NEWS OF THE BREWS

Atomic

Manchester brewer Hydes

has launched a cask beer named after the Blondie song Atomic.

The beer is the last in its planned Craft Ale series for 2007, named after well-known pop songs, though a Christmas special called Rockin' Robin will also be putting in an appearance.

Atomic is a 4.9% abv winter ale made with three types of malt and Fuggles, Challenger and Target hops.

Marketing director David Safiruddin said: "This is a real winter warmer, perfect for easing the dark cold nights in the run-up to Christmas."

The brand will be distributed to Hydes' own pub estate

and nationally through wholesalers.

Other beers in the Craft Ale series have included Summertime Blue, Jumping Jack and Golden Brown.

Pickled Partridge

A beer named after an old farmers' wives' recipe for partridge braised in ale is to be the winter cask beer offering from Hall & Woodhouse.

Pickled Partridge will be on draught until the end of January, and is also available in 50cl bottles.

The beer has an abv of 4.6% and is being positioned as a traditional winter ale.

It is made with crystal and chocolate malts, and Admiral and Hallertau hops.

Head brewer Tim Morris said: "We've used only the finest natural ingredients, combined with pure Dorset spring water from our own well, to create this rich reddish brown beer with a loose foam head.

"Its nutty and fruity overtones are ideal for serving with cheese platters and Christmas desserts."

Pickled Partridge follows Fursty Ferret, available throughout early autumn.

Acorn

Yorkshire's fast growing Acorn Brewery is launching a new version of its 4.5% abv ale Dickie's Brew to mark the opening of a 20-barrel brew length plant.

Named after the legendary former cricket umpire, the ale will be brewed for both cask and bottle to raise funds for the Dickie Bird Foundation, which helps disadvantaged young people achieve in sports.

Acorn, based in Dickie's home town of Wombwell, Barnsley, began brewing only four years ago on a 10-barrel plant.

Acorn founder-brewer Dave Hughes said: "With our major investment, we now have the equipment, capacity and space to produce Dickie's Brew in both casks and bottles on a regular basis.

"We are absolutely delighted that Dickie will officially

open the new brewery on 29 November with the release

of his own label beer, which we expect to be well received,"

he added.