Copyright (c) 2013 Protz On Beer, by Roger Protz http://protzonbeer.co.uk en-gb Sat, 25 May 2013 18:55:00 BST Meantime's brewmaster has to pinch himself to believe the awesome success of his South London brewery. His lagers and pale ales are in great demand in the capital and beer sales are growing so fast he may need new premises in three years' time Sat, 25 May 2013 18:55:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/25/alastair-hook-leads-the-great-beer-revival-in-london-and-is-fast-running-out-of-space http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/25/alastair-hook-leads-the-great-beer-revival-in-london-and-is-fast-running-out-of-space The Merseyside Cain's brewery has been closed and mothballed while the owners forge ahead with plans for a £50 million Brewery Village on the site, with flats, a hotel and spa.The former workers, seen demonstrating this week outside Cain's Doctor Duncan's pub in Liverpool, claim they have received no redundancy pay or back pay Wed, 22 May 2013 21:06:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/22/cain-s-brewery-closes-and-sacked-workers-call-for-merseyside-boycott-of-beer-pubs http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/22/cain-s-brewery-closes-and-sacked-workers-call-for-merseyside-boycott-of-beer-pubs Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer based in Kent, has recreated a pale ale from the early 19th century that proves the style was not confined to Burton-on-Trent Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/18/sheps-takes-a-shine-to-brilliant-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/18/sheps-takes-a-shine-to-brilliant-ale West London brewer Fuller's has signed an exclusive deal with the top Belgian Trappist monastic brewer to launch Chimay Gold on draught in the UK. Tue, 14 May 2013 15:58:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/14/fuller-s-mines-for-belgian-monks-gold http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/14/fuller-s-mines-for-belgian-monks-gold Enter Shikari, the Alternative Rock band with musicians drawn from St Albans, are keen beer drinkers. They have teamed up with Signature Brew based in London to launch their own beer Sssnakepit. The beer will be available at the group's concerts. Oliver Wolffe reports Mon, 13 May 2013 11:52:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/13/top-rock-group-enter-their-own-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/13/top-rock-group-enter-their-own-beer Wye Valley launches bottle-conditioned beer using UK-grown Cascade hops; a new beer from the Belgian Chimay Trappist brewery, Gold, will be launched by Butcombe Brewery at Bristol's food and drink festival; Brain's Cardiff brewery launches collaborative IPA with beer reviewer Simon Martin; Newcastle United supporters' special brew to aid cancer charity; US home-brewing now legal in all 50 states Fri, 10 May 2013 19:44:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/10/news-roundup-wye-valley-butcombe-and-chimay-brain-s-ipa-newcastle-fans-beer-us-home-brewers-cheer-new-adnams-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/10/news-roundup-wye-valley-butcombe-and-chimay-brain-s-ipa-newcastle-fans-beer-us-home-brewers-cheer-new-adnams-ale When a pub in South London was threatened with closure to be turned into private housing, loyal customers banded together to raise the funds to buy it. Now the Ivy House, once a major 'pub rock' venue, will reopen later this year Wed, 08 May 2013 08:26:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/08/clinging-to-the-ivy-how-locals-united-to-save-pub-that-hosted-top-name-rock-stars http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/08/clinging-to-the-ivy-how-locals-united-to-save-pub-that-hosted-top-name-rock-stars Simon Moore, landlord of the Chequers in Witney, Oxfordshire -- the prime minister's constituency -- faces losing his job and his home as a result of the crippling rents imposed by his landlord, Enterprise Inns. According to Greg Mulholland MP and the GMB trade union, the case proves the need for reform of the giant pubcos Tue, 07 May 2013 17:36:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/07/tenant-facing-eviction-in-david-cameron-s-constituency-proves-need-for-pubco-reform http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/07/tenant-facing-eviction-in-david-cameron-s-constituency-proves-need-for-pubco-reform Unite, Britain's biggest trade union, has joined the campaign to stop pubs closing and communities withering Tue, 07 May 2013 12:39:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/07/major-union-backs-big-pubs-campaign http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/07/major-union-backs-big-pubs-campaign The Black Horse pub in Barnet, North London, has its own small brewery and its beers use the finest Maris Otter malting barley grown by farmer Teddy Maufe in Norfolk, who uses solar panels to ensure his grain gets maximum sunshine Sat, 04 May 2013 10:06:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/04/sun-kissed-malt-boosts-new-pub-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/04/sun-kissed-malt-boosts-new-pub-brewery The Jolly Angler in Reading was closed and boarded up by enterprise Inns. Now it's a flourishing pub free of the pubco tie. It was used as the launch pad for a major campaign that seeks a fair deal for tenants struggling with high prices and rents at the hands of the giant pubcos Fri, 03 May 2013 09:26:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/03/pub-that-came-back-from-the-dead-used-to-launch-campaign-against-giant-pubcos http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/03/pub-that-came-back-from-the-dead-used-to-launch-campaign-against-giant-pubcos Brakspear Special, one of the corner-stones of the historic Brakspear Brewery in Henley-on-Thames, is making a welcome return as the pub company that bears the former brewery's name opens a micro-brewing plant in the riverside town. Photo show Brakspear's chief executive Tom Davies (left) with brewer Malcolm Mayo Thu, 02 May 2013 08:48:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/02/why-henley-is-tasting-special-again http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/02/why-henley-is-tasting-special-again Starting this weekend, May will see a number of key beer talks and tastings, several featuring Roger Protz, including the Lord Clifden in Birmingham (pictured), Elgood's Brewery in Wisbech, and Meantime in Greenwich.. Meantime Brewery is joining forces with Young's pubs in London and Surrey for a series of beer-and-food events in May Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:46:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/30/big-beer-events-in-may http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/30/big-beer-events-in-may French restaurateur Jacques Borel says a reduction of VAT to 5% would lead to a rise in business and jobs in the British pub and restaurant sectors. He has already successfully won major reductions in tax in several European countries Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:26:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/30/cut-in-vat-would-boost-pubs--borel http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/30/cut-in-vat-would-boost-pubs--borel For the second year running, MP Greg Mulholland, who chairs the Parliamentary Save the Pubs Group, has been named Parliamentary Campaigner of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale as a result of his role in combating pub closures. He is pictured, centre, with CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner (left) and national chairman Colin Valentine Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:25:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/29/mulholland-feted-as-campaigner-of-the-year http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/29/mulholland-feted-as-campaigner-of-the-year McEwan's beer, for long sidelined in Scotland, is making a comeback under new owners Wells & Young's. But the new 'smoothflow' McEwan's Red is a long way removed from the legendary 80 Shilling sold at the equally legendary Athletic Arms -- the Diggers -- in Edinburgh. There's 80 Bob on the bar but it's a house beer brewed by Stewart's of Loanhead Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:13:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/26/mcewan-s-sees-red-in-scotland http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/26/mcewan-s-sees-red-in-scotland Winners in the International Brewing Awards (pictured with chairman Bill Taylor in London's Guildhall) named nine beers and one cider as overall champions, drawn from all parts of the world Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:17:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/25/top-of-the-pile-judges-name-the-best-beers-of-the-world-at-major-ceremony-in-london http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/25/top-of-the-pile-judges-name-the-best-beers-of-the-world-at-major-ceremony-in-london A seminar in London attended by brewers from Britain and overseas has heard that the 20 hop varieties grown here offer as many aromas and flavours as New World versions. The seminar is part of a campaign to stop the decline of the British hop industry -- a campaign led by hop farmer Ali Capper (pictured) Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:13:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/23/big-campaign-launched-to-boost-uk-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/23/big-campaign-launched-to-boost-uk-hops Shipyard Brewing, one of America's leading craft breweries, will launch its Pale Ale in Britain in May in collaboration with Marston's of Burton-on-Trent and Wolverhampton. Picture shows Marston's director of brewing Richard Westwood (right) showing Shipyard's Fred and Judy Forsley round the Wolverhampton plant Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:43:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/22/top-american-pale-ale-sets-sail-for-britain http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/22/top-american-pale-ale-sets-sail-for-britain Britain's oldest brewery has launched its most exacting and exciting range of classic ales and seasonal beers for 2013, ranging from a pale IPA to dark Porter and Stout. The range has been developed by head brewer Richard Frost (pictured) and his team at the Faversham brewery that uses water from its own artesian well along with the finest Kentish hops Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:22:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/18/beers-for-all-seasons-shepherd-neame-launches-big-range-of-ales-for-the-year http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/18/beers-for-all-seasons-shepherd-neame-launches-big-range-of-ales-for-the-year As Marston's launches its Single Hop beers for 2013, Simon Yates discusses the essential ingredients of the amazing plant that adds aroma and bitterness to beer Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:45:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/04/13/unravelling-the-mystery-of-the-hop-a-master-class-by-marston-s-top-brewer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/04/13/unravelling-the-mystery-of-the-hop-a-master-class-by-marston-s-top-brewer Figures reveal the top 50 leading craft brewers in the United States, including Sierra Nevada, which produces the leading brand Torpedo IPA (pictured), along with the leading national brewing companies Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:03:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/12/top-of-the-hops-in-u-s-craft-brewing http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/12/top-of-the-hops-in-u-s-craft-brewing Suffolk-based Greene King has won top awards in the Monde Selection annual competition for its IPA Gold and Reserve beers launched just a year ago. An international panel of judges gives golds for quality and taste in food and drink. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:40:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/greene-king-s-new-ipas-win-top-awards http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/greene-king-s-new-ipas-win-top-awards Lacons, the famous Great Yarmouth brewery closed by Whitbread, will re-open in May and the new owners have redesigned the falcon logo that can still be seen on many pubs throughout East Anglia. The first beers from the new brewery will be available in Norwich at the opening of the City of Ale festivities. Now the brewery has unveiled its first three beers Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:49:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/lacons-falcon-ready-to-fly-over-norfolk http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/lacons-falcon-ready-to-fly-over-norfolk The Bradford Film Festival, featuring such celebrity guests as Sir Tom Courtenay, will this year have Black Sheep beer on offer from the Masham Brewery. Both the festival and the brewery have been running for the same number of years so the presence of the Masham ale will be a double celebration. Photo shows Jo Theakston, marketing director, outside the brewery Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:56:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/take-black-sheep-with-your-popcorn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/take-black-sheep-with-your-popcorn Dougal Sharp, founder of Innis & Gunn that has forged world-wide success with its beers aged in whisky barrels, has struck a new course with a Helles-style pale golden lager Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:53:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/09/oak-aged-pioneer-breaks-new-ground-with-lager-based-on-bavarian-style-of-helles http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/09/oak-aged-pioneer-breaks-new-ground-with-lager-based-on-bavarian-style-of-helles Graham Yates has brewed beer and pulled pints at the Brunswick Inn in Derby for more than a decade. But now he's retired, leaving the world's first railway workers' pub in good hands for the future Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:05:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/04/09/legendary-publican-calls-time-at-derby-s-famous-railway-tavern-and-microbrewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/04/09/legendary-publican-calls-time-at-derby-s-famous-railway-tavern-and-microbrewery Simon Jenkins reports on Dan Jones's new brewery Hamelsworde in the 'wild frontier' between West and South Yorkshire. Dan, a keen home brewer, has gone commercial with a range of beers that includes Wheat, Stout and IPA Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:45:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/04/08/god-s-own-county-goes-beer-crazy http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/04/08/god-s-own-county-goes-beer-crazy David Ashton-Hyde, from Heston Blumenthal's Hinds Head, has walked away with the top prize in Innis & Gunn's first Bartender's Choice competition. His Smoked Beer infused with Bourbon Oak and Maple Syrup wowed the judges in Edinburgh Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:10:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/06/smoked-beer-in-bourbon-wows-the-judges http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/06/smoked-beer-in-bourbon-wows-the-judges A celebration of American craft beer will be staged in New York City in June as the industry experiences amazing growth. There will be beer-and-food pairings and the chance to meet top chefs and master brewers, including Brooklyn Brewery's Garrett Oliver (left) Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:42:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/u-s-craft-beer-heads-for-the-big-apple http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/u-s-craft-beer-heads-for-the-big-apple A unique collaboration between Dogfish Head craft brewery in the U.S. and Charles Wells of Britain has created an India Pale Ale based on an American beer recreated in the Bedford brewery Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/old-world-meets-new-world-with-ipa-that-s-brewed-on-both-sides-of-the-pond http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/old-world-meets-new-world-with-ipa-that-s-brewed-on-both-sides-of-the-pond CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has launched a month-long celebration of the British pub to encourage more people to use them following the scrapping of the Beer Duty Escalator. Pictured: the Baum, Rochdale, CAMRA's national pub of the year Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:38:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/02/big-drive-to-boost-britain-s-pubs http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/02/big-drive-to-boost-britain-s-pubs Lacons, a much-missed name in Norfolk brewing, will reopen in May and its beers will be launched at the Norwich City of Ale celebration. Image shows the Great Yarmouth brewery in the early 20th century Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:37:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/30/lacon-s-falcon-to-fly-again-in-yarmouth http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/30/lacon-s-falcon-to-fly-again-in-yarmouth Following the 'phenomenal success' of its 2012 Single Hop programme, Marston's will offer six beers for 2013 using hops from England, New Zealand and the United Sates, all offering a wide range of aromas and flavour Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:52:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/28/marston-s-unveils-single-hop-beer-range-for-2013-building-on-2012-s-big-success http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/28/marston-s-unveils-single-hop-beer-range-for-2013-building-on-2012-s-big-success The Ivy House in Nunhead, south London, which has featured such music stars as Elvis Costello and Joe Strummer, has been saved by local people after giant pub company Enterprise Inns sold it. An action group got backing from English Heritage, which listed the building, and