At the start of the year, Greene King announced it would become the UK’s first major brewer to launch cask pins to its customers. The seven-figure investment aims to help licensees minimise wastage and ensure the quality of its cask ale is maintained with the use of the pins, which are half the size of a firkin (9 gallons).
Greene King said offering the smaller unit will give operators the ability to manage a lower throughput at quieter times of the week, meaning less waste from unsold beer or out-of-date beer being sold.
The launch of pins with Greene King’s Fresh Cask Releases calendar gives operators a chance to showcase different styles and flavours of cask ale.
Smooth and easy
Ale Fresco, which will be available in pins throughout July and August, is said to be a 4.3% ABV smooth and easy drinking golden ale.
The ale is brewed using Centennial hops to deliver a light citrus flavour, which the brewer said is a “perfect choice for guests to enjoy during the summer months”.
New Tricks, is the brewer’s second collaboration with the also Suffolk-based Nethergate Brewery. Greene King said the 4% ABV golden beer combines ginger and lemon to deliver “delicious fruity characters and refreshment”.
It added if customers want a longer drink, operators can recommend topping up the ale with ginger beer to add a “zing” to the flavour.
Greene King has said firkins will still be advised when operators have that busier footfall and demand.
Passionate about cask
Greene King head brewer Jack Palmer said: “We’re passionate about the cask sector and launching pins is a great achievement for us, and the category, in helping to address some of the key challenges that serving this unique product can bring.
“Cask ale is part of our heritage and the core of a great pub, and we continue to invest and innovate to secure its future.”
Ale Fresco and New Tricks golden ales are part of the seasonal calendar beers, which is a portfolio of 18 limited-edition cask beers available at specific times throughout the year.
From July onwards, all seasonal ales will have the option to be purchased in a firkin or in a pin format, excluding Christmas serve Rocking Rudolph.
Nethergate Brewery will also be offering New Tricks on draught at its taprooms in Long Melford and Bury St Edmunds.
