Hogs Back sees uplift in cask demand from pubs

Hogs Back, based in Tongham, near the Hampshire border, estimates it will have increased its on-trade outlets by around 250 by this summer compared to the same period in 2022.

Hogs Back’s flagship cask ale Tongham TEA is being listed in all Mitchells & Butlers cask pubs in London. The amber ale will also be poured soon within the Star Pubs & Bars estate, and in Greene King pubs for three months during summer.

Big Squeezy​

Newly launched Big Squeezy IPA is being listed by Stonegate, which will make it available for the next five weeks to most of its 3,000 cask ale pubs. It will also be on sale until July in around 50 Young’s pubs in Surrey and Greater London. Big Squeezy is said to be “an aromatic 3.4% IPA, brewed with real lemons”.

Meanwhile, Surrey Nirvana, Hogs Back’s 4.0% ABV session IPA, brewed with Cascade hops from the brewer’s own hop garden, will be served in selected Young’s pubs and as a guest ale in 200 Fuller Smith & Turner pubs.

Renewed interest​

Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said: “We’re delighted with this renewed interest in our cask ales from pubs across the south-east. Covid, of course, dented our cask business with pubs and it’s taken some time to bounce back but we’re certainly seeing demand on the rise again and are feeling optimistic about our cask portfolio.

“We’re particularly pleased operators are not just stocking our best-seller Tongham TEA but are prepared to try other cask ales including our seasonals like Big Squeezy. Serving established regional brands that drinkers will recognise, as well as new beers that refresh the offer on the bar, are both important in building a successful cask business.”