financial support from the Architectural Heritage Fund Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:25:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/27/community-action-saves-london-music-pub http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/27/community-action-saves-london-music-pub Working with beer sommelier Jane Peyton, Ilkley Brewery in Yorkshire has dug deep in to history to produce a beer infused with pine needles -- a style that recalls the ales made by Norse people centuries ago Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:42:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/27/all-spruced-up-with-nordic-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/27/all-spruced-up-with-nordic-beer Will Hawkes takes us on a capital pub crawl that will please lovers of both cask and keg -- and may even unite them Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:59:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2013/03/25/a-crafty-look-at-london-s-best-bars http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2013/03/25/a-crafty-look-at-london-s-best-bars In the wake of last week's budget decrease in beer duty and the scrapping of the duty escalator, the Wetherspoon pub chain will cut the price of its beer. But founder Tim Martin (pictured) is also calling for a reduction in VAT so pubs can compete more favourably with supermarkets Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:34:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/25/wetherspoons-to-slash-beer-prices http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/25/wetherspoons-to-slash-beer-prices Historic day for beer drinkers as government scraps the beer duty escalator that has driven up the price of a pint and closed thousands of pubs. The campaign was driven by CAMRA, SIBA, pubgoers, publicans, brewers and MPs such as Greg Mulholland and Andrew Griffiths (pictured), chairs of the Parliamentary Beer and Save the Pub groups. Family brewer McMullen to cut price of a pint by 5p in 26 community pubs and Wetherspoon to slash prices Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:46:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/20/camra-siba-cheer-as-escalator-axed http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/20/camra-siba-cheer-as-escalator-axed Bath Ales' popular Rare Hare premium ale will be available on cask and in bottle for the Easter period as the brewery opens a new shop and visitor centre, with brewery tours available Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:55:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/hare-is-hopping-back-for-easter-as-brewery-goes-on-visitor-trail http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/hare-is-hopping-back-for-easter-as-brewery-goes-on-visitor-trail Small breweries in the United States are not only growing at a fast rate but the size of the biggest craft companies masks actual growth. Pictured: Sierra Nevada's massively successful Torpedo IPA Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:42:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/american-craft-beer-goes-on-booming http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/american-craft-beer-goes-on-booming Peter Amor of Wye Valley and the late Dave Wickett of Kelham Island Brewery were given Lifetime Achievement Awards at the SIBA conference in Sheffield. Peter Amor (left) is pictured with SIBA chairman Keith Bott Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:29:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/siba-honours-greats-of-british-brewing http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/siba-honours-greats-of-british-brewing Chiltern Brewery launches new eye-catching pump clips; American craft breweries continue to grow market share; Labour says it may keep Duty Escalator; Beer Sommelier enjoys Turkish Delight; industry 'Oscar' for Ossett Brewery Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:07:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/news-roundup-chiltern-the-u-s-labour-and-duty-turkey-pub-ossett-s-top-award-1 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/news-roundup-chiltern-the-u-s-labour-and-duty-turkey-pub-ossett-s-top-award-1 Stan Hieronymus takes beer lovers on a fascinating trip through the hop fields of the world, checking out every known variety, each with a unique aroma and flavour. He tells how differences in climate and soil affect the character of hops and gives a brief history of how the plant came to be the chosen one for adding bitterness to beer. Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:35:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2013/03/17/hip-on-hops-everything-you-ve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-beer-s-perfect-companion http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2013/03/17/hip-on-hops-everything-you-ve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-beer-s-perfect-companion Society of Independent Brewers unveils winners of national competition for cask, keg and bottled beers -- the first time all three categories have been judged under one roof. Supreme champions named as Convivial London Pubs, Cairngorm Brewery and Quantock Brewery Sat, 16 Mar 2013 18:38:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/16/siba-winners-announced-at-national-beerx http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/16/siba-winners-announced-at-national-beerx Pub owner Dawn Hopkins on the dire impact the Beer Duty Escalator is having on pubs, customers and the people who run them. As next week's budget looms, she says it's time for the government to help struggling pubs. Dawn is pictured speaking at the Save the Pubs rally in London earlier this year Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:39:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/03/14/time-to-rescue-the-poor-battered-pub http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/03/14/time-to-rescue-the-poor-battered-pub Roger Ryman, head brewer at St Austell Brewery, has launched a special stout for Ireland's national holiday, using a recipe from 1913 discovered in old leather-bound books at the Cornish company. The beer will help cement the strong Celtic links between Cornwall and Ireland Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:19:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/11/old-cornish-stout-to-celebrate-st-patrick-s http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/11/old-cornish-stout-to-celebrate-st-patrick-s The stunning medieval town of Bamberg in German Franconia is famous for its Rauch or smoked beer, with malt cured over beechwood to give a distinctive tang to the beer. Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:52:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/03/09/smoking-out-the-great-beers-of-bamberg http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/03/09/smoking-out-the-great-beers-of-bamberg Martin Kellaway (pictured) of Wharfedale Brewery in Yorkshire is heading for Catalonia with a well-hopped pale ale. It will be on offer at a major beer festival, evidence of the growing interest in good beer in Spain Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:13:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/05/off-to-barcelona-yorkshire-brewery-takes-hoppy-ale-to-blossoming-catalonian-market http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/05/off-to-barcelona-yorkshire-brewery-takes-hoppy-ale-to-blossoming-catalonian-market Marston's, the leading British brewing group behind Pedigree Bitter and Banks's, Jennings and Ringwood beers, says cask ale is the lifeline for the pub trade, with golden ales appealing to a younger generation of drinkers. Pictured: the world-famous Union fermenters at Marston's Burton brewery Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:12:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/04/top-brewer-says-cask-ale-is-top-of-the-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/04/top-brewer-says-cask-ale-is-top-of-the-hops Brewer and pub owner Stuart Bateman on why he likes real pubs, real people and real games -- and tells the powers-that-be to look on the traditional pub as the solution, not the problem Sat, 02 Mar 2013 08:12:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/03/02/take-me-to-a-pub-with-a-dart-board-and-spare-me-virtual-reality-gizmos http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/03/02/take-me-to-a-pub-with-a-dart-board-and-spare-me-virtual-reality-gizmos Small independent craft brewers in Britain have seen sales increase by close to 7 per cent as total beer sales decline. It means more jobs in the craft sector, a lifeline for pubs and greater choice for drinkers Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:32:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/28/craft-beer-goes-on-booming-in-britain http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/28/craft-beer-goes-on-booming-in-britain Hook Norton, the most traditional of English breweries, with wooden mash tuns and fermenters, and deliveries by horse-drawn drays, has launched a new beer aimed at modern younger drinkers Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:58:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/02/27/hooky-s-lion-roars-over-the-cotswolds http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/02/27/hooky-s-lion-roars-over-the-cotswolds American consumers have launched law suits in several states against global brewing giant AB InBev over claims that American beers, including Budweiser, have been watered down. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:29:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/27/drinkers-sue-bud-over-watered-down-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/27/drinkers-sue-bud-over-watered-down-beer Britain's biggest-selling 'red top' tabloid, the Sun, has joined the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator. In an editorial, the paper calls on Chancellor George Osborne to axe the tax in his March budget. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:38:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/27/top-tabloid-says-axe-the-escalator http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/27/top-tabloid-says-axe-the-escalator The London Drinker Festival, organised by the North London branch of CAMRA, 6-8 March at King's Cross, will turn the spotlight on the remarkable renaissance of brewing in the capital, including Duncan Sambrook's Battersea brewery (left). And there's a trade session where publicans and beer writers can have a private view -- and a free beer -- of what's on offer Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:36:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/22/festival-to-showcase-london-beer-revival http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/22/festival-to-showcase-london-beer-revival Organisers of the third City of Ale, a major celebration of Norwich pubs and breweries, have been given £5,000 to promote the event nationwide Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:40:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/20/big-cash-boost-for-norwich-real-ale-festival http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/20/big-cash-boost-for-norwich-real-ale-festival Thomas Hardy's Ale, a famous old ale brewed in England for many years, is being relaunched by two young enthusiasts in Italy Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:19:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/19/ciao-tomaso-legendary-english-strong-beer-is-on-the-way-back-from-italy http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/19/ciao-tomaso-legendary-english-strong-beer-is-on-the-way-back-from-italy Simon Jenkins on how a collaboration between Sierra Nevada of California and Thornbridge of Derbyshire has produced a hands-across-the-pond new beer Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:30:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/02/18/american-and-english-craft-breweries-scale-new-peaks-of-beery-delight http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/02/18/american-and-english-craft-breweries-scale-new-peaks-of-beery-delight 1,000 beers from 45 countries were judged at the International Beer Awards in Burton-on-Trent. Classes included lager, keg and cask ale and ranged from pale gold to jet black. Elgood's Brewery in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire -- run by three sisters (left to right) Claire Simpson, Belinda Sutton and Jennifer Everall, all Elgoods -- won Gold for their Black Dog Mild Ale Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:41:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/18/record-turnout-in-world-beer-awards http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/18/record-turnout-in-world-beer-awards Heineken has increased the price of John Smith's Smooth by 5 pence a pint -- and the brewing giant has also cut the strength of the beer. Carlsberg, Beck's, American Budweiser, Cobra and Stella have also jumped on the 'more money for weaker beer' bandwagon Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:02:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/14/it-s-the-great-beer-rip-off-now-you-pay-more-for-a-weaker-pint-of-smooth http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/14/it-s-the-great-beer-rip-off-now-you-pay-more-for-a-weaker-pint-of-smooth CAMRA's names top pub, the Baum, next door to the first-ever Co-op shop in Britain. Giant brewer AB Inbev announces nationwide push for Goose Island beers; Sambrook's launches pale ale with aid of German lagering technique; Purity reports booming sales Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:18:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/13/news-roundup-converted-shop-is-pub-of-the-year-ab-inbev-to-expand-goose-island-beers-sambrook-s-launches-pale-ale-with-a-german-twist-beer-booms-at-purity http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/13/news-roundup-converted-shop-is-pub-of-the-year-ab-inbev-to-expand-goose-island-beers-sambrook-s-launches-pale-ale-with-a-german-twist-beer-booms-at-purity There'll more for British drinkers on St Patrick's Day than a ubiquitous stout from Dublin. This year some specialist beers from the United States will enliven the celebrations -- including one made with clover leaves Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:21:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/11/it-s-black-and-green-for-st-pat-s-day http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/11/it-s-black-and-green-for-st-pat-s-day One of Belgium's famous cities stages a beer festival in a magnificent medieval setting. There are also great bars to enjoy, such as 't Brugs Beertje (left) while a 19th-century brewery has reopened. And there's a brilliant guide book to help you find the best bars Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:34:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/02/07/in-bruges-for-beer-bars-and-a-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/02/07/in-bruges-for-beer-bars-and-a-brewery Beer writer Matthew Kirkegaard pens an Open Letter to SABMiller's Australian boss at Carlton & United on how CUB could be misleading the drinking public by marketing a beer it brews as though it comes from a small independent company. Matt calls for more transparency for the consumer Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:39:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/31/dirty-work-down-under http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/31/dirty-work-down-under The annual prize for the best British hop has gone to the grower of Fuggles, a variety that dates back to the 18th century Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:13:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/28/historic-herb-is-top-of-the-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/28/historic-herb-is-top-of-the-hops Martin Slaughter rents brewery space in St Albans to produce a range of bottle-conditioned beers under the name of BoB, with some outrageous puns in the names...and good beer in the bottles Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:23:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/26/why-bob-s-forever-blowing-bubbles http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/26/why-bob-s-forever-blowing-bubbles Elland Brewery in West Yorkshire has walked away with the Champion Winter Beer of Britain award for the second time with its 1872 Porter Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:01:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/23/yorkshire-brewer-triumphs-at-winter-fest http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/23/yorkshire-brewer-triumphs-at-winter-fest Specialist bars, including a brewpub, are bringing new pleasure to drinking in the Czech capital. They include Pivovarsky Klub, pictured, which specialises in beers from Czech micros Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:08:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/22/new-pubs-brighten-beer-drinking-in-prague http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/22/new-pubs-brighten-beer-drinking-in-prague The Konrad Brewery in the Czech Republic survived Nazi occupation and 50 years of state ownership but was axed by Bass in 1998. But now it's back under Czech control,selling beer to many export markets and keen to establish itself in Britain Mon, 21 Jan 2013 13:44:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/21/bounced-czech-is-back-in-business http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/21/bounced-czech-is-back-in-business CAMRA's annual Great British Winter Beer Festival returns to Manchester this week. Events include unveiling the Champion Winter Beer of Britain and beers brewed by women 'brewsters'. Pictured are Louise Treseder and Peter Martin with CAMRA's Nik Antona (centre) when Driftwood Spars in Cornwall won Champion Winter Beer of Britain in 2012 for Alfie's