Putting a new spin on English beer

Adnams has joined forces with Punch Taverns to launch a completely new beer style, described as a "quintessential English beer which is not cask ale".

The 5% abv beer, named Spindrift after the spray that comes off the sea, is top-fermented, then chilled and filtered instead of being put into a cask (like cask ale). It is not pasteurised to ensure that it still retains its flavour, and is aimed at "wind-down occasions" such as a drink after work, or beer over lunch with friends.

Spindrift is already available in 24 outlets in London, and will be in a total of 50 Punch and Adnams' pubs in the capital by Christmas. It costs around £3.80 a pint.

Jonathan Adnams, Adnams chairman, said Spindrift was a result of a conversation between Adnams MD Andy Wood, and Punch's commercial director Jonathon Paveley, which took place 12 months ago: "At the time there were all sorts of interesting beers coming in from around the globe, but there was nothing being produced in the UK that wasn't a cask ale.

"Given that two thirds of adult men don't drink cask ale we wanted to offer them a flavoursome alternative, which is also refreshing - the beer is served at 5°C."

He said the beer was aimed at men and women working

in cities and towns "who enjoy flavour in their food

and drink".