Chouffe unveils lower ABV blond beer
Award-winning Belgian brewer Chouffe has announced the launch of Chouffe Session, a 4% ABV blond beer, on draught as well as plans to expand its range with a new RTD version of the serve.
Created as a ‘sessionable’ specialty beer alternative to its core range, Chouffe Session offers the rich fruity and spiced flavours of the brand's La Chouffe beer with a balanced bitterness and sweetness, all at a lower ABV in line with a growing desire for moderation.
The brew is currently available in key on trade accounts including Brewhouse and Kitchen, and various independent pubs, with plans for a wider launch in national pub groups. It joins to brands La Chouffe and Cherry beers.
Chouffe Brewery co-founder Chris Bauweraerts said: “Chouffe Session has been a long time in the making, with the low & no alcohol category’s rapid growth over the last few years we were determined to create a super drinkable Belgium blond beer with a lower ABV, without losing the distinctive Chouffe flavour that consumers know and love.
"We’re proud to have created a new type of Belgian beer that will change the way consumers perceive Belgium blond beers on draught. Chouffe Session is an excellent lager substitute with body and spice that can also be enjoyed by ale afficionados – it’s a beer that’s proving to be inclusive and appealing to various beer drinkers at once. Following this successful launch, plans are in motion for an RTD version of Chouffe Session. Watch this space.”
Chouffe Session is available only in 20L A-Type kegs and can be bought through key wholesalers including James Clay & Sons, Cave Direct, Inn Express, and Nectar Drinks.
Greene King releases two festive casks
Pub operator and brewer Greene King has re-released two festive brews for November and December.
First up is Greene King's seasonal cask ale, Rocking Rudolph (4.2% ABV), which offers fruity notes alongside a malted toffee taste with a crisp finish.
For each pint sold of the popular festive beer, Greene King will give 5p (plus VAT) to its charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support, with the money raised going towards helping the charity to continue to provide vital care and support for people living with cancer.
Greene King head brewer Jack Palmer said: “You can’t find a more festive beer than Rocking Rudolph and it’s always the brightest and boldest beer on the bar at Christmas. We are proud to continue our fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support through the sales of Rocking Rudolph and to also raise awareness for such an important cause at this time of the year.
"Last year we gave more than £36,000 to the charity from Rocking Rudolph and this year we hope to raise even more.”
Pubs that stock Rocking Rudolph will also be able to receive bespoke decorations this year to bring "even more cheer" to venues, Greene King said, including festive hat shaped drip mats, bar bunting, branded baubles and opening time posters.
Also available throughout November December is the Suffolk-based brewers Fireside serve, a 4.5% ruby winter ale offering mellow fruity notes of grapefruit and citrus.
In addition, for December and into the New Year, Abbot Reserve (6.5% ABV) will also be available to order direct from Greene King as part of the seasonal calendar.
Palmer added: “Winter is also the perfect time to introduce those deeper and bolder cask beer styles and Fireside and Abbot Reserve are the perfect beers to offer during those chillier months. If you are looking for the ideal ale selection as we head into winter, then our seasonal ales have got you covered.”
Rocking Rudolph, Fireside and Abbot Ale Reserve all form part of the wider Fresh Cask Releases calendar, a portfolio of 13 limited-edition cask beers available at specific times throughout the year.
Camden brings back Unfiltered Hells
Camden Town Brewery has announced the return of its Unfiltered Hells lager from its small batch Arch 55 Series.
The brewery described the Bavarian-inspired 4.6% ABV beer, brewed with Perle hops, as "full-bodied" and full of "complex flavours and aromas".
Camden Town Brewery head of marketing Fred Nesbitt said: “The latest beer in our Arch 55 Series is one we know our OG Camden fans have been waiting for. It’s our Hells Lager that everyone knows and loves, but unfiltered.
"Our Hells Lager usually passes through a filter before we package it to remove the yeast, but Unfiltered Hells is packaged straight from the tank. Where Hells is sharp and clean, this unfiltered version is smoother and more full-bodied. The yeast grips hold of more hop flavour giving a satisfying depth.”