Revenge Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:14:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/21/manning-winter-pumps-in-manchester http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/21/manning-winter-pumps-in-manchester Louise Ashworth (centre) on how she designed a beer with brewster Sara Barton (left) and sommelier Jane Peyton that is fruity rather than hoppy Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:12:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/20/not-feeling-bitter-brewing-a-beer-for-women-who-are-not-mad-about-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/20/not-feeling-bitter-brewing-a-beer-for-women-who-are-not-mad-about-hops Celebrities including Hugh Grant (left) signed a 1,000-strong petition to stop the Phene Arms in London's Chelsea being turned into a £20 million private house. The pub was once the local of football legend George Best Sat, 19 Jan 2013 19:42:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/19/stars-sign-up-to-save-george-best-s-local http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/19/stars-sign-up-to-save-george-best-s-local As two young entrepreneurs prepare to bring back the name of Truman's, a look back at how the original London brewery was axed in the mad property scramble of the 1960s and 70s Sat, 19 Jan 2013 07:41:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/19/how-a-london-giant-was-sent-to-its-grave http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/19/how-a-london-giant-was-sent-to-its-grave The Head of Steam pub chain is beating the recession and pulling in big crowds with a policy of global beers and specialist tastings. Graham Frost, manager of Tilleys Bar in Newcastle (pictured) has imported Alaskan Smoked Porter with great success Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:14:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/15/steaming-northern-pubs-show-how-to-pack-the-punters-in-with-global-craft-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/15/steaming-northern-pubs-show-how-to-pack-the-punters-in-with-global-craft-beers Guest Beer Writer Simon Jenkins reaches for a soothing pint when his publisher goes out of business Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:55:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/15/who-needs-royalties-we-do-it-for-love http://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/15/who-needs-royalties-we-do-it-for-love Franciscan Well in Cork has been bought by global brewer Molson Coors, which will build a new site outside the city to develop sales to the U.S. and Europe. Pictured at the news of the sale are Alan Wolfe (left) of Molson Coors and Shane Long, founder of Franciscan Well Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:06:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/14/molson-coors-snaps-up-irish-craft-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/14/molson-coors-snaps-up-irish-craft-brewery Business Secretary Vince plans a code of practice enforceable in law to give tenants of pubcos the same rights as free trade licensees to buy beer free of the tie Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:28:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/09/vince-cable-calls-time-on-the-pubcos http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/09/vince-cable-calls-time-on-the-pubcos Andrei Lussmann has won coveted awards for his food and has now added to customers' pleasure with a menu featuring beers from some of Britain's top craft brewers Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:20:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/09/beer-on-the-menu-at-award-winning-restaurants http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/09/beer-on-the-menu-at-award-winning-restaurants Bruce Ash (seen left with Dr George Philliskirk of the Beer Academy) from Woodforde's Brewery near Norwich has won the coveted title of Beer Sommelier; Cask Ale Week to return this autumn; Hawkshead Brewery reports big jump in beer production; Christmas boost for Moorhouse Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:58:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/08/news-roundup-woodforde-s-cask-marque-hawkshead-moorhouse http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/08/news-roundup-woodforde-s-cask-marque-hawkshead-moorhouse Follow the wonderful world of brewing in this video shot exclusively for protzonbeer.co.uk. John Bexon, head brewer at Greene King, takes Roger Protz round his traditional brew house and fermenting area, taking in the ancient wooden vats where Strong Suffolk is matured. They then taste and discuss a range of Suffolk beer. Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:30:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/12/31/the-magic-of-brewing-the-joy-of-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/12/31/the-magic-of-brewing-the-joy-of-beer Attempts to sort out the festering trademark dispute between Budweiser Budvar of the Czech Republic (brewhouse pictured) and American giant Anheuser Busch have failed. Jiri Bocek of Budvar says AB wants to dominate world markets and squeeze Budvar out Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:49:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/21/budweiser-talks-break-down-again http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/21/budweiser-talks-break-down-again American brewmaster Mitch Steele makes a major contribution to our knowledge of India Pale Ale, both ancient and modern, in a book that traces the history of the style and its rediscovery on both sides of the Atlantic Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:05:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/12/16/searching-for-the-roots-of-ipa-the-beer-style-that-changed-the-world-of-brewing http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/12/16/searching-for-the-roots-of-ipa-the-beer-style-that-changed-the-world-of-brewing Truman's Brewery, once an East End colossus, will rise from the ashes in March when a new site opens in Hackney Wick and will restore a name beloved by legions of cockney drinkers Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:10:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/12/14/truman-s-the-eagle-has-almost-landed http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/12/14/truman-s-the-eagle-has-almost-landed Beer is a fine companion at the dining table and you can enrich your Christmas pleasure with special festival ales, including the range available from Real Beer Box ,Beers of Europe and Chiltern Brewery (left) Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:41:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/12/yule-tide-over-with-great-festive-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/12/yule-tide-over-with-great-festive-beers Sriram Aylur of Quilon's restaurant in London has added a wide range of beers -- from lagers to ales -- to his Michelin-starred menus and is winning growing interest from diners Sat, 08 Dec 2012 11:38:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/08/michelin-star-chef-sings-praises-of-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/08/michelin-star-chef-sings-praises-of-beer Pete Brown named Beer Writer of the Year with top prizes for Roger Protz, Alastair Gilmour, Simon Jenkins, Tim Webb, Martyn Cornell, Will Hawkes and Tim Hampson. Sara Barton named Brewer of the Year Sat, 08 Dec 2012 09:38:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/08/top-beer-writers-honoured-in-guild-awards http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/08/top-beer-writers-honoured-in-guild-awards Burton brewery to build on success of 'single hop beer' with new range for 2013 with hops drawn from England, the United States and New Zealand after listening to drinkers' views on 2012 ales Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:49:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/03/marston-s-on-the-hop-for-new-range-of-ales http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/03/marston-s-on-the-hop-for-new-range-of-ales As Christmas draws near, a number of breweries will stage such events as open days, brewery tours, beer tastings and choosing hampers at Chiltern Brewery (left). Meanwhile, Innis & Gunn in Edinburgh has put its entire workforce through an accreditation scheme with the Beer Academy, Otley Brewery in South Wales has opened a shop and a Cheshire pub has won plaudits. Titanic helps save village local Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:44:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/26/news-roundup-brewery-festive-events-special-accreditation-for-innis-gunn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/26/news-roundup-brewery-festive-events-special-accreditation-for-innis-gunn Twenty-three years after the giant Truman's Brewery in London's Whitechapel closed, two young entrepreneurs, James Morgan and Michael George-Hemus, have successfully raised the money -- with support from East Londoners -- to open a new Truman's brewery in Hackney Wick in 2013 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 12:22:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/23/truman-s-to-return-to-east-london http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/23/truman-s-to-return-to-east-london The Tower of London's world-famous Traitor's Gate now adorns the pump clip of a new ruby cask beer from Fuller's of Chiswick that uses a blend of American and Australian hops Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:05:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/21/fuller-s-launch-limited-edition-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/21/fuller-s-launch-limited-edition-ale Mike Benner (left), chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, says weak planning laws are allowing high street giants to take over viable pubs and are robbing local people of vital amenities Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:54:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/20/camra-calls-on-government-to-stop-supermarkets-killing-community-pubs http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/20/camra-calls-on-government-to-stop-supermarkets-killing-community-pubs From the archive: how breweries are using whisky casks to develop new flavours in beer, including the Ola Dubh range brewed by Stewart Cail (left) at Harviestoun in Alva Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:06:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/11/17/beer-and-whisky-from-the-mists-of-time-a-marriage-made-in-the-scottish-highlands http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/11/17/beer-and-whisky-from-the-mists-of-time-a-marriage-made-in-the-scottish-highlands In 1992 Paul Theakston of the famous Masham brewing clan, launched his own brewery with a business plan aimed solely at the free trade. Today Black Sheep ales are on sale in 1,000 pubs and bottled beers are available nationwide. Paul has now handed over day-to-day control to his sons Rob and Jo but he keeps a fatherly eye on the business and has helped devise a celebration beer to mark 20 years of success Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:08:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/11/12/up-hill-down-dale-20-years-of-black-sheep-s-remarkable-brewing-success http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/11/12/up-hill-down-dale-20-years-of-black-sheep-s-remarkable-brewing-success In Shakespeare's Local, Pete Brown tells the riveting tale of the inn in Southwark that has withstood fire and pestilence and is now the capital's only galleried Elizabethan hostelry Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/11/08/by-george--the-story-of-the-london-coaching-inn-that-won-t-lie-down http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/11/08/by-george--the-story-of-the-london-coaching-inn-that-won-t-lie-down Two books, with radically different approaches, chart Britain's lost beers and the breweries that produced them, including Tetley's of Leeds (left) Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:49:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/11/04/trip-down-nostalgia-lane-to-find-the-great-beers-and-their-breweries-of-yesteryear http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/11/04/trip-down-nostalgia-lane-to-find-the-great-beers-and-their-breweries-of-yesteryear Beer Sommelier Jane Peyton recreates medieval ale for TV; Craft Beer Rising in London will celebrate innovation in brewing. David Bruce, ex-Firkins, is back and helping to open two new brewpubs; 550 pubs grace new Michelin guide Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:48:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/03/roundup-beer-sommelier-on-tv-craft-beer-fest-brewpubs-planned-more-pubs-in-michelin-guide http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/03/roundup-beer-sommelier-on-tv-craft-beer-fest-brewpubs-planned-more-pubs-in-michelin-guide French president Francois Hollande has announced a 116% increase in beer duty on the eve of a debate in the British parliament on the 'beer duty escalator' that has increased beer tax by 42% since 2008. CAMRA reports that pub closures are soaring again Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:12:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/31/now-france-joins-britain-in-attack-on-beer-with-massive-116-per-cent-tax-increase http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/31/now-france-joins-britain-in-attack-on-beer-with-massive-116-per-cent-tax-increase A master brewer and an archivist at Shepherd Neame in Kent have broken 19th-century codes to bring back a Double Stout and an IPA from a major brewing period Sat, 27 Oct 2012 12:59:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/27/brewery-code-breakers-in-kent-bring-back-iconic-beers-from-the-victorian-period http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/27/brewery-code-breakers-in-kent-bring-back-iconic-beers-from-the-victorian-period Strong Suffolk Ale, brewed by Greene King, is a potent link with 'country beers' brewed in the 18th century. It's a blend of two beers: the strongest is Old 5X aged in wooden vats for between one and two years. Now there's growing demand for Old 5X to be bottled as a separate beer Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:56:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/24/x-marks-the-spot-for-historic-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/24/x-marks-the-spot-for-historic-beer MPs will hold a parliamentary debate on beer duty on 1 November as latest figures show a fall of 4.8% in pub sales in third quarter of the year. There are fears that more pubs will close unless the government scraps the Beer Duty Escalator Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:49:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/23/mps-to-debate-beer-tax-as-sales-slump http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/23/mps-to-debate-beer-tax-as-sales-slump Batemans in Lincolnshire is a sturdy member of the small number of surviving family brewers. In the hands of the younger generation of Jaclyn and Stuart Bateman, the brewery is carving new routes to market by overhauling its beer range and improving its pub estate. Pictured: the Carpenters Arms in Boston Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:42:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/20/family-brewer-keeps-the-flag-flying http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/20/family-brewer-keeps-the-flag-flying Brewers have walked away with 254 medals from the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. 