St Austell targets women for cask conversion

St Austell is to kick-off its Cask Ale week celebrations with a tasting session aimed at women.

Head brewer Roger Ryman will host the event at the Rashleigh Arms in Charlestown, Cornwall on 6 April and the event will also raise money for the Penrice Hospice.

Ryman will also introduce two new brews — Liquid Sunshine and Roger's 10th at the event.

The Brewery's wine buyer Xenia Irwin will explain the finer points of cask ale from the viewpoint of a wine lover's palate and her vast experience in tasting as a Master of Wine.

"The simple language used traditionally to describe beer — such as hoppy or malty, sometimes doesn't do justice to the huge range of flavours, colours and aromas of cask ale," she said.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to be part of this event to use the wine tasting lexicon in introducing cask ale to a wider audience."

Special guest and opening speaker will be Annabel Smith, who as national account manager for beer quality watchdog Cask Marque is one of the UK's leading experts and female fans of cask ale.

Ryman added: "Cask Ale week is a national celebration designed to raise the profile and awareness of what is a wholesome, natural and traditionally British drink. It's a particular passion of mine to break down the barriers and encourage more women to sample and enjoy real ale so I hope as many women as possible will come along to the Rashleigh and give it a try."

Cask Ale week runs from 6 to 13 April.