Westvleteren Brewery
Europeans prefer stronger beers to UK drinkers and 6:02pm is the most popular time for a pint, are amongst the data from a new survey of 70,000 drinkers.
Conducted by smartphone app Pint Please in conjunction with researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, the survey highlighted the differing tastes among real ale fans in the UK and on the continent.
It found that Europeans prefer beers having an average ABV of 7.9 per cent compared to 4.4 per cent for UK drinkers, while the most popular beer in Europe was announced as Westvleteren 12, a strong 10.2% ABV ale produced by Trappist monks in Belgium.
Sharp's Brewery
Cornwall-based Sharp’s Brewery has launched a limited release festive brew, Nadelik, which will be available across on-trade outlets until Christmas Eve 2015.
Nadelik, which means ‘Christmas’ in the Cornish language, is a 4.8% ABV medium-bodied ale with a festive aroma of piney hops, paired with inviting candy floss and toffee notes.
The beer is brewed using plentiful amounts of roasted barley and colourful malts to give a well-balanced, rich flavour, with a bittersweet finish.
James Nicholls, senior brand manager of Sharp’s Brewery, said: “The beer is perfect for the winter months, providing drinkers with a host of inviting flavours reminiscent of the festive period.”
Caledonian Brewery
Caledonian Brewery has introduced the limited edition Winterbräu spiced ale.
Returning to a more traditional European winter style, the 4.3% Mahogany Ale is spicy yet sweet in flavour, with chocolatey aromas and a deep velvet, malt finish.
Craig Steven, Caledonian’s Beers Manager, said: “This winter style is closer to historic brews when herbs and spices were used to brew beer. Ingredients such as ginger, nutmeg and other spices would have been added to offset the malty sweetness of ale, before the widespread introduction of hops.”
It is designed to pair well with festive foods such as rich meats, thick saucy dishes, roasted vegetables, strudels and fruit puddings.
Haywood Drinks
Haywood Drinks have blended 18th century traditional dark beer and west country cider recipes to create the London Velvet porter.
The deep rich consistency of a porter is met with fruit and citrus zest notes to produce a refreshing drink.
Simon Martin of the Real Ale Guide said: “Looking at the label I thought it would be a battleground of flavours but the roasted malts really do dictate the flavour. It’s fruity and a very interesting new style.”
The versatility of the drink means that it can be served at beer cellar temperature or poured over ice.
Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame brewery has unveiled a new look for its limited edition Christmas beer, Rudolph’s Reward, in time for the festive season.
Originally developed in their pilot brewery in Faversham, Kent, the handcrafted seasonal ale is among the collection of innovative limited edition No.18 Yard Brewhouse beers, named after the historic cask store.
It is a light 3.7% ABV winter beer featuring pale and crystal malts and Target and East Kent Goldings hops, with mulling spices added at the end of the brew. It will be available on draught throughout December.
Moorhouse's
Moorhouse’s will roll out the new Winter Looms festive cask ale as the Lancashire brewer marks the yuletide of its 150th anniversary year.
A red hued session ale, the brewing team have used the German specialty Carared and Melanoidin malts, combined with American Vanguard and English Phoenix hops for herby, floral notes followed by a spicy, molasses, chocolate finish.
A distinctive anniversary pump clip, a nod to Burnley’s long cotton heritage, will join a rebranded ale selection, including Santa’s Special, Snow Globe and Christmas Cauldron.
Moorhouse’s hopes for another Christmas cracker following last year’s record sales.