666 breweries from 48 states entered the 2012 competition. India Pale Ale and stronger versions were the talking point of the festival, along with a new category for Fresh Hop beers, using hops straight from the harvest. Image shows brewers at the awards ceremony Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:03:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/15/american-brewers-go-for-gold-in-denver http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/15/american-brewers-go-for-gold-in-denver The English hop industry could die within a decade unless British brewers start to use more home-grown varieties. Once a major industry -- image shows hop pickers in the early 20th century -- it's now withering on the bine Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:12:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/10/time-to-stand-up-for-english-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/10/time-to-stand-up-for-english-hops Batemans Brewery in Lincolnshire has won a top prize and a six-month listing in Sainsbury's stores by winning the prestigious Great British Beer Hunt. for its Mocha Beer, brewed with the addition of coffee beans. Picture shows Nathan Wride and Jaclyn Bateman from the brewery with host of the event Olly Smith Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:17:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/09/batemans-triumph-in-sainsbury-s-beer-hunt http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/09/batemans-triumph-in-sainsbury-s-beer-hunt In a speech to MCC members at Lord's cricket ground on 8 October I outlined the historic links between beer and cricket, where the laws of the game were drawn up at the Bat & Ball pub in Hambledon (left), and then conducted a tasting of beers from breweries close to Test grounds Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:13:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/09/never-stumped-for-a-good-pint http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/09/never-stumped-for-a-good-pint The Franciscan Well Brewery in Ireland's Second City plans a 10-fold expansion in order to export its stouts to the United States with its large Irish-American audience. Pictured are owner Shane Long (left) with head brewer Peter Lyall Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:38:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/07/cork-brewery-plans-big-expansion-to-attack-the-american-market-with-its-strong-stouts http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/07/cork-brewery-plans-big-expansion-to-attack-the-american-market-with-its-strong-stouts The annual World Beer Awards has handed its top trophy to an American Pale Ale with additional awards going to a wide variety of categories, including Lager, Dark Beer, Pale Beer, Barley Wine and Flavoured Beer Sat, 29 Sep 2012 11:58:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/29/american-pale-ale-on-top-of-beer-world http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/29/american-pale-ale-on-top-of-beer-world In the annual Cask Report, author Pete Brown says that cask beer has shown great resilience and has grown its sales during a recession while the total beer market continues to decline. He urges more publicans to embrace the Try Before You Buy scheme to bring more drinkers in to the cask sector Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:42:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/28/cask-beer-bounces-back-on-nation-s-bars http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/28/cask-beer-bounces-back-on-nation-s-bars Pub operator Tony Brookes has surveyed high street beer prices before and after this year's budget and says supermarkets are selling beer so cheaply that it would be more profitable for publicans to buy from them instead of breweries Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:15:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/26/head-of-steam-boss-accuses-supermarkets-of-killing-pubs-with-pre-budget-beer-prices http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/26/head-of-steam-boss-accuses-supermarkets-of-killing-pubs-with-pre-budget-beer-prices Beer's answer to Beaujolais Nouveau will be on show at Canterbury's Food & Drink Festival next week as brewers showcase special brews made with hops straight from the fields Sun, 23 Sep 2012 12:45:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/23/a-harvest-of-green-hop-beers-will-celebrate-the-new-crop-from-kent-s-historic-orchards http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/23/a-harvest-of-green-hop-beers-will-celebrate-the-new-crop-from-kent-s-historic-orchards CAMRA -- the Campaign for Real Ale -- has won support from 100,000 beer lovers who have signed an e-petition that will lead to a parliamentary debate on the Beer Duty Escalator that increases the price of a pint every year. CAMRA chairman Colin Valentine (left) has hailed the result as a great victory for beer drinkers Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:33:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/20/axe-the-tax-petition-is-over-the-finishing-line-as-100-000-sign-up-for-key-debate http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/20/axe-the-tax-petition-is-over-the-finishing-line-as-100-000-sign-up-for-key-debate There'll be music and drinking in Pilsen in October as Pilsner Urquell marks 170 years since the original golden lager was first brewed. Brewmaster Vaclav Berka (pictured) will tap wooden casks of unfiltered beer as part of the celebrations Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:47:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/19/world-s-first-golden-lager-to-celebrate-anniversary-in-style-in-pilsen-square http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/19/world-s-first-golden-lager-to-celebrate-anniversary-in-style-in-pilsen-square Chris France (left) and Mark Roberts aim to revolutionise beer retailing with a special online service for lovers of craft and global beer. In Barnsley, Acorn Brewery has won a top award for a pub that opened just a year ago. The Beer Academy names Jane Peyton as its first London Beer Sommelier. Saltaire Brewery wants photos to celebrate the Great British Pub Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:02:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/17/round-up-online-beer-shop-launched-acorn-pub-wins-top-yorkshire-award-london-female-beer-sommelier-named-micro-offers-prizes-for-best-pub-photos http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/17/round-up-online-beer-shop-launched-acorn-pub-wins-top-yorkshire-award-london-female-beer-sommelier-named-micro-offers-prizes-for-best-pub-photos Tim Martin (left), founder of J D Wetherspoon, reported healthy profits but he will open fewer pubs this year as a result of the tax burden. He attacks the government for both high rates of duty and 'stealth taxes' that cost him £4 million a year -- but he's firmly against minimum pricing. Sun, 16 Sep 2012 07:52:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/09/16/beer-taxes-stop-crippling-pubs-says-w-spoon-boss-in-plea-to-government http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/09/16/beer-taxes-stop-crippling-pubs-says-w-spoon-boss-in-plea-to-government The 40th edition of CAMRA's annual guide records the biggest number of breweries for more than 70 years. The guide was launched in London's Buckingham Arms, just one of seven pubs that have appeared in all 40 editions. Among those attending the launch were Michael Hardman (left) and John Hanscomb, the first editors, seen with a copy of the 1974 edition Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:20:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/12/good-beer-guide-celebrates-record-number-of-british-breweries-most-for-70-years http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/12/good-beer-guide-celebrates-record-number-of-british-breweries-most-for-70-years After years of domination by the Big Two, there are now 20 craft breweries in Ireland that are at long last offering drinkers a diverse range of ales, stouts and lagers. Xavier Baker (pictured) is just one of many independent brewers rolling back the tidal wave of the global giants' stouts Sun, 09 Sep 2012 11:14:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/09/09/good-beer-and-choice-return-to-ireland http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/09/09/good-beer-and-choice-return-to-ireland Tim and Webb and Stephen Beaumont pick up Jackson's torch to take readers on a dizzy tour of the modern beer world and its vast range of styles Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:22:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/09/07/authors-pay-homage-to-both-michael-jackson-and-the-new-world-of-craft-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/09/07/authors-pay-homage-to-both-michael-jackson-and-the-new-world-of-craft-beer Jonathan Neame, chief executive of major regional brewer Shepherd Neame, says the "duty escalator" is doing great harm to pubs that are the centres of their communities Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:24:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/09/05/neame-government-must-act-to-stop-beer-tax-killing-pubs-and-the-working-man-s-pint http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/09/05/neame-government-must-act-to-stop-beer-tax-killing-pubs-and-the-working-man-s-pint Tom Jenkinson, head brewer at Chiltern Brewery, has devised a special recipe for a strong bottle-conditioned beer to mark the special anniversary of the GBG. I was allowed to help start the brew Sun, 02 Sep 2012 07:12:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/02/chiltern-ruby-ale-salutes-40-years-of-camra-s-unique-good-beer-guide http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/02/chiltern-ruby-ale-salutes-40-years-of-camra-s-unique-good-beer-guide Head brewer John Keeling (left) launches three new bottled beers, including the latest Vintage Ale, an 'Old Burton' from the 1930s and a strong beer matured for a year in oak casks from Armagnac Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:58:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/28/vintage-fuller-s-dives-into-history-books-and-gets-a-taste-for-french-brandy http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/28/vintage-fuller-s-dives-into-history-books-and-gets-a-taste-for-french-brandy A beer commemorating Ketts Revolt against land enclosures in East Anglia has been brought back by Woodforde's Brewery near Norwich Tue, 21 Aug 2012 05:01:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/21/rebel-beer-stirs-up-norfolk http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/21/rebel-beer-stirs-up-norfolk Scotland's great city will host its second beer festival in September with the support of local brewers, including Petra Wetzel (left), who will brew a festival beer at her specialist WEST lager plant. In Edinburgh, Innis & Gunn, famous producers of oak-aged beer, are opening their first online shop Sun, 19 Aug 2012 04:50:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/19/glasgow-gets-ready-for-beer-bonanza http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/19/glasgow-gets-ready-for-beer-bonanza The chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale says pub closures must be tackled, the beer duty escalator has to be scrapped and if some brewers want to make keg beer -- 'be my guest' Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:16:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/08/17/camra-s-colin-valentine-on-the-major-challenges-facing-the-booming-campaign http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/08/17/camra-s-colin-valentine-on-the-major-challenges-facing-the-booming-campaign BBC website talks to Roger Protz about how to taste and appreciate beer, filmed this week at the Great British Beer Festival at London Olympia Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:21:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/10/the-joy-of-beer-at-gbbf-video http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/10/the-joy-of-beer-at-gbbf-video Flying Scotsman celebrates the restoration of the famous steam locomotive and will be on sale throughout the country. Hogs Back celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new range of pump clips. Chiltern launches a beer to aid the charity that runs Stoke Mandeville Stadium, birthplace of the Paralympics Fri, 10 Aug 2012 06:55:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/10/gbbf-round-up-new-beers-and-images-from-caledonian-hogs-back-and-chiltern http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/10/gbbf-round-up-new-beers-and-images-from-caledonian-hogs-back-and-chiltern Coniston No 9 Barley Wine was named Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival. It's the second time Coniston has won the title and Bluebird Bitter has a role to play in the strong ale Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:03:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/07/cumbrian-beer-scales-the-olympian-heights http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/07/cumbrian-beer-scales-the-olympian-heights From a 'beer desert' in the 1970s, London is once again a great brewing city with some 30 producers supplying all parts of the capital. Several of them will have their beers on show at the Great British Beer festival at Olympia this week. Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:56:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/07/big-boom-in-london-brewers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/07/big-boom-in-london-brewers The founder of Innis & Gunn, Dougal Sharp, who has spearheaded the development of beer aged in wood, talks about the changes in beer production in order to keep pace with demand. Sun, 05 Aug 2012 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/05/oak-aged-beer-an-interview-with-dougal-sharp-of-innis-gunn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/05/oak-aged-beer-an-interview-with-dougal-sharp-of-innis-gunn Kent family brewer Shepherd Neame swept the board in the International Beer Challenge, winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for its ales Sat, 04 Aug 2012 05:35:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/04/sheps-grabs-gold-in-beer-olympics http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/04/sheps-grabs-gold-in-beer-olympics Greene King's Old 5X will get a rare outing at the Great British Beer Festival. The 12% beer, part of the blend in Strong Suffolk Ale, will be available on draught in one-third servings Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:08:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/02/oak-aged-legend-heads-for-olympia http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/02/oak-aged-legend-heads-for-olympia Sales of fruit-flavoured beers grew by 80% over the past year, making it the fastest-growing sector of the British beer market. And sales are set to rise even further as the swing to ale and cider continues Mon, 30 Jul 2012 04:31:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/30/big-surge-in-fruit-beer-sales-up-80 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/30/big-surge-in-fruit-beer-sales-up-80 Thornbridge's flagship beer has been named one of the top drinks in Britain in the prestigious Great Taste awards while Butcombe in the West Country has been short-listed in food industry awards Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:06:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/27/jaipur-ipa-wins-major-top-50-billing-and-butcombe-reaches-finals-of-industry-awards http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/27/jaipur-ipa-wins-major-top-50-billing-and-butcombe-reaches-finals-of-industry-awards The 2012 GBBF will be more than just a beer festival -- it's a celebration of the remarkable revival of beer on a world scale Sun, 22 Jul 2012 09:02:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/22/go-for-gold-at-london-s-beer-olympics http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/22/go-for-gold-at-london-s-beer-olympics Sink or Swim, a strong India Pale Ale, brewed to a Victorian recipe, and aged for five months, is now on sale -- in half pints only -- at the Hop Pole pub in Aylesbury Sat, 21 Jul 2012 05:25:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/21/aylesbury-ipa-breaks-its-duck http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/21/aylesbury-ipa-breaks-its-duck Wheat Watchers, a raspberry fruit beer brewed by Brewsters, has been designed as a soft and fruity beer that will appeal to women drinkers. In Lancashire, Moorhouse's is to stage a 'Beer Ascot' with 25 beers produced by brewsters. Chef Angela Hartnett has visited Shepherd Neame to see how beer is brewed for a forthcoming BBC2 series Fri, 20 Jul 2012 05:16:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/20/big-push-by-brewsters-to-win-more-women-to-the-pleasures-of-beer-but-easy-on-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/20/big-push-by-brewsters-to-win-more-women-to-the-pleasures-of-beer-but-easy-on-hops Fordham and Old Dominion beers from Delaware have links to America's pre-revolutionary period and they are now on sale in Britain in bottle and on tap Sun, 15 Jul 2012 13:35:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/15/american-beers-with-colonial-history-hit-british-bars-and-specialist-retailers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/15/american-beers-with-colonial-history-hit-british-bars-and-specialist-retailers Stratford may be a 'Heineken exclusion zone' for the Olympics but you can enjoy good beer in the Kings Cross/St Pancras area before heading east. Pictured is Fuller's new Parcel Yard at Kings Cross Sat, 14 Jul 2012 04:49:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/14/look-north-for-a-decent-pint-before-heading-east-for-olympics-stadium http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/14/look-north-for-a-decent-pint-before-heading-east-for-olympics-stadium An open letter to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury who supports the Beer Duty Escalator Thu, 12 Jul 2012 02:13:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/12/get-off-the-escalator-ms-smith http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/12/get-off-the-escalator-ms-smith West Country brewer has seen a big jump in sales for draught and bottled beers and has tweaked its Gold ale to chime with the London Olympics Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:38:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/09/butcombe-breaks-records-and-goes-for-olympic-gold-with-an-american-twist http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/09/butcombe-breaks-records-and-goes-for-olympic-gold-with-an-american-twist Derby Brewing Co and Red Arrow Buses have joined forces to launch a special beer for visitors taking the bus to Derby Beer Festival Sat, 07 Jul 2012 06:03:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/07/hop-on-a-bus-with-special-festival-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/07/hop-on-a-bus-with-special-festival-ale The British Court of Appeal has backed the Czech Budvar brewery and says both Budweiser brands can use the full trademark name in the UK. At the same time, Budvar has ended its deal with AB InBev to import the Czech beer in the U.S. Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:14:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/05/czech-victory-in-new-battle-of-the-buds http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/05/czech-victory-in-new-battle-of-the-buds A male voice choir from the U.S. was so inspired by Marston's world-famous Union Rooms in Burton that they burst into song with both the American and British national anthems Wed, 04 Jul 2012 05:47:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/04/michigan-choir-s-4-july-serenade-for-pedigree-in-famous-union-rooms http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/04/michigan-choir-s-4-july-serenade-for-pedigree-in-famous-union-rooms Dorothy Goodbody brewer Wye Valley is making a major investment in a new brewhouse and is using the same team that successfully designed the new Moorhouse's plant in Burnley. *Thornbridge Brewery is adding to its estate by leasing a pub in Sheffield from Punch Taverns Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:23:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/02/wye-valley-to-invest-2m-to-expand-brewery-and-keep-pace-with-demand http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/02/wye-valley-to-invest-2m-to-expand-brewery-and-keep-pace-with-demand Johan Van Dyck has dug deep into the secrets of brewing in Antwerp in the 18th and 19th centuries to restore Seef, a beer style described as 'the working man's champagne', which was lost with the arrival of mass-marketed lagers Sun, 01 Jul 2012 05:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/01/beer-artist-van-dyck-recreates-the-historic-beer-of-antwerp-that-was-killed-off-by-lager http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/01/beer-artist-van-dyck-recreates-the-historic-beer-of-antwerp-that-was-killed-off-by-lager The Farriers Arms in St Albans flew the real ale flag in the 1970s and is now visited by legions of cask beer drinkers anxious to worship at at the shrine where first CAMRA branch was founded Thu, 28 Jun 2012 08:22:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/28/great-little-local-at-heart-of-cask-revolution http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/28/great-little-local-at-heart-of-cask-revolution McMullen of Hertford, celebrating 185 years of brewing this year, says the high rates of duty and VAT it hands the government are hampering its ability to invest in its pubs. Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:01:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/27/tax-burden-crippling-family-brewers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/27/tax-burden-crippling-family-brewers One of the iconic cask beers of the 1970s -- once worth 850,000 barrels a year -- faces likely extinction as AB InBev searches for a brewery willing to produce the beer Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:52:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/25/will-boddingtons-get-the-bullet http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/25/will-boddingtons-get-the-bullet A conference hosted by the Soil Association and Laverstoke Farm on 3 July in Hampshire will discuss all aspects of organic beer production, including the use of malt and hops Sat, 23 Jun 2012 05:37:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/23/future-of-brewing-under-the-spotlight http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/23/future-of-brewing-under-the-spotlight Leading Australian craft brewer Little Creatures faces a A$381 million bid by Lion, owner of XXXX, Boag's and Toohey's. Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:39:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/21/aussie-craft-brewer-faces-takeover-bid-by-giant-behind-castlemaine-and-toohey-s http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/21/aussie-craft-brewer-faces-takeover-bid-by-giant-behind-castlemaine-and-toohey-s Fuller's has moved away from its traditional use of English hops and has imported four American varieties for a new cask ale, Wild River. In Kent. Westerham Brewery launches a new cask beer with nine hops. Further north, Moorhouse's introduces a new golden ale while in Burton Marston's has caught a cough with an old brewery artefact Sat, 16 Jun 2012 10:14:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/16/fuller-s-gets-bitter-with-u-s-style-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/16/fuller-s-gets-bitter-with-u-s-style-beer Head brewer Stuart Howe has brought his love of Belgian beer to his brewery at Rock where he has launched the first in a new range of full-tasting, complex, bottle-conditioned ales Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/14/belgium-comes-to-cornwall-with-sharp-s-new-range-of-connoisseurs-bottled-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/14/belgium-comes-to-cornwall-with-sharp-s-new-range-of-connoisseurs-bottled-beers Inspired by the Victorian railway pioneer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Box Steam Brewery in Wiltshire has launched three of its cask beers in bottled form for the pleasure of both ale lovers and steam buffs Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:27:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/11/brunel-beers-steam-ahead http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/11/brunel-beers-steam-ahead William Worthington's White Shield, now safely back in its original Burton home, has been given an elegant new bottle design to further boost its sales revival Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:25:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/07/new-livery-for-historic-burton-ipa http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/07/new-livery-for-historic-burton-ipa Otley Brewery in South Wales is staging a Grape versus Grain evening at its celebrated pub, the Bunch of Grapes. Diners will be asked to judge whether ale or wine is the best companion during a five-course meal cooked by a celebrated chef Sun, 03 Jun 2012 13:40:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/03/the-great-welsh-beer-and-wine-challenge http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/03/the-great-welsh-beer-and-wine-challenge Elgood's brewery in Wisbech dates from Georgian times and is under pressure from both large regionals and micros. But Belinda, Claire and Jennifer are carving our new routes to market to save the brewery for future generations Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:13:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/01/three-sisters-are-keeping-their-fenland-family-brewery-safe-for-the-future http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/01/three-sisters-are-keeping-their-fenland-family-brewery-safe-for-the-future City of Ale is back in Norfolk's capital with 60 pubs and 39 breweries offering a wide range of beers in the 10-day event. It's a remarkable turnaround for a city that lost all its breweries in the 1960s and 70s Wed, 30 May 2012 13:16:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/30/norwich-celebrates-the-great-beer-revival http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/30/norwich-celebrates-the-great-beer-revival Three beers from Fordham and Old Dominion will be launched in British bars and will add to the pleasure of drinkers looking for new aromas and flavours Tue, 29 May 2012 11:57:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/29/american-summer-seasonals-hit-british-bars http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/29/american-summer-seasonals-hit-british-bars Ampleforth Abbey in Yorkshire is to launch a beer that helps bring back the brewing tradition lost at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Benedictines brewed in exile in France Sun, 27 May 2012 15:09:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/27/yorkshire-monks-restore-the-abbey-habit http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/27/yorkshire-monks-restore-the-abbey-habit One of the leading American craft breweries, based in California, plans a new facility in North Carolina that will dramatically grow production of such key brands as Pale Ale and Torpedo IPA Fri, 25 May 2012 12:55:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/25/sierra-nevada-is-full-of-eastern-promise http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/25/sierra-nevada-is-full-of-eastern-promise Three beers that won Gold in SIBA's National Beer Competition will hit 1,000 Punch pubs during the Royal Jubilee weekend and Euro 2012 Fri, 25 May 2012 09:34:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/25/gold-medal-beers-pack-a-punch http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/25/gold-medal-beers-pack-a-punch A beer that has won more Champion Beer of Britain awards than any other was first brewed in 1952 and is now one of Britain's key national premium ales Sun, 20 May 2012 10:49:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/20/taylor-s-landlord-notches-up-60-years http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/20/taylor-s-landlord-notches-up-60-years Dave Wickett, owner of the Fat Cat pub and Kelham Island brewery in Sheffield, has died after a long battle with cancer. He was a major figure of the 'real ale revolution' and inspired a legion of new micro-brewers to follow his path Thu, 17 May 2012 16:32:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/17/dave-wickett-the-man-who-brought-back-beer-and-pride-to-sheffield-s-steel-city http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/17/dave-wickett-the-man-who-brought-back-beer-and-pride-to-sheffield-s-steel-city A poll among Edinburgh beer drinkers invited lovers of IPA to vote for their favourite and Caledonian Brewery saw off the competition Wed, 16 May 2012 11:50:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/16/deuchars-top-of-the-hops-in-scottish-poll http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/16/deuchars-top-of-the-hops-in-scottish-poll Adnams, Harveys and Windsor & Eton have added to the growing number of beers brewed to mark the Royal Jubilee in June. Harvey's beer is based on a 1952 Coronation Ale, Adnams bows the knee with Sovereign hops while Windsor & Eton recall a historic event in Kenya Fri, 11 May 2012 18:43:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/11/royal-out-the-barrel-jubilee-beers-hit-the-pumps-in-time-for-big-june-celebrations http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/11/royal-out-the-barrel-jubilee-beers-hit-the-pumps-in-time-for-big-june-celebrations Diageo, producer of such brands as Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, was forced to make a grovelling apology to Scottish craft brewer BrewDog after a crude attempt to hijack an awards ceremony Thu, 10 May 2012 14:33:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/10/global-bully-boys-attempt-to-steal-scottish-craft-brewery-s-top-bar-of-the-year-award http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/10/global-bully-boys-attempt-to-steal-scottish-craft-brewery-s-top-bar-of-the-year-award In a major interview, Budweiser Budvar boss Jiri Bocek reveals a government scheme to strip the brewery of key export markets and end the trademark dispute to AB InBev's advantage. He outlines how a leading Czech entrepreneur engineered the sale of the Mestansky Brewery -- which also owns the Budweiser trademark -- to AB InBev and he is sharply critical of the role of global brewers interested only in making profits rather than good beer Thu, 10 May 2012 08:56:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/10/bounced-czech-the-plot-to-do-down-budvar http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/10/bounced-czech-the-plot-to-do-down-budvar The capital was once dubbed a 'beer desert' but today there are close to two dozen breweries bringing fine tasting ales back to London. Some of the breweries, such as Meantime (left) and Sambrooks, have grown to the size of small regionals Sun, 06 May 2012 11:15:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/06/london-beer-reborn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/06/london-beer-reborn Cumbrian brewery launches three beers in 'well-hopped collection' using hop varieties from several countries Fri, 04 May 2012 14:23:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/04/hawkshead-heads-for-hoppy-heights http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/04/hawkshead-heads-for-hoppy-heights Attempts by the Czech government to sack Jiri Bocek (left), manager of Budweiser Budvar, have failed, along with a deal to settle the trademark dispute to the advantage of AB InBev Thu, 03 May 2012 09:23:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/03/budvar-boss-sees-off-his-critics http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/03/budvar-boss-sees-off-his-critics Yorkshire brewery under new ownership launches a session pale ale along with rebranding of pump clips and company image Tue, 01 May 2012 17:56:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/01/new-image-for-roosters http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/01/new-image-for-roosters Veteran pub walks writer Bob Steel has compiled a compendium of fine hostelries to visit in the vast region of South East England. There are many historic inns to find, such as Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:11:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/04/24/these-boots-are-meant-for-pub-walking http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/04/24/these-boots-are-meant-for-pub-walking It was once simply called 'P' then in 1952 a competition at Marston's brought forth the name of Pedigree, a beer still brewed with the world-famous Union Sets (left) Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:38:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/20/pedigree-hits-60-happy-birthday-to-classic-burton-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/20/pedigree-hits-60-happy-birthday-to-classic-burton-ale Barnsley Brewery says it's not irreverent to have a touch of the punk with their beer for the jubilee. Marston's uses an English hop to salute the Queen Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:52:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/18/acorn-rolls-out-a-royal-ale-and-marston-s-bottles-sovereign http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/18/acorn-rolls-out-a-royal-ale-and-marston-s-bottles-sovereign The Queen's Head near Cambridge is a historic inn that was closed when a London family bought it and breathed life back into the community. It's been in every edition of the Good Beer Guide Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:09:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/15/how-the-shorts-saved-historic-country-inn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/15/how-the-shorts-saved-historic-country-inn Global brewer will supply Stratford and all other venues, including Lord's cricket ground (pictured) where Marston's Pedigree will be removed for duration of the games. Brains beers will be taken out of the Millennium Stadium. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:41:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/13/going-dutch-at-olympics-heineken-has-sole-rights http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/13/going-dutch-at-olympics-heineken-has-sole-rights Swindon's family brewery, founded in 1843, has appointed Alex Arkell to be the new head brewer and he plans to introduce cask beer to a younger generation of drinkers. One of his first steps is to bring back Mild Ale for May Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:06:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/11/arkell-s-keeps-it-in-the-family-and-brings-back-mild-for-may http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/11/arkell-s-keeps-it-in-the-family-and-brings-back-mild-for-may Beer writer Jeff Evans boosts both beer and pubs with a timely guide to Britain's beer styles and the best watering holes where you can enjoy them Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:06:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/04/08/champion-of-britain-s-pubs-and-breweries http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/04/08/champion-of-britain-s-pubs-and-breweries Greene King, Marston's and Wells & Young's are growing the cask beer sector and attracting new, younger drinkers. They should be praised, not vilified Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:41:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/05/don-t-dump-on-big-brewers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/05/don-t-dump-on-big-brewers Staropramen, the second biggest brewery in the Czech Republic, has been bought by Molson Coors. The American-Canadian giant has taken over breweries in central Europe owned by StarBev. