BrandsBriefs

Old Father Timer is back

Wiltshire-based brewer Wadworth is launching a 5.8% abv year-end brew called Old Father Timer.

The beer will be available on draught from the beginning of December until January 2007. It was first brewed 40 years ago and was last available last Christmas.

Head brewer Trevor Holmes said: "The beer remains true to its original recipe - a rich copper brown, with a strong, fruity, malty aroma and a full-bodied flavour."

Corona the party beer

Bedford-based Wells and Young's is launching a Corona Week campaign to promote the lager as the "ultimate party beer".

The initiative targets pubs in Birmingham and Cardiff and runs from the week commencing 4 December.

Nigel McNally, managing director, Wells and Young's, said: "This promotional activity fits perfectly with Corona Extra's image as the ultimate party beer and every aspect of the Corona Week is about having fun, relaxing, and enjoying an exciting atmosphere."

Original Porter returns

Shepherd Neame is relaunching its Original Porter in time for the Christmas period.

The 4.8% abv beer will be available from December until February in draught format.

The "winter warmer" is described as having an "underlying liquorice note and a distinctive fruity spiciness and aroma". It is brewed from Target and Goldings hops grown in Kent.

Hook Norton goes for Gold

Oxfordshire brewery Hook Norton is bringing out one of its seasonal brews as a permanent draught beer.

The 4.1% abv Hooky Gold was first produced as a limited edition product at the beginning of 2006 and will be available permanently from January. The pale-coloured beer replaces 303AD and joins Hooky Dark, Hooky Bitter and Old Hooky as one of Hook Norton's regular draught beers.