Camden’s Unfiltered Hells is available exclusively online via the Camden web shop now in 440ml can format.
Luscombe launches new festive serve
Luscombe Drinks has announce the launch of its latest creation, Luscombe Mulled Winter Warmer.
A blend of organic fruit and traditional mulling spices, the winter warmer balances tart cherry juice and the floral cranberry like flavour of hibiscus with an infusion of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
Luscombe founder Gabriel David said: “We wanted to create a drink that offered people a delicious non-alcoholic alternative to traditional mulled wine. Our Luscombe Mulled Winter Warmer is perfect for cosy winter evenings and festive celebrations, and is a great extension to our product range.”
The brand advised its Mulled Winter Warmer can be enjoyed hot or cold, served chilled over ice for a "refreshing and spicy drink", or gently heated in a saucepan or in the microwave until warm (maximum 60 degrees), before serving in a mug and garnished with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for an "extra festive touch".
In addition, it said the new serve pairs "perfectly" with hearty meals including a festive roast dinner, warming cottage pie or winter stews as well as cold turkey sandwiches and seasonal treats such as sugar doughnuts and chimney cakes.
Like all the drinks in Luscombe’s range it contains no artificial additives, sweeteners or concentrates and is gluten free and vegan friendly.
Mulled Winter Warmer is available now direct from Luscombe in 27cl bottles (box of 24) at RRP £2.75 each and 74cl bottles (box of 6) at RRP £4.00.
Shepherd Neame unveils limited-edition brew
Independent family brewery Shepherd Neame has released a new limited-edition beer, Table Beer (2.7% ABV).
The Kent-based pub operator and brewer described the serve as "light gold in appearance offering delicate malts and fruit on the palate with a hint of citrus and slight spicy, herbal finish".
Table Talk is the fifth beer crafted in Shepherd Neame's Small Batch Brewery, a 15-barrel kit at its historic Faversham site that was commissioned last year. Its main brewhouse has a minimum batch size of 110 barrels.
Shepherd Neame brewing manager, Rupert Hodgkins said: “Following on from our popular limited-edition Saison (5.5% ABV), released last month, we continued the theme of brewing traditional continental styles with our Table Beer.
“Big on taste and refreshment, the lower ABV of Table Beer offers discerning drinkers a lighter alternative to our core range. We think we have struck the balance between flavour and mouthfeel just right for all to enjoy a pint or two.”
The beer has been created using a combination of three malts – Ale, Crystal and Caramalt – all of which are added at different stages; challenger for bitterness, Saaz and US Centennial at late hopping, and dry hopping with Hallertau Tradition.
Table Beer was made available at 20 of Shepherd Neame’s managed pubs on Monday 11 November including the Jamaica Wine House, London; Pier Five, Chatham; Royal Crown, Rochester, Market House, Maidstone; Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable; Bricklayers Arms, Bromley; Botany Bay Hotel, Broadstairs; and The Limes, Faversham, for a limited time only.
V Rum introduces first spiced variant
British rum brand, V Rum, has released its first spiced variant, V Spiced.
V Spiced was described the brand as boasting "a subtle aromatic profile" of tropical citrus fruits and warm sweet spices alongside notes of pineapple, banana and brown sugar.
The Hampshire-based distillery added the 37.5% ABV serve was "perfect for winter cocktails or sipping neat".
V Rum co-founder Carl Churchill said: “V Rum launched to the world just a few months ago and the feedback has been incredible. The one thing that kept coming up however was how much people wanted to try a spiced version of our premium and sustainable British rum.
"We’ve been perfecting the recipe for months and now we’re ready to introduce it to the world, just in time for winter and the delights of spiced rum punches or neat serves next to open fires.“
V Spiced is available direct from the distillery webshop in 70cl bottle format at RRP £27.99.
Northern Monk and Timothy Taylor release collaborative Stout
Northern Monk and Timothy Taylor’s have joined forces to release a new collaborative brew.
