NEWS OF THE BREWS
Dark Star
Sussex brewer Dark Star is to launch a 4.2% abv beer to celebrate the shortest day of the year.
Winter Solstice is brewed with a mixture of barley malts and Crystal hops, and is described as rich bronze in colour.
Head brewer Mark Tranter said: "In addition to the pure zest of the hops, subtle hints of flavour and aroma come from freshly ground coriander."
Winter Solstice follows the positive reception that greeted Dark Star's Summer Solstice beer last June, which sold out ahead of its launch day.
Director Paul Reed said: "We always launch our specials ahead of time and I know they are eagerly awaited, but Summer Solstice took us all by surprise.
"I hope that Winter Solstice proves equally as popular - if so, we'll just need to brew a little more."
The Best 4x4
Wye Valley has released a limited-edition beer to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Land Rover.
The Best 4x4 was launched in cask at the Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival last week. It is now only available in bottle until April 2008, when it will be again brewed in cask as a monthly special.
Wye Valley sales manager John Gardner said: "We are pleased to again promote one of the best British industries with a superb traditional ale.
"The Best 4x4 is a classic brown 4.4% abv ale with a sweet nutty flavour balanced with a resinous hop character."
There will be a donation from every case of bottles sold to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Acorn Brewery
Acorn Brewery has rolled out two festive season beers to celebrate its fifth Christmas trading.
The Noel ale has been brewed as the Christmas special since Acorn launched in 2003, but has increased by 0.1% in abv every year from its original 4.8% abv. It has now reached its fifth version, 5th Noel.
Guiding Star is a 4.1% abv pale amber and well-hopped ale that blends Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) and Northdown hops for aroma, with Challenger for bitterness.
Founder and head brewer Dave Hughes said: "For this year's festivities we have kept our Noel ale, but once again at a slightly upped strength. While darker beers are more traditional, last year there was also a call for a lighter Christmas beer and we believe Guiding Star will meet that demand."
