Hydes launches first seasonal ale of 2025
Salford-based brewer Hydes has launched the first in its bi-monthly range of seasonal ales for 2025.
XPA is the first brew to appear on the bar as part of Hydes’ plans to expand its Vintage range with a collection of historic ales inspired by the original Anvil Brand.
The new beer is a blonde ale brewed with flaked rice and extra pale ale malts and hopped in generous proportions with US Cascade, resulting in a refreshing serve with strong citrus fruit characteristics.
To complement the new brews Hydes has developed retro-inspired designs featuring their classic Anvil Brewery branding to be displayed on pump clips, beer and drip mats and promotional posters.
Hydes manading director Adam Mayers said: “Following on from the successful 2024 range of classic Anvil Brand ales, we chose the 1960s and 70s for inspiration for this year’s retro selection, starting with XPA.
“Taking design elements from Hydes clips and bottle labels from that era, we’ve created a bold, striking range of pump clips and promotional designs that hark back to a simpler time, whilst the product range itself appeals to all ages.”
Following XPA, the range will include a further five new cask ales of varying strength to be introduced bi-monthly for the remainder of the year including Hydes Mild (3.4% ABV), Hydes IPA (4.4% ABV), Hydes Red (4.5% ABV), Hydes Stingo (6.0% ABV) and Hydes Imperial (5.2% ABV).
XPA is available throughout January and February across the Hydes estate. Read more about Hydes’ product range for 2025 here.
Tiny Rebel launches new beer in partnership with Fuller’s
Tiny Rebel, Wales’ largest independent brewery, has launched a new session IPA with London-based pubco Fuller’s.
Rebel IPA is a 4.3% ABV gluten-free and vegan-friendly brew that is said to deliver a crisp, smooth taste with citrus undertones.
Crafted at Tiny Rebel’s Newport brewery, Rebel IPA will be available exclusively at the brewers’ taprooms and across the Fuller’s estate from Saturday 18 January.
To celebrate the launch, Tiny Rebel said customers visiting its taprooms, which are in Newport and Cardiff, on launch day and requesting a pint of Rebel IPA will get a pint on the house.
In addition, the new brew will be available online from Tiny Rebel, which is a finalist in the 2025 Publican Awards Best Brewing Pubco category, before being released across the off trade nationwide in March.
Tiny Rebel co-founder Brad Cummings said: “Rebel IPA is the antidote for those ready to rebel together and celebrate with a pint of something truly banging this January.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this beer—not only for its incredible taste but because it’s our first-ever session IPA specifically designed to be enjoyed by both lager and craft drinkers alike. That’s a big milestone for us.
“It’s also the perfect choice for those looking to explore lighter alternatives to Classic IPAs - Session IPAs have all the flavour, but none of the compromise.”
“Our mission is to deliver great times with great beer, and we believe Rebel IPA does just that.”
Earlier this month Tiny Rebel also joined forces with LWC to release a new stout exclusively for the on-trade.
Also brewed in Rogerstone, Coal Drop (4.1% ABV) was described as an “easy-drinking, smooth and creamy sessionable nitro stout”, combining pale malted barley with a blend of rich kilned and roasted malts. Read more here.
Pathfinder non-alcoholic spirit brand now availble to UK on-trade
Non-alcoholic spirit brand The Pathfinder Hemp and Root is now available to the UK on-trade following a successful launch in America.
Inspired by apothecaries of the Old West, alternative medicine and the supernatural, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root is created with a methodical three-step process.
First, the fermentation of naturally harvested hemp seed into a powerful elixir, followed by distillation in 16th-century-style copper pot stills and finally the blending together of angelica root, wormwood, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel and wild-crafted Douglas-fir, as well as natural terpenes.
The brand said Pathfinder “shines” in a spritz recipe but can also be taken as a shot, sipped solo, served on the rocks, or used to modify classic cocktails.
Co-founded by Steven Grasse, who created brands such as Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum, Chris Abbott, the entrepreneur behind Mr. Moxey’s, and Guy Escolme, formally of Diageo, Pathfinder is now available to the UK trade through Speciality Drinks, Champers & Hammond’s of Knutsford with a RRP of £34.99.
Suggested serve:
Pathfinder Spritz
- 50ml Pathfinder
- 10ml lemon juice
- Soda water
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Build the drink over ice in a Collins glass, topping with soda, and serve garnished with a lemon wedge.
SALT and Molson Coors introduce new IPA for pubs
Earlier this month Leeds-based brewery SALT introduced a new session IPA crafted exclusively for the on-trade, Alpacalypse.
SALT, which is also a 2025 Publican Awards finalist in the Best Brewing Pubco category, told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) the 4.3% brew had been crated to provide a “more accessible entry point to craft”.
Crafted in partnership with Molson Coors, Alpacalypse uses American hops to offer a modern, hazy pale ale with a citrus aroma and tropical flavour.
Known for its core range, including Jute (4.2%) Session IPA and Loom (4%) Pale Ale, the independent West Yorkshire brewer hopes to reach a wider net of beer lovers with its new slightly less hoppy beer.
Alpacalypse will be available for the on-trade from Monday 20 January.
Read The MA’s exclusive interview on Alpacalypse with SALT founder Jamie Lawson and Molson Coors marketing director Hannah Norbury here.
Nirvana releases new Nitro Stout
Dedicated low and now brewery, Nirvana, has expanded its portfolio with the release of a 0.5% ABV Nitro Stout.
Created by head brewer James Rabagliati using Goldings hops, the launch marks Nirvana’s first nitro stout.
Described as offering rich, roasted flavours with a velvety texture, Nitro Stout is said to deliver notes of coffee, cocoa and caramel with a smooth, clean, finish.
Founder Becky Kean said: “We’re rapidly evolving as a brand and Nitro Stout is the ideal beer to complement our 2025 line-up.
“‘Specials’ will still be part of our offering, but we’re concentrating on some key brews that we know have particular mass appeal.
“There’s not enough no/low alternatives to this particular style of beer, so we’re looking forward to seeing the trade – and consumer – reaction.”
Nirvana Nitro Stout is available now direct from the brand’s wesbhop in 330ml can format at RRP £3.00.
Hobgoblin Session IPA launches in cask
Hobgoblin has announced the launch of its Session IPA in cask, now available in pubs across the UK.
Volume sales of Hobgoblin cask have risen by 76% year-on-year in pubs. This is in contrast to the overall cask category, which has seen a decline of 6.7%.
Hobgoblin Session IPA was the fastest growing national ale brand in a 12-week period ending in October 2024, with its distribution more than tripling over the past year, according to CGA data.
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) director of marketing Jo Marshall described Hobgoblin Session IPA as “a fantastic beer”. Read more here.
Woodforde’s enters no and low category
Woodforde’s Brewery has entered the low & no alcohol category with the launch of Volt 0.5.
A low alcohol version of its award-winning Volt American IPA, the new brew has been made with American hops to give it a citrusy taste and pine aroma, retaining the same taste as the 4.5% version.
The arrival of the 0.5% IPA last month marked Woodforde’s first foray into the low and no alcohol market, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Read more here.
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