A new premium lager beer is being imported from Belgium that

Tikka Beer director Rohit Amin said: "Using a combination of Indian and Pilsner styles, I decided on a recipe that utilises rice, alongside some of the best European malts and hops.

Working with an independent brewer in Belgium, it has taken me 18 months to perfect the world's first beer designed to refresh curry eaters' palates.

Unlike many other beers that claim to go well with curry due to them being less gassy, Tikka Gold reduces the heat produced by the food using a measured quantity of gas, but without being excessively gassy."

It is being brewed by Brouwerij van Steenberge of Ertvelde, Belgium.

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* Thwaites is launching a new seasonal brew ­ Bloomin' Ale ­ which will be made widely available in May and June.

The first consignment from the Lancashire brewer is destined for Wetherspoon to participate in the pubco's May beer festival.

The 3.9% abv ale is gold coloured with a dry palate complimented by a nutty, bitter finish.

Marketing operations manager Carol Aspden said: "Our seasonal ales always go down really well and we have high hopes for Bloomin' Ale.

We have a commitment to quality cask ales and believe that Bloomin' Ale could be a big hit for those long spring evenings or the perfect accompaniment to a lunchtime snack."

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* Family brewer Everards has re-introduced Terra Firma ­ its organic spring ale that debuted last year.

Terra Firma is the Leicestershire brewer's first organic ale and is brewed with crystal malts and organic hops.

The 4.5% abv brew is described as having a subtle roasted character accompanied by distinctive toffee notes that are balanced by a fresh, floral bitterness.

Brewery chairman Richard Everard said only a handful of breweries had met the rigorous standards of the Soil Association (it judges if products are truly organic).