Titanic launches pilsner to mark anniversary

A leading light in the world of real ale is so convinced that craft lagers will play a key role in the future of beer that he is set to brew his own.

Keith Bott, chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and managing director of Titanic Brewery, is looking to launch a pilsner style beer later this year.

The brew will mark the 100th anniversary of the launching of the famous liner from which the brewery gets its name. Pilsner was the style of beer served on the ship.

Bott has already trialled craft lagers in one of Titanic's five pubs and believes there is a market for a quality local lager.

He said: "I believe the UK market will become more like the US with less emphasis on old style 'real ales' and more of the market leaders promoting 'craft beers'".

Bott added that lager drinkers are generally more likely to stick to mainstream brands, but he believes they will be tempted by quality, local produce.

"Research done by Titanic in our outlets suggest that the benefits of localism, food awareness and provenance are beginning to find a foothold in this market."

The beer, as yet unnamed, will appear in three formats - a bottled version, as was served on the ship; a cask version and a keg version.

"The beer will certainly not be brewed a cheap alternative to the lagers we currently stock, this was the mistake made by regional brewers in the 1970s and 80s," he added.