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BEER NEWS - September 2007
Before the monthly roundup of beer news stories, this month is dominated by the death of beer writer Michael Jackson. See Willard Clarke' tribute to Michael Jackson.
Guinness Red Rolls Out
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Following a successful three month trial in the UK, a �2.5 million roll out campaign will bring the "smoother sweeter taste" of Guinness Red to pubs across the country. Guinness Red is made from the same raw ingredients
as regular Guinness - hops, barley, water and Guinness yeast - but instead of fully roasted barley, it uses lightly roasted barley to create a beer with a distinctive red colour.
Simon Garnett, Senior Innovation Manager for Guinness Red comments: "We are delighted with the results of the test, which emphatically show we have successfully recruited new drinkers to the Guinness brand.
Guinness Red has all the hallmarks of the distinctive brand they love, but with a smoother sweeter taste. People who usually only drink a few pints of Guinness a year, on events such as St Patrick�s Day and when
watching the rugby, now have another reason to choose Guinness more often." The expansion focuses on the Central region and will be supported with an advertising campaign early next year. To reach a wider
audience and test other key regions, Guinness Red will also be available in key managed bar groups - such as Mitchells & Butlers (owners of O'Neills amongst other bars).
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The world's best pub landlord?
A report released at the end of August reveals that entrepreneurship, innovation and business acumen are the most important skills needed by licensees to run a successful pub in 2007. As the traditional British pub
re-emerges as the favoured place to meet people and friends, licensees can no longer rely on charisma and personality to provide customers with a great pub experience. The study, undertaken by Greene King, reveals
a staggering 70 per cent cited pubs as their ideal socialising venue. In order for pubs to match consumers� expectations, 41 per cent of respondents said that customer services is the most important skill for pub
landlords to possess, and a 28 per cent cited sales
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and marketing. Some traditional perceptions do exist however - a third of those surveyed agreed that it was a landlord's responsibility to provide a focal point for
the community. The findings of the report have been analysed by the Institute of Leadership and Management, who commented:
"The research demonstrates that pubs are one of the few places where true diversity exists. The best licensees offer something for everyone. The best managers in all industries are often those whose skills go
unnoticed but I think this is particularly true of pub landlords."
Hop Farm Festival
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There's still time for readers in the South East to get along to the the Hop Farm Beer Festival at Paddock Wood in kent, which runs over the weekend of September 6th - 9th. The Festival will showcase 130+ beers from 35
breweries, along with local foods. Entertainment will include live music and Morris dancers, and a free shuttle bus will
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run between the Festival and Paddock Wood station. The £7.50 ticket inlcudes two tokens to
enjoy some beers (worth £2.20) and CAMRA members can show their cards to get £1.10 off.
for full details.
Rugger B*****s
Many beer-pages readers will be gearing up for the Rugby World Cup, being fought-out in France throughout September. For those watching on the big screen in a Fuller's pub, there's also the chance to enjoy a
World Cup atmosphere with the promise of special menus and guest beers from participating countries, competitions around score predictions, a special Jonny Wilkinson drop kick competition in
pub gardens and an in-pub Haka competition. There's also the chance to grab a bit of memorabilia: a limited edition rugby shirt is yours for collecting 10 stamps with pints of London
Pride. In supermarkets, there will be a similar promotion for a rugby shirt � which can be purchased
for £10.99 and three bottle tops.
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and not forgetting cricket....
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Marston's have launched a new blonde, full-bodied beer that has been crafted with the help of England swing bowler, Matthew Hoggard. The 3.8%ABV Marston's Night Watchman ale was launched at the
Great British Beer Festival, and will be rolled out nationwide in pubs as a guest ale in September. Matthew Hoggardsaid: "I really enjoyed brewing my own beer with the team at Marston's. I can recommend a pint of
Night Watchman. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day's play."
And on that subject, don't forget Willard Clarke's latest tome celebrating two of his own personal passions, beer and cricket. Just published by CAMRA books at �16.99 (and available from Amazon UK at £11.04),
the book is based on Roger's painstaking research, visiting the grounds of all the First Class counties to prepare in-depth profiles.
But this is Willard Clarke, so for each ground there is also a detailed run-down on the best pubs in the vicinity.
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