BEER NEWS - May 2010

Goldfinger (and everything else)

Call it a publicity stunt if you will, but word reaches us of Greene King brewer Craig Bennett who was 'showered in gold' to honour a bet as the brewery scooped six gold medals at a prestigious international drinks competition. Craig, one of the team responsible for brewing the beers, had vowed that if Greene King won three gongs at the Monde Quality Awards he would paint himself head to foot in gold to mark the achievement. With the brewery grabbing six trophies, Craig was gilded in gold to work his shift in the Bury St Edmunds brewery. Craig said: "I casually mentioned that I would cover myself in gold if we were successful at the awards. I'd hoped we'd be able to match last year's success with a couple of golds, but thought that three would be pushing it - so I felt on pretty safe ground."

Brooklyn Lager � now on Draught

New York�s Brooklyn Lager is available in the UK for the first time on draught. Brewed by celebrated master brewer, Garrett Oliver, at 5.2%abv to a pre-prohibition recipe, Brooklyn lager is one of the Big Apple's most famous beers, previously available in the UK only in bottle "Make no mistake, this is not just big Yankie fish in a small UK pond," explains Nigel Stevenson, Beer consultant at distributors James Clay who are sole UK importer of Brooklyn Beers. "Brooklyn Lager is the real deal when it comes to independent American brewing. It's only ever brewed in New York, and this is the first time it's been available in this country." There has been a 'soft launch' of the lager on draught in a handful of select bars in the North of England including the North Bar in Leeds. "The feedback we're getting from the public has been amazing," says Stevenson. "They expect something pale, bland, fizzy and, well, ordinary � but they taste the exact opposite in Brooklyn Lager." James Clay are now increasing the number of kegs available and are inviting enquiries from the trade and wholesalers throughout the UK.

Drinkaware hoofs it!

As football fever sweeps the nation, alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has announced a range of tactics to help fans stay safe and drink responsibly throughout the summer, whether they're travelling to South Africa or watching the action from the UK. The charity is giving away 10,000 free footballs through their 'Hoof It' campaign. Aimed at males, aged 30-44, Hoof It! was launched on 2nd June by ex-England footballer, Gareth Southgate, to encouraging men to think about how much they're drinking during the tournament. The free footbalss carry health facts and tips, and a Drinkaware freestyle event featuring personal appearances by local football legends will take place in cities across the country. For fans travelling to South Africa, Drinkaware has also provided guidance on drinking and more general tips on getting around and staying safe. The messages will be distributed via a Free Lions publication funded by the Home Office, A Z-card at airports and other means.

Shipyards in England

Having kicked off on the fourth of July appropriately enough, Shipyard Brewing Company of Maine's master brewer Alan Pugsley has brough a little bit of the USA back to his home country of England. Marston's Beer Company is featuring Shipyard Independence Ale as a special collaborative guest beer at more than 500 of its pubs, and on June 15th, Pugsley will travel to Marston's Brewery in Wolverhampton to brew Shipyard Independence Pale Ale. As the fireworks were lit in the United States on July 4th, more than 250 barrels of Independence Pale Ale were simultaneously tapped at Marston's pubs. The idea for this collaborate beer stemmed out of Shipyard Brewing Company's relationship with Marston's. Pugsley, who is originally from Hampshire, moved to Maine in 1986 after working at Ringwood Brewery. Marston's Beer Company now owns Ringwood, and the brewery's Old Thumper Extra Special Ale is brewed by Pugsley in the United States.

Brakspear takes a punt

Wychwood Brewery has announced a new 'Brakspear Oxford Ale Trail' for summer. The Ale Trail will run until the 30th of June and will see a Brakspear T-shirt given free to anyone (over the age of 18) who buys a pint of Brakspear in any ten of the 19 Oxford pubs on the trail, and has their Brakspear Oxford Trail Passport stamped in each. In addition, anyone who achieves three stamps from participating pubs can automatically enter into a free prize draw to win a one hour punting session from the renowned Cherwell Boathouse. Stamps will be issued to those purchasing a pint of Brakspear Bitter or Oxford Gold.