The 4.4% stout, called Northern Rising, marks the first collaboration from the two award-winning northern breweries and is a culmination of more than a year’s worth of work.
Brewed using roast barley and crystal malt, the beer was described as “malt-forward” with a “satisfying chocolate flavour”. Timothy Taylor’s “staple” Golden Promise was also added to the mix, giving the stout a full body.
Northern Rising will be released in cask and keg within Northern Monk’s and Timothy Taylor’s own venues, and in pubs across the UK, plus 440ml nitro stout cans in supermarkets and online.
Nirvana launches first amber ale
No & low brewery Nirvana has introduced its first amber ale, Nirvana Best (0.5%).
A take on British bitter, the new serve is available direct from the brewery in 500ml bottles (RRP £2.80) and keg. The beer also features Nirvana’s new bold look – soon to be featured across its now eight-strong range.
Described as full-bodied and a "homegrown classic", Best is said to feature a "rich, malty, backbone" of Maris Otter and Amber malts, complemented by a touch of oats and English Goldings hops, which bring earthy, floral and spicy notes for balance.
Nirvana founder Becky Kean said: “Since we started back in 2016, we’ve had requests from customers for a ‘real ale’ or traditional best bitter. Now, as we approach our ten year anniversary, we’ve brewed one that ticks all the right boxes – an outstanding homegrown beer, featuring classic ale malts and hops.”
Rampur expands whisky range
Rampur Distillery has introduced a new Indian Single Malt Whisky expression, Rampur Barrel Blush (45% ABV).
Matured in American Bourbon barrels before being finished in Australian Shiraz wine casks, selected by master distiller Anup Barik.
President of international business at Radico Khaitan, which distributes Rampur, Sanjeev Banga said: “As the whisky consumer market continues to evolve, the release of Rampur Barrel Blush not only highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence but also offers us the opportunity to present our craftsmanship to whisky enthusiasts worldwide.”
The serve features notes of vanilla, oak, and soft spices alongside layers of ripe berries, dark fruit from the wine casks.
Radico Khaitan president of international business Kunal Madan added: “We have poured our passion into this blend, meticulously experimenting with unique maturation techniques to create a whisky that authentically reflects our heritage. We have continued to push boundaries with the launch of Rampur Barrel Blush.
"The use of Australian Shiraz casks continues Rampur’s legacy of experimenting with different cask combinations and compliments Rampur’s characteristic of fruity and floral whisky.”
Rampur Barrel Blush is availble now in 70cl bottles at RRP £65.
Kingfisher introduces new "super-premium" beer
Kingfisher Drinks has unveiled a new "super-premium" world beer for the on-trade.
The new 5% ABV, called Kingfisher Ultra, is available now in the UK in cases of 24 bottles. Outlets stocking Kingfisher Ultra will also have access to a range of premium PoS material to support the launch of Ultra, including a 330ml glass and sleek rubber bar runners.
Crafted with hand-picked malts, Ultra is brewed with a six-step filtration process and no additives, giving the liquid a natural golden hue
Originally launched in India fifteen years ago, the beer has seen an annual growth rate of 20% between 2021-2023, according to Kingfisher.
Kingfisher Drinks senior brand manager Andy Sunnucks added: “We are delighted to introduce Kingfisher Ultra to the UK market. Those who have been lucky enough to try it in India will know that it is the gold standard.
"In fact, since launching in its home market back in 2009, Kingfisher Ultra has taken India by storm, becoming a bedrock of premium occasions, so we’re excited to confirm that it’s now the UK’s turn.
"Imported directly from India, Ultra really hits the spot with its light crisp taste and smooth finish and is the perfect addition to our growing Kingfisher portfolio. A year ago, we introduced Kingfisher Zero into the no and low category, so along with the original Kingfisher Premium, Kingfisher Ultra will complete our offer which now suits a wide range of consumer tastes.”
If you have any new products being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images for potential inclusion to Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com. The Next round-up will be published on Thursday 5 December. Check out the previous round-up here.
