NEWS OF THE BREWS

Hogs Back Brewery

Surrey brewer Hogs Back is to take over the sales and distribution of a leading Hampshire cider maker from this month.

With both companies sharing a similar customer base, Mr Whitehead's range of ciders will be available through current Hogs Back distribution channels from 15 March.

In a joint statement, the companies said: "Rather than both delivering to the same outlets, we are now able to combine resources and reduce our carbon footprint.

"Both companies share a passion for premium products made with the finest natural ingredients."

Hogs Back said it will be in contact with all customers to present the new portfolio and to discuss orders and delivery arrangements.

Hobgoblin

Wychwood has reduced the alcoholic strength of Hobgoblin cask ale to 4.5% abv from 5%.

The decision has been taken to produce a more sessionable beer. It is a return to the past, as Hobgoblin was brewed to 4.5% before Rupert Thompson's Refresh took over the brewery in 2002. The bottled version will remain at 5.2% abv.

Wychwood managing director Rupert Thompson said: "Sales of cask Hobgoblin have grown almost 50% since we last reviewed the brand back in 2003, but recent feedback from customers has indicated that many felt the drink was slightly too strong to be sessionable in a sociable pub environment."

Head brewer Jeremy Moss said that, due to the inclusion of so many dark malts, he is able to adjust the abv without affecting the flavour of the distinctive cask beer.

The move is supported by a new cask pumpclip that refers to the "Legendary Ruby Beer" rather than a "Strong Dark Ale".

Golden Pride

Fuller's Golden Pride is returning to the Jugged Hare on Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, for one week only until 10 March.

Golden Pride, dubbed by Fuller's as the "Cognac of Beers", is an 8.5% abv full-bodied beer.

It is normally found in bottles and the Jugged Hare

is currently the only pub in

the world serving cask Golden Pride.

"Golden Pride is a real giant of a beer and I'm looking forward to serving it up to my customers," said the manager of the Jugged Hare, Magda Wojtun.

John Keeling, Fuller's head brewer, said: "Golden Pride is a phenomenal beer, and at 8.5% abv, it is often compared to an after-dinner digestif.

"It can also go terrifically well with strong cheeses, as the beer cuts right through the flavours, cleansing your palate between mouthfuls."