Orbiter Best Bitter from Dark Star, Twinings new tea foodservice range, Lion Brewery Co. and new craft beer from Fauna Brewing
Dark Star Brewing Co launches Orbiter Best Bitter
Dark Star Brewing Co. is launching Orbiter Best Bitter (4% ABV) this summer as part of the core cask range. Available at selected pubs on cask and via the brewer’s online shop, the brew will be also be available at London Craft Beer Festival (13-14 August) and Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival (20-21 August) ahead of nationwide rollout later this year.
Amber in colour, Orbiter Best Bitter delivers a citrus aroma with notes of caramel, boasting a rich malt forward body with a crisp clean finish full of fruit hoppiness.
This is Dark Star’s latest brew innovation since unveiling its new look across its core beers: Dark Star Hophead, American Pale Ale and Revelation IPA.
Dark Star Brewing Co. head brewer, Henry Kirk said: “It’s exciting times here at Dark Star. We’re really happy to be brewing and sending out cask beer for pub-goers again, and to be launching a new brew in a classic style through Orbiter Best Bitter is fantastic. We know Dark Star is a brewery that many beer enthusiasts are very fond of, and we’ve taken important steps in 2021 for us to continue to establish ourselves as a spearhead for modern craft and cask beer in the UK.”
Twinings launches new foodservice range
Twinings has launched a new ‘foodservice exclusive’ large leaf pyramid range, with 11 tea blends.
This includes Full English, All Day Decaf, The Earl, Thoroughly Minted and Simply Sencha, there are six new flavours – Strawberry Green Tea, Revive Raspberry & Vitamin C, Honey & Rooibos, Mango & Pineapple, Unwind Spiced Apple & Camomile and Dark Caramel.
“This year we launch the ultimate tea range, a collection of 11 blends that our research tells us will satisfy 97% of consumer needs. We’ve also listened to our customers and the foodservice industry as a whole who have told us they want tea to be more versatile and more than just water, a bag and milk in a cup,” said Aidan Ledger, head of new business out of home at Twinings Foodservice.
“They want tea that is on trend, can be dressed up, works with alternative milks, blends with ice, can be offered across day parts, served as a non-alcoholic drink with meals, and essentially can give them added value and a reason to charge more.”
New launch for Fauna Brewing
Fauna Brewing has launched a new craft beer brand inspired by, and created for, African wildlife.
Each of Fauna’s beers is dedicated to an endangered species, partnering with three small charities who work round-the-clock to protect the beautiful animals we all love.
There are three beers in the launch range, including Cheetah Lager (4.5% ABV), Wild Dog IPA (4.2% ABV) and Pango Table Beer (2.8% ABV).
Founder Phil F Howard said: “The largest problem currently facing the world is climate change and species decline. We are facing the world’s sixth mass extinction, with over 100 species going extinct every day. This is a biodiversity crisis and action needs to be taken now. At our core, Fauna is a purpose driven brand. We believe everyone should strive to make a change no matter how big or small and we make it as easy as drinking a beer.”
Fauna is supporting three charities including the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Painted Dog Conservation and the African Pangolin Working Group.
Balcones Distilling launches Texas Pot Still Bourbon
Whisky distillery Balcones Distilling is launching its Texas Pot Still Bourbon in the UK and announcing a new distribution partnership with premium spirits distributer Mangrove UK.
The newest addition to the Balcones portfolio, Texas Pot Still Bourbon will be available in the UK from Master of Malt, Whisky Exchange, The Drinkshop and in a selection of independent specialist wines and spirits merchants.
Balcones are well known as The Original Texas Whisky after their Baby Blue became the first whisky sold in Texas following prohibition.
Jon Dillon, vice president of finance and operations, from Balcones said: “We have experienced success in introducing our whiskies to the UK market, with great feedback from the British public. We are excited to expand our offering with the addition of Texas Pot Still Bourbon, which has been very popular in Texas and across the US. We expect our new distribution partnership with Mangrove UK will expand our on and off trade opportunities in the UK and build brand awareness for Balcones."
Lion Brewery Co relaunches beers after 72 year closure
Lion Brewery Co, has launched flagship Pale Ale and Island Lager, after reopening the brewery after it was closed 72 years ago.
The Pale Ale is a 4.5% ABV session beer while the Island Lager is a 4.7% ABV pilsner. Both are available in 50L & 30L kegs and 330ml cans.
The original Lion Brewery Co dates back to London in 1836 where it shipped hopped ales, which were originally crafted to endure long sea passages, to trading posts around the world.
When the brewery was damaged by fire and closed in 1949, the iconic lion statues were preserved at the request of King George VI. They can still be found today – one is The Southbank Lion, opposite the Houses of Parliament, and the other, now painted gold, guards the entrance of Twickenham Stadium, home of English rugby.
