News of the Brews

Molson Coors has commenced exclusive distribution of Staropramen in the UK, following the June 2015 announcement the Czech beer was moving to its UK portfolio.

World beer continues to drive category growth with sales in the on-trade up 6%. Joining brands such as Grolsch, Cobra and Singha, Staropramen will contribute to the growth plans of the full Molson Coors world beer portfolio.

Frederic Landtmeters, MD of Molson Coors UK & Ireland, said: “The arrival of Staropramen to our UK portfolio is a significant and exciting milestone. The brand adds to Molson Coors UK’s industry leading range of world beers and we hope it will help drive increased sales for our customers and continue to delight beer drinkers.”

London brewer Fuller’s has announced the launch of its new keg beer simply called IPA, to champion the popularity of the beer style in the UK market.

Deep gold in colour and characterised by spicy, earthy hop aromas, IPA will be the strongest of Fuller’s expanding keg portfolio at 5.3% ABV. On the palate, intense hop bitterness is balanced by complex cereal malt flavours.

John Keeling, Fuller’s brewing director, said: “I am continually delighted by our ever-extending keg range, it’s important that whatever the format, our beer has the best, most natural flavour.

“It’s also great that our UK market can now enjoy IPA alongside our cask and bottled IPA as well as Bengal Lancer.”

The second new addition to the Fuller’s keg range in two months, following the recent launch of Montana Red, IPA will be available from January 5 to free trade customers and in select Fuller’s pubs.

Moorhouse’s has unveiled a raft of adventurous seasonal brews for roll out throughout 2016.

The Pendle Witches brewer has explored a range of malt and hop varieties to support publicans with a creative guest range alongside a six strong core portfolio.

It includes golden brews to toast the Queen’s 90^th​ birthday and the summer’s Euro soccer tournament.

The list launches with the premium Dark Bohemia in February: a 4.8% ABV brew with four malts, including Bohemian pilsner for depth and toasted complexity, together with Fusion and Styrian Cardinal Hops to deliver gooseberry and spice on the nose.

Managing director David Grant said: “Our talented brewing team have worked with suppliers to source an adventurous range of malts and hops, ready to roll out some fantastic quality beers for an even better choice in 2016.

“The latest Cask Report once again pointed to cask as a sales driver to maximise business and we aim to help with this.”      

North Yorkshire brewery T&R Theakston Ltd has unveiled a new look to one of its most iconic real ales, Old Peculier.

Old Peculier, which last had a makeover in 2004, is one of the top-ten selling premium bottle ales in the country but the change comes as the brewer appeals to a younger audience and aims to increase its on-shelf visibility.

Theakston’s executive director, Simon Theakston, said: “The re-designed label underpins the status of our most important asset, Old Peculier, as one of the country’s most popular and instantly-recognised premium bottled ales.

Following a global deal with Diageo worth $780.5m, Heineken has taken control of Red Stripe in the UK.

The Jamaican lager will join Heineken’s premium range of beers in the UK which includes Heineken, Desperados, Tiger, Sol and Birra Moretti. 

David Forde, MD of Heineken UK, said: “We are hugely excited about Red Stripe joining our premium beer portfolio.  The beer has a rich heritage – from its links with music through the decades, to its famous cans and stubby bottles. 

“Red Stripe brings with it a wealth of opportunities for our customers, which we will support through brand investment and innovation.”