Made available especially for the GBBF, only one firkin of Greene King’s 5X vintage ale will be sold on each day of the festival, which starts today and runs until Saturday at Olympia in west London.
Used in Greene King’s Strong Suffolk Ale, the brewer said 5X delivers a very complex palate and aroma, reminiscent of fortified wine. It is sherry-like and bursting with brandy soaked raisin, liquorice and black treacle flavours, Greene King claimed.
John Bexon, head brewer at Greene King, said: “This really is a rare treat for fans of cask ale. As there is such a limited amount of 5X, we are only bringing one firkin for each day, which is the equivalent of 72 pints – although we will be supplying it in third pints.
“It really is a unique opportunity for cask drinkers to try this vintage ale, so I urge festival goers not to miss the chance."
New stout Belhaven Black will also be making an appearance at the show in cask format. Launched in January and drawing on almost 300 years of brewing heritage at the Dunbar brewery, the stout combines a blend of Scottish triple malts and was crafted for fans of deeper, darker ales.