London brewer Fuller's has disputed the claim that cask ale is in decline and revealed that production of ale at its Griffin Brewery has greatly increased over the last five years.
Over the past year Fuller's has conducted research into its position in the marketplace and how to sustain its growth and reputation. Trade visits proved that the variable quality of cask ales in general does little to attract consumers.
So Fuller's decided to look again at its quality control and has made some long-term plans for its future.
The views of everyone from directors to brewery tour guides were taken on board and a new 'Fuller's System' has been created which is being rolled out into Fuller's flagship pubs and will eventually become standard.
At the heart of the new system is a 'third of a pint of water-cooled beer engine' developed specially for Fuller's. Self-tilting means the cask tilts forward as it becomes lighter, dedicated cask ale pipes reduce waste and special water re-circulation coolers provide the best temperature for the beer to be dispensed.
Mark Foster, licensee of the Drayton Court, Ealing, said: "It's been great. Yields are up eight per cent and the quality is consistently superior. Every drop, from the first pint pulled through, to the last, is in perfect condition. In the cellar, the new equipment means that anybody can rack an 18-gallon cask using the winch. The place looks much cleaner and tidier and the coated steel means everything is easier to wash down."