (28th March). And there will be three stouts on, each a collaboration with Emperor’s Brewery. Opening time is noon to 6pm.
11 Plato Pils is Newbarns’ latest Czech lager. “We used a base of Hana (the original Czech pilsner barley), amplified by a touch of speciality malt and a huge decoction,” says the brewer. “11 Plato Pils is super bready, but still crisp and quaffable thanks to the buckets of Saaz hops.”
Golden Spike, a 5.7% ABV West Coast IPA from Thornbridge, is named after the ceremonial spike used to mark the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States. “It’s loaded with vibrant US hops, delivering a classic West Coast medley of pine, grapefruit, and bright lemon citrus flavours.”
Radler (2.8% ABV) is new from Kirkstall. “This finely balanced beer-lemonade blend uses deliciously zingy lemons for a sharp, clean, and zesty flavour,” says the brewer.
Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, has unveiled Clock End, a UK-exclusive alcohol-free red ale launched in collaboration with Arsenal FC.Supporters can enjoy the limited-edition beer in 355ml cans throughout the Emirates Stadium, including Club Level bars, while supplies last.
Drop Project have collaborated with Silent Brew and Three Hounds Beer Co on Smoko, a bright, juicy New Zealand pale hopped with Nelson, Kohatu, Motueka, and Wai-iti. Offering white grape, citrus zest, and soft tropical fruit, it’s easy drinking and finishes crisp and refreshing.
Damm is launching fridge pack formats of Estrella Damm 0.0% and Damm Lemon, arriving in UK retail this spring in response to growing consumer demand for low and no drinks. World Beer is growing in volume, with Spanish Lager leading the way. And Damm Lemon is currently the fastest-growing major flavoured lager brand in the UK off-trade.
• American-Irish destination The Horsemen and Fitzgerald’s will open its doors at 1 Broadgate, London, on 7th April. It will blend the refined flavours of Kentucky with Irish charm in a dual-concept venue with equestrian influences.
Set within one of the Square Mile’s most prominent addresses, the site is split into two distinct yet complementary spaces. The Horsemen, a traditional Irish freehouse at the front, and Fitzgerald’s, an intimate jockey-club inspired dining room at the back.
• Star Pubs is investing £208,000 in a support package to help licensees create atmosphere and maximise sales throughout the football World Cup this summer.
The company is giving away 1,235 free retail kits. Contents will range from fixtures displays to signage, bunting, and banners, with animated social media assets to bring the tournament alive. There will also be an opt-in promotion for pubs to give away free pints of Heineken for the duration of the fixtures.