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:32:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/04/czech-brewer-bought-by-carling-giant http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/04/czech-brewer-bought-by-carling-giant Lincolnshire family brewery will stage a beer festival in Wainfleet to help raise funds for Walk the Walk, which sponsors research into all forms of cancer Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/03/bateman-s-beer-boosts-cancer-charity http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/03/bateman-s-beer-boosts-cancer-charity Derbyshire independent wins top trophy in prestigious Publican search for Britain's best micro-brewery Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:55:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/02/thornbridge-triumphs-in-top-awards http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/02/thornbridge-triumphs-in-top-awards Brewers in the U.S. and Scotland accept challenge to produce a strong IPA without hops Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:19:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/28/let-slip-the-dogs-of-brew-war http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/28/let-slip-the-dogs-of-brew-war Suffolk brewer records sales and profits increase despite 'difficult trading times'. New beer Ghost Ship and low-strength Sole Bay are selling well Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:35:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/28/seaside-success-for-adnams-cask-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/28/seaside-success-for-adnams-cask-beers Independent breweries in the U.S. now hit 2,000 while in Britain Moorhouse's brewery singled out for praise for growth increase and launches special beer to celebrate the spring Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:11:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/27/big-surge-for-american-craft-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/27/big-surge-for-american-craft-beer Suffolk brewer is spending £4 million on a TV promotion for IPA -- and is also launching two new stronger versions of the brand Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:11:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/23/greene-king-goes-for-gold-with-new-ipa-promotion http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/23/greene-king-goes-for-gold-with-new-ipa-promotion The Chancellor told parliament he had no plans to change alcohol duties -- but the beer escalator will again push up the price of a pint. He has been condemned by both Keith Bott of SIBA (pictured) and CAMRA Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:40:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/osborne-escalator-will-jack-up-price-of-pint-by-5-10-pence http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/osborne-escalator-will-jack-up-price-of-pint-by-5-10-pence Craft brewing is booming in Australia and New Zealand, with brewers such as Chuck Hahn (pictured) fashioning fine pale ales and Pilsners -- all detailed in a fine guide to drinking Down There Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:36:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/03/19/get-the-low-down-on-down-under-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2012/03/19/get-the-low-down-on-down-under-beer Artisan Italian brewer launches British and Belgian style ales and encourages chefs to match beer and fine food in the Naples area Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:50:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/17/brewing-up-a-storm-in-the-shadow-of-vesuvius http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/17/brewing-up-a-storm-in-the-shadow-of-vesuvius Website uses my name without permission to promote plastic beer device Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:28:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/15/what-s-a-beer-koozie-anyway http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/15/what-s-a-beer-koozie-anyway Innis & Gunn, the Scottish brewer that started the oak-aged beer trend, has added a stout aged in Irish whiskey casks in time for St Patrick's Day Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:47:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/14/scottish-oak-aged-beer-gets-an-irish-twist http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/14/scottish-oak-aged-beer-gets-an-irish-twist Oakham named supreme champion British beer; Flying Dog launch coffee stout; Peerless wins Mersey prize for cask lager; Good Beer Guide honoured; Robinson's to stock Hawkshead lager Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:05:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/10/beer-news-round-up http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/10/beer-news-round-up With a little help from professional brewers, I start the mash for a genuine India Pale Ale that will take three months to reach maturity Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:01:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/08/ipa-sets-sail-from-aylesbury http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/08/ipa-sets-sail-from-aylesbury London debate shows how great European beers are stored and matured while 'yellow fizz' is brewed as fast as ale Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:39:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/03/global-lagers-get-a-frosty-reception http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/03/global-lagers-get-a-frosty-reception ....Fuller's Black Cab Stout is now in bottle following a successful launch on draught and will soon be on a shelf near you Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:49:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/03/call-a-cab-and-head-for-a-supermarket-1 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/03/call-a-cab-and-head-for-a-supermarket-1 Adnams IPA is now on draught as well as in bottle: hurry as the draught is called a 'winter seasonal' and spring is lurking Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:32:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/02/adnams-ipa-beer-of-the-month http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/02/adnams-ipa-beer-of-the-month Acorn opens brewery tap; Wye Valley revives historic pub; Marston's record bottled ale sales Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:06:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/26/news-round-up-1 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/26/news-round-up-1 Leading hotelier Jacques Borel is bringing his campaign to cut VAT on food and drink to Britain -- and he wants tax reduced on beer to boost the ailing pub trade Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:30:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/26/the-frenchman-fighting-to-save-le-pub http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/26/the-frenchman-fighting-to-save-le-pub Brewer launches 12 seasonal ales using hops from England, Europe and the New World to emphasise different aromas and flavours Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:19:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/23/marston-s-boost-for-hops-1 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/23/marston-s-boost-for-hops-1 The Trappist monastery of Mont des Cats has restored its brewing heritage -- but the beer is brewed for the monks by Chimay until they can build their own brewery Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:19:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/17/french-trappists-restore-brewing-tradition http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/17/french-trappists-restore-brewing-tradition Greene King has discovered a batch of beer brewed in 1936 for the coronation of Edward VIII that was a victim of the abdication crisis Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:45:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/14/royal-beer-that-never-saw-the-light-of-day http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/14/royal-beer-that-never-saw-the-light-of-day The battle for the future of Budweiser Budvar reaches fever pitch as the government prepares to sack manager Jiri Bocek Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:44:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/07/budvar-boss-faces-the-axe http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/07/budvar-boss-faces-the-axe The future of the National Brewery Centre in Burton-on-Trent seems assured as visitor numbers double over the past year Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:26:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/03/numbers-double-at-brewery-centre http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/03/numbers-double-at-brewery-centre Fraoch, the legendary Heather Ale brewed by Williams Brothers in Alloa, has a new version matured in single malt whisky barrels from the Auchentoshan distillery in Clydeside Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:38:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/30/heather-ale-gets-the-whisky-treatment http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/30/heather-ale-gets-the-whisky-treatment People make the arduous train journey to a Cumbrian hamlet to sample the one-off beers at the Prince of Wales brewpub Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:40:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/29/the-pub-now-standing-at-platform-one http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/29/the-pub-now-standing-at-platform-one The owners of Truman's beer brands will give a year's supply of beer to anyone who helps them find a site and restore the historic Black Eagle Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:17:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/25/free-beer-if-you-find-a-brewing-site-for-truman-s-in-east-london http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/25/free-beer-if-you-find-a-brewing-site-for-truman-s-in-east-london Beer from Dunbar will hit Greene Kings pubs nationwide Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:15:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/24/belhaven-stout-gets-national-roll-out http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/24/belhaven-stout-gets-national-roll-out Famous lambic brewer in Brussels is widening the boundaries with beers made with flowers and wine Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:49:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/24/cantillon-says-it-with-flowers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/24/cantillon-says-it-with-flowers A new brewery near Bodmin uses American equipment for a fresh taste of beer Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:57:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/21/harbour-lights-up-cornwall http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/21/harbour-lights-up-cornwall Driftwood Brewery in Cornwall has been crowned Champion Winter Beer of Britain at top CAMRA beer festival Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:22:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/18/cornish-brewery-wins-top-camra-prize http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/18/cornish-brewery-wins-top-camra-prize Timothy Taylor, Yorkshire brewer famous for its Landlord pale ale, has joined SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:01:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/16/tim-taylor-joins-the-indies http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/16/tim-taylor-joins-the-indies The Derbyshire craft brewery opened three new pubs in 2011 and is expanding its range of beers with both lager and ale. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:15:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/15/thornbridge-expands-beer-range-and-pub-estate http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/15/thornbridge-expands-beer-range-and-pub-estate MPs want an independent commission to investigate the giant pub companies and give greater freedom to publicans to choose guest beers Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:10:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/13/mps-demand-overhaul-of-pubco-power http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/13/mps-demand-overhaul-of-pubco-power Fuller's and Wadworth launch beers in preparation for the Six Nations rugby tournament and hope to boost England's fortunes Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:39:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/12/scrum-down-for-rugby-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/12/scrum-down-for-rugby-beers Anheuser Busch has bought the Mestansky Brewery in the Czech Republic that, with Budvar, sells beer using the Budweiser trademark Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:12:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/12/u-s-giant-buys-czech-budweiser-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/12/u-s-giant-buys-czech-budweiser-brewery Czech Budvar's 'yeast beer' is to get regular sales in Britain due to demand from publicans and drinkers Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:10:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/07/real-budvar-gets-a-boost http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/07/real-budvar-gets-a-boost CAMRA urges pubgoers to email MPs in a bid to support a call in parliament to curb the power of the giant pub companies Sat, 07 Jan 2012 09:23:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/07/camra-save-the-pub-plea http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/07/camra-save-the-pub-plea In the run-up to Christmas, major supermarket groups recorded a big surge in the sale of bottled ale. Tesco alone was 65% up on the same period in 2010 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:12:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/04/supermarkets-record-ale-sales http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/04/supermarkets-record-ale-sales Oakham Ales of Peterborough has added the dark Hawse Buckler to its range of bottled beers Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:48:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/03/oakham-bottles-dark-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/03/oakham-bottles-dark-ale Two brothers have taken charge at the Chiltern Brewery and are building sales of their ales, which includes a version of 300s Old Ale served from oak whisky casks Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:09:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/02/chiltern-heads-for-the-woods http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/02/chiltern-heads-for-the-woods Tesco says it was amazed by the demand for ale in the last 48 hours before Christmas Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:17:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/12/29/tesco-stunned-by-ale-demand http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/12/29/tesco-stunned-by-ale-demand Van Steenberge brewery in Belgium launches abbey beer St Stefanus in export markets in conjunction with monastery in Ghent Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:50:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/29/getting-the-abbey-habit http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/29/getting-the-abbey-habit Review on The Oxford Companion to Beer, edited by Garrett Oliver and Tom Colicchio. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:55:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2011/12/03/the-oxford-companion-to-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2011/12/03/the-oxford-companion-to-beer It's good to report that a famous brew-pub - the Three Tuns in Bishop's Castle, between Ludlow and Shrewsbury - has been saved and is… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/three-tuns-weighs-in http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/three-tuns-weighs-in Roger has just returned from a stint down under as guest speaker at Melbourne's beer fest. In the first of his reports he investigates how… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/what-s-brewing-down-under http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/what-s-brewing-down-under A recent report that several major regional brewers have set up a think tank to promote interest in cask beer came at the same time… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/britain-s-beer-and-barley-heritage http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/britain-s-beer-and-barley-heritage If you ask Martin Cullimore if he's suffering from any of the problems affecting the brewing industry, you get a dusty answer. "My only problem… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/bateman-s-marches-on http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/bateman-s-marches-on Global brewers are being urged to sell beer like soap if they are to hold on to market share and grow sales in emerging… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/selling-the-suds http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/selling-the-suds The British empire had long and beery tentacles. You fly for three hours and a bit deep into the Mediterranean, glimpse Mount Etna smoking… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/the-beers-of-malta http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/the-beers-of-malta Brewing has returned to Stone. The small Staffordshire market town was once famous as the home of two sizeable breweries, Bents and Joules, both taken… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/leaving-no-stone-unturned http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/leaving-no-stone-unturned Liefmans, the iconic Belgian brewer of "Oud Bruin" or Old Brown beer, has been saved from closure. The company based in Oudenaarde was declared bankrupt… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/liefmans http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/liefmans John Young will have a prominent place reserved in the Brewers' Hall of Fame, revered as the father of the "real ale revolution", an iconoclast… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/john-young-rip http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/john-young-rip It's all change at William Worthington's Brewery in Burton-on-Trent. The 22½-barrel plant that's on view to visitors at the National Brewery Centre - the… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/new-brewer-at-burton-museum-site http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/new-brewer-at-burton-museum-site This is a two-part feature. Part I looks at the general craft-brewing scene in AustraliaThree RavensAt the conclusion of Beer Expo, I went on an… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/what-s-brewing-down-under-part-ii http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/what-s-brewing-down-under-part-ii A new brewery in Derbyshire, which officially opened on 1 September, has some powerful history behind it. The plant for the Thornbridge brewery at Crompton… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/thornbridge http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/thornbridge Thornbridge, the innovative craft brewery in the Derbyshire Peak District, has launched bottle-conditioned versions of three of its beers and is hopeful that one leading… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/thornbridge-bottles-it http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/thornbridge-bottles-it BUNNY GIRL SAVES COCKNEY BOOZER sounds like one of those weird headlines in the Daily Sport alongside "Elvis Found On Mars". But this is… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/not-so-sour-grapes http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/not-so-sour-grapes Worthington's White Shield, winner of the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award on August 1st, is not only a worthy winner of the Guardian-sponsored competition… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/white-shield-a-worthy-champion http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/white-shield-a-worthy-champion Wychwood Brewery in Witney, Oxfordshire, has reported a steep rise in sale for its flagship beer, Hobgoblin. Total sales of draught and packaged versions are… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/hobgoblin-runs-riot http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/hobgoblin-runs-riot Angus McKean and Claire Morgan faced a daunting task when they took over the Red Lion in Barnes, South-west London. They had to convince loyal… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/the-master-cellarman-of-barnes http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/the-master-cellarman-of-barnes CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale, is calling for beer lovers to judge in the bottle-conditioned class of the Champion Beer of Britain competition.Judging will… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/12/01/judges-required http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/12/01/judges-required The Cieszyn brewery that stands fortress-proud above the small Polish town of the same name is home to one of the world's historic beer styles,… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/porter-and-stout http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/porter-and-stout They may get in your heels and inspire you to dance. But Ale of old Burton if mellow and right Will get in your head… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/burton-ale-back-from-the-dead http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/burton-ale-back-from-the-dead Nine years and three months after Cain's first applied to join the Independent Family Brewers of Britain the Liverpool brewer has at last been admitted… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/cains-of-liverpool http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/cains-of-liverpool Marston's will launch Fast Cask during Cask Ale Week (29 March-5 April) with the aim of attracting thousands of new pubs to real beer.… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/fast-cask http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/fast-cask From time to time a publican raises his head above the bar and has a pop at Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale. It happened… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/camra-pioneers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/camra-pioneers They call Cains brewery in Liverpool "the terracotta palace" and the striking redbrick buildings stand as testimony to Victorian pride and pomp. They are a… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/raising-cains http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/raising-cains There's a map on the wall in David Winter's office covered with pins that show all the pubs in Norfolk he used to supply with… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/angling-for-east-anglia http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/angling-for-east-anglia Burton has got its museum back. The small Midlands borough renowned throughout the world as the home of pale ale brewing has a modern visitor… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/national-brewery-centre-lives http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/national-brewery-centre-lives Family brewers in Britain have been falling like tottering drunks and it seems that nothing can stop this once-vibrant sector of the industry heading for… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/cooper-s-brewery-australia http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/cooper-s-brewery-australia It has an inshore, whitewashed lighthouse, famous beach huts painted in pastel shades, attractive Georgian and Victorian buildings, a clutch of fine pubs and the… Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/adnams-new-green-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/01/adnams-new-green-brewery home about forum tasted features A-Z directory books links sign-up wine whisky features The Oxford Companion to Beer By Roger Protz, 11/11… Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/11/01/the-oxford-companion-to-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/11/01/the-oxford-companion-to-beer "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes," said Benjamin Franklin, one of the founders of the United States and a devoted beer… Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/09/01/strong-beer-big-tax http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/09/01/strong-beer-big-tax A traditional dark mild with a Cockney rhyming slang name has won the title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain at the CAMRA Great… Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2011 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2011 I helped launch a Burton Ale in Burton-on-Trent. Nothing remarkable about that, you might think, save for the fact that the beer in question was… Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/08/01/o-roger-it-s-a-burton-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/08/01/o-roger-it-s-a-burton-ale And now: CAMRA the Movie! You're probably aware that the Campaign for Real Ale is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to emphasise the… Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/08/01/the-history-of-camra http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/08/01/the-history-of-camra Carlsberg UK, the British subsidiary of the Danish brewing giant, has closed the Tetley brewery in Leeds and transferred production to Banks's brewery in Wolverhampton,… Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/07/01/farewell-to-tetley http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/07/01/farewell-to-tetley Two new breweries run by Trappist monks could be brewing soon. One brewery would mark the first monastic brewery in France in modern times, while… Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/06/01/new-trappist-breweries-in-the-pipeline http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/06/01/new-trappist-breweries-in-the-pipeline I got that tingle of excitement in February that only history can create. I was present at the opening of a bottle of beer that… Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/03/01/arctic-ale-1845 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/03/01/arctic-ale-1845 Reddish-brown colour, with a fruity and slightly herbal aroma and palate and a finish dominated by rich malt, a pleasing hint of chocolate (in keeping… Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/02/01/rochefort http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/02/01/rochefort What does the word "lager" mean to you? A cold, bland, fizzy drink knocked out in vast volumes by global brewers - or a beer… Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/01/01/budvar-lager-as-it-should-be http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/01/01/budvar-lager-as-it-should-be Distance is no object in the brewing industry. The impressive brewing kit at Harviestoun in Scotland started life as a pilot plant in St Austell… Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/the-beers-of-harviestoun http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/the-beers-of-harviestoun My earliest image of beer was a giant advertising hoarding for Truman's that stood between the Boleyn Tavern in East London and West Ham United's… Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/truman-s-hops-back-to-cockneyville http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/truman-s-hops-back-to-cockneyville The debate between the merits of bottle-conditioned beer and packaged beer that is filtered and pasteurised has taken an interesting turn with the discovery that… Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/hogs-back-in-great-condition http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/hogs-back-in-great-condition The timing was exquisite. Castle Rock Brewery picked up the coveted Champion Beer of Britain award last week just a fortnight before it opens a… Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/castle-rock-rocks http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/12/01/castle-rock-rocks Big spicy, peppery hop aroma with lemon fruit and cracker-like malt. Tart citrus fruit and bitter, peppery hops dominate the mouth but are balanced by… Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/11/01/westvleteren http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/11/01/westvleteren Is there room in British pubs for yet another Pilsener-style German lager? The Veltins Brewery in North-west Germany thinks so. It's planning a major boost… Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/11/01/veltins-pilsener-s-push http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/11/01/veltins-pilsener-s-push Alastair Hook (right, dwarfed by giant brewing vessels) is a brewer with a mission. He believes there's a thirst for better beer in Britain… Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/10/01/meantime-on-a-mission http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/10/01/meantime-on-a-mission A major re-development at Frederic Robinson of Stockport will see volumes of beer double from 50,000 barrels to 100,000 a year - and most of… Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/09/01/robinson-of-stockport http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/09/01/robinson-of-stockport A new book from Mike Pentelow and Peter Arkell, published by Janus at Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2010/09/01/a-pub-crawl-through-history http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2010/09/01/a-pub-crawl-through-history Fuller's has launched a new Brewer's Reserve, matured in Cognac casks from France. The West London brewer launched a new version of its Brewer's Reserve… Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2010/08/01/fuller-s-new-brewer-s-reserve http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2010/08/01/fuller-s-new-brewer-s-reserve Castle Rock brewery in Nottingham won a unique prize in the Champion Beer of Britain competition - it's the second time it has won the… Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/08/01/castle-rock-wins-unique-beer-championship http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/08/01/castle-rock-wins-unique-beer-championship It's one of the wonders of the modern beer world that in a tiny part of Europe Trappist monks take time from their prayers to… Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/06/01/westmalle http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/06/01/westmalle 201 Clarence Street Sydney, NSW 02 9262 3303The Lord Nelson The Lord Nelson is a famous Sydney brewpub in 'the Rocks', an area of attractive… Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/06/01/beer-scene-in-sydney-part-ii http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/06/01/beer-scene-in-sydney-part-ii 99-101 Pyrmont Bridge Road Camperdown, NSW Tel: (02) 9519 3579 GO TO PART II - THE REDOAK AND LORD NELSON BREWPUBS. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/06/01/beer-scene-in-sydney-part-i http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/06/01/beer-scene-in-sydney-part-i (RP) Embra uses Maris Otter pale malt with crystal and wheat malts. The hops are Chinook and Magnum. The beer has a deep bronze/copper colour… Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2010/05/01/stewart-brewing http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2010/05/01/stewart-brewing Revenge is sweet and train lovers felt a warm glow in 2009 when Swanage, the Dorset seaside town, was reunited with London by rail. It… Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/05/01/rail-ale-dorset http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/05/01/rail-ale-dorset Gale's Prize Old Ale (POA) is alive and well. The celebrated bottle-conditioned old ale, first brewed in the 1920s, seemed certain to disappear when… Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/04/01/gale-s-prize-old-ale http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/04/01/gale-s-prize-old-ale If you brewed a beer called Daylight Robbery you would expect a collective raspberry from both the media and consumers. It confirms the ancient belief… Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/04/01/st-austell-s-daylight-robbery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/04/01/st-austell-s-daylight-robbery At 9am on Thursday 11 February head brewer Jeremy Pettman and brewer Eldred Burns spun the wheels and pulled the levers above the mash tun… Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/02/01/jennings-brewery-reborn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/02/01/jennings-brewery-reborn De Trollekelder, 17 Bij Sint-Jacobs Brasserie Deus, 128 Vlaanderenstraat Bierhuis Castel, 9 Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, 9 Groentenmarkt Het Trappistenhuis, 164 Brabantdam… Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/01/01/belgium-part-iii-ghent http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/01/01/belgium-part-iii-ghent 12b Roeselarestraat 8600 Esen Tours every Sunday 2pm, 3.50 euros with a free beer.Picobrouwerij Alvinne 138 Hellestraat 8501 Heule Shop open Thursday & Friday 10-4;… Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/01/01/belgium-s-wood-aged-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2010/01/01/belgium-s-wood-aged-beers The hand of history lies heavily on the beers of Belgium. Over the centuries it has been over-run by the French, the Dutch, the Germans… Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/belgium-part-i-liefmans http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/belgium-part-i-liefmans Adnams, the family brewery founded in 1872 in the seaside town of Southwold in Suffolk, is vigorously fighting its way out of the recession and… Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/adnams http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/adnams See also our an in-depth profile of AdnamsNew pubs Three new Adnams' pubs, bought from Punch Taverns, includes the Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill… Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/adnams-pubs-and-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/adnams-pubs-and-beers Liefmans tastedIn part I of Roger's report from Belgium he gives the background to Oudenaarde and tells the story of Liefmans brewery. In part II… Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/belgium-part-ii-liefmans-to-roman http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/belgium-part-ii-liefmans-to-roman The hand of history lies heavily on the beers of Belgium. Over the centuries it has been over-run by the French, the Dutch, the Germans… Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/belgium-part-i-liefmans http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/11/01/belgium-part-i-liefmans In the Spring I will be taking a look at some of the country's best rural pubs, but meanwhile, as we still have a bit… Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/10/01/urban-pubs-with-a-rural-feel http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/10/01/urban-pubs-with-a-rural-feel "If he can say as you can Guinness is good for you, How good to be a Toucan: Just think what Toucan do".The image… Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/08/01/guinness-250-not-out-part-ii http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/08/01/guinness-250-not-out-part-ii That old slogan "let the train take the strain" comes vividly back to life when you travel to Derby. Not only is the Midland Station… Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/08/01/rail-ale-derby http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/08/01/rail-ale-derby A strong dark mild, Rudgate Ruby Mild (4.4%), has been voted the Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival in London.… Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2009/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2009 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2009/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2009 Arthur Guinness, 250 years on, is still tripping the dark fantastic. The Irish brewery may be part of Diageo, a global drinks giant where Irish… Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/08/01/guinness-250-not-out http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/08/01/guinness-250-not-out Hands up if you think real ale is drunk by old codgers in flat caps who keep whippets in the bath or by men of… Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/07/01/get-hip-the-real-ale-way http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/07/01/get-hip-the-real-ale-way Bateman Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2009/07/01/bateman-s-gha http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2009/07/01/bateman-s-gha Nuns, emperors, dukes and beer forge a rich heritage at Het Anker Brewery in Mechelen. It was the fortuitously named Duke Charles the Stout who… Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/06/01/het-anker-in-the-spotlight http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/06/01/het-anker-in-the-spotlight When Josef Tolar, the legendary brewmaster at the Budweiser Budvar brewery in the Czech Republic, handed his thermometer to Adam Broz on 1 January this… Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/06/01/new-man-at-budvar-s-brewing-helm http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/06/01/new-man-at-budvar-s-brewing-helm Cooper's brewery in Adelaide has beautifully sculpted lawns decorated with gum trees. Is this an elaborate joke? The company used to be laughed to derision… Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/05/01/clean-bowled-by-cooper-s http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/05/01/clean-bowled-by-cooper-s BrewDog, the Scottish craft brewery based in Fraserburgh, believes in pushing the boundaries of beer making and doesn Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2009/03/01/brewdog-zeitgeist http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2009/03/01/brewdog-zeitgeist Britain Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/03/01/boom-time-for-britain-s-craft-brewers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/03/01/boom-time-for-britain-s-craft-brewers Innis & Gunn: the inspiration Interest in oak-aged beers is due to the remarkable work carried out by Dougal Sharp (right), former head brewer at… Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/01/01/oak-aged-beers-part-ii-the-dawn-of-a-new-beer-style-1 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/01/01/oak-aged-beers-part-ii-the-dawn-of-a-new-beer-style-1 This feature is in two parts. There is a link to part II at the bottom of the page.The launch in 2008 of three beers… Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/01/01/oak-aged-beers-part-i-sorting-the-wood-from-the-trees http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/01/01/oak-aged-beers-part-i-sorting-the-wood-from-the-trees The Results have just been announced of the CAMRA Champion Winter Beer of Britain awards for 2009. The tastings were held as part of… Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2009/01/01/champion-winter-beer-of-britain-2009 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2009/01/01/champion-winter-beer-of-britain-2009 Don Burgess (right) has a refreshing outlook on life: "I live to brew beer, not to make money". He turns a penny or two, of… Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/01/01/freeminer-refreshes http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2009/01/01/freeminer-refreshes Greene King's aim is to become Greener King as the giant regional brewer makes a positive contribution to combating global warming. It's shifting its entire… Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/11/01/jolly-greene-giant-gets-greener-in-bottle http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/11/01/jolly-greene-giant-gets-greener-in-bottle This list of 25 truly great british pubs accompanies an article by Roger Protz, first published in the Independent newspaper: The British pub is alive… Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/the-25-best-pubs-in-britain http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/the-25-best-pubs-in-britain The niche market of oak-aged beers has received a major boost with the launch of Fuller's Brewer's Reserve. The size and reach of the Chiswick-based… Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/fuller-s-brewer-s-reserve http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/fuller-s-brewer-s-reserve The British pub is alive and well: that's a claim that should cause the men in white coats to cart me off for a period… Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/the-british-pub-is-alive-and-well http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/the-british-pub-is-alive-and-well In October 2008 I delivered the annual hop lecture at Shepherd Neame's brewery in Kent. Many people have asked for a printed version, so here… Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/10/01/hops 'Ambassador of Beer' may be over-stating my role in life but I can lay claim to have built good relations between Rodenbach, the famous sour… Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/09/01/the-old-crafty-hen http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/09/01/the-old-crafty-hen The goose was well and truly cooked at the celebrated White Horse in Parson's Green, south London, on 12 September when beers from the Goose… Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/09/01/cooking-the-goose http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/09/01/cooking-the-goose 1. Adnams East Green (4.3%) Tesco Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2008/08/01/the-ten-best-summer-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2008/08/01/the-ten-best-summer-beers When German troops occupied the monastery of Achel during World War One they observed the conventions of war. As the monastery straddles the border between… Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/08/01/praise-be-to-achel http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/08/01/praise-be-to-achel To accompany my feature article on the Trappist beers of Achel, I thought this was a good moment to reintroduce the 'Famous Five' beers brewed… Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/08/01/the-famous-five http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/08/01/the-famous-five I pulled the first pint in the Royal Standard in Derby last week. At a time when pubs are shutting up shop at an alarming… Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/06/01/raising-the-standard http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/06/01/raising-the-standard There's a small beer revolution going on in one of the remotest parts of England. The village of Hesket Newmarket in Cumbria has a bus… Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/06/01/revolution-in-cumbria http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/06/01/revolution-in-cumbria InBev, the world's biggest brewer, is planning an audacious $46 billion ( Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/05/01/beer-giant-ponders-bid-for-bud http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/05/01/beer-giant-ponders-bid-for-bud National brewer Greene King has joined forces with the Campaign for Real Ale to promote its XX Mild in May as part of CAMRA's Mild… Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/05/01/mild-month-of-may http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/05/01/mild-month-of-may Fuller's Vintage Ale (8.5%), first brewed in 1997, has become one of the most-talked about British beers, an iconic ale treated as seriously as fine… Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/04/01/fuller-s-vintage-advantage http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/04/01/fuller-s-vintage-advantage The Czech Republic has two, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland have one each yet from June this year Britain - one of the world's… Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/04/01/stop-press-protests-on-the-streets http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2008/04/01/stop-press-protests-on-the-streets A beer brewed in a disused milking parlour in Gloucestershire has been named Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in the annual awards held by Siba,… Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/03/01/society-of-independent-brewers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/03/01/society-of-independent-brewers Greene King is reaching out to a new generation of ale drinkers with a special promotion for Old Speckled Hen aimed at younger, style-conscious consumers.… Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/03/01/not-so-old-speckled-hen http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/03/01/not-so-old-speckled-hen Wye Valley Brewery has been cleared of using "sexually suggestive" labelling for its flagship brand Dorothy Goodbody's Wholesome Stout by the Independent Complaints Panel. The… Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/03/01/dorothy-goodbody-lives-on http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/03/01/dorothy-goodbody-lives-on home about forum tasted Protz features A-Z directory books links sign-up wine whisky Protz: features reviews tastings news & events books Great… Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/01/01/great-winter-ale-festival http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2008/01/01/great-winter-ale-festival In the new edition of the Good Beer Guide I heralded a "golden age" for beer. How do I square this with the report on… Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/12/01/it-ain-t-necessarily-so http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/12/01/it-ain-t-necessarily-so Waitrose has added new seasonal beers to its impressive range with products from craft brewers in both the north and south of England. St Peter's… Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/10/01/waitrose-s-crafty-brews http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/10/01/waitrose-s-crafty-brews As a result of protests from consumers and the people of the small town of Hoegaarden in Belgium, InBev has backed down and saved a… Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/10/01/famous-victory-for-hoegaarden http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/10/01/famous-victory-for-hoegaarden If you are searching for Beer Paradise, there Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/bamberg-part-i-beer-paradise http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/bamberg-part-i-beer-paradise Michael Jackson's enduring legacy will be that he elevated beer from the belief that it is a simple refresher to its true status as one… Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/michael-jackson-1942-2007 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/michael-jackson-1942-2007 It's a journey into brewing history: almost hidden from view among modern production vessels at Greene King's Bury St Edmund's brewery are some wooden vessels… Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/strong-suffolk http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/strong-suffolk The oldest Rauchbier brewery in Bamberg is the Christian Merz Spezial brewpub on Obere K Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/bamberg-part-ii-breweries-amp-pubs http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/09/01/bamberg-part-ii-breweries-amp-pubs One of the most fascinating beers in British brewing is Greene King's Strong Suffolk, an example of an 18th century 'country beer', stored in wooden… Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/08/01/beer-with-bite http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/08/01/beer-with-bite Hobsons Mild is named Champion Beer of Britain A traditional mild ale with a modest strength of just 3.2% alcohol stormed to victory in the… Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2007 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2007 A pub that was the centre of a major row last year has been bought by Fuller's -- with a promise to continue to sell… Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/07/01/quid-pro-quo-for-the-lewes-arms http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/07/01/quid-pro-quo-for-the-lewes-arms An innovative scheme to deliver fresh cask-conditioned ale to consumers Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/07/01/direct-from-the-cellar http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/07/01/direct-from-the-cellar Lager is often described as the beer of the industrial age. The widely held view is that cold fermentation and storage - lagerung in German… Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/07/01/a-new-look-at-lager http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/07/01/a-new-look-at-lager It was a classic case of putting my money where my mouth is. I've been writing about beer for 30 years and it was time… Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/06/01/roger-protz-tries-his-hand-at-brewing http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/06/01/roger-protz-tries-his-hand-at-brewing They say who dares, wins. It must be one of the most courageous changes of strategy ever by a major brewing company - the move… Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/06/01/heineken-s-brave-move http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/06/01/heineken-s-brave-move A surge of interest in U.S. craft beers has taken sales through the 10% barrier. American craft brewers recorded a stunning increase in sales in… Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/06/01/american-craft-beer-booms http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/06/01/american-craft-beer-booms The dread name of Watneys can still strike fear and loathing into an older generation of beer lovers. The giant London brewer wreaked havoc in… Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/05/01/down-in-nethergate-drive http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/05/01/down-in-nethergate-drive Those of us that chip away at the coalface labelled "beer" constantly stress that our preferred form of alcohol deserves as much attention and respect… Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/04/01/old-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/04/01/old-beers Budweiser Budvar, the state owned Czech brewery that has been embroiled in a century-long trademark dispute with American giant Anheuser-Busch, faces privatisation by the… Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/04/01/budvar-faces-privatisation http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/04/01/budvar-faces-privatisation Alastair Hook was tempted to call his brewery The Home for Abused Beer Styles but settled instead for Meantime. It was the natural pun-in-cheek name… Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/03/01/good-times-at-meantime http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/03/01/good-times-at-meantime Choice for Irish beer drinkers is gaining pace as more and more small breweries challenge the hegemony of Guinness and its subsidiaries.Beers from both breweries… Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/02/01/irish-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/02/01/irish-beers The beer world has been rocked by the news that two arch enemies, Anheuser-Busch of the United States and Budweiser Budvar of the Czech Republic,… Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/01/01/beer-world-rocked-as-two-budweisers-reach-a-deal http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2007/01/01/beer-world-rocked-as-two-budweisers-reach-a-deal It's a long, steep clamber up from the railway station at Beersel to the small town with its moated castle, built early in the 14th… Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/01/01/the-sweet-sweet-sours-of-beersel http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2007/01/01/the-sweet-sweet-sours-of-beersel The shock news that sales of Guinness have slumped by eight or nine per cent in the Irish Republic was one of those "end… Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/11/01/battle-for-the-black-stuff http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/11/01/battle-for-the-black-stuff Fergus McMullen tells his teenage children that if they take over from him at the family brewery when he retires they will "have a great… Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/09/01/mcmullen-of-herford-change-and-survival http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/09/01/mcmullen-of-herford-change-and-survival We all remember the summer of football fever as the World Cup dominated our screens, and a cry (in many languages) was heard around the… Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/08/01/world-cup-beer-i-think-not http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/08/01/world-cup-beer-i-think-not Essex boys storm to victory for the second year in a row Crouch Valley Brewery near Chelmsford, Essex, scored a notable first in the 2006… Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2006 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2006 More than 66,000 people attended CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival in London between 1 and 5 August - close to 20,000 up on last year's… Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/08/01/beer-fest-sell-out-hails-a-revival-of-cask-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/08/01/beer-fest-sell-out-hails-a-revival-of-cask-beer When I told a fellow journalist I was off to Blackburn to visit Thwaites, he raised an eyebrow and muttered, "Ah, the sleeping giant." I've… Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/08/01/thwaites-of-blackburn http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/08/01/thwaites-of-blackburn So St Albans in Hertfordshire is the best place in Britain for good cask beer. Those who live in the city (not a town, dear… Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/07/01/st-albans-beer-heaven http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/07/01/st-albans-beer-heaven The demand for cask beer in Britain and the fast-growing micro-brewery sector has forced CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale - to move its… Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/07/01/great-british-beer-festival-2006 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/07/01/great-british-beer-festival-2006 While the Dutch celebrate the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/06/01/harrie-s-back-in-town http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/06/01/harrie-s-back-in-town The Americanisation of British society gathers pace. A decade or more ago, I dropped into Jimmy Armstrong's Bar on 10th Avenue in Manhattan, New York… Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/06/01/beer-s-big-freeze http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/06/01/beer-s-big-freeze Alcohol has not had a good press of late. George Best was scarcely in his grave when Charles Kennedy's struggle with alcoholism hit the headlines,… Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/05/01/demonizing-drink http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/05/01/demonizing-drink A major shake-up in the world of regional brewing was announced today with the shock news that iconic real ale brewer Young's of Wandsworth, south… Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/05/01/shock-news-young-s-of-wandsworth http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/05/01/shock-news-young-s-of-wandsworth In 1966 a Belgian milkman named Pierre Celis was chatting to a group of friends. They reminisced about the style of beer that had once… Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/04/01/think-global-close-local http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/04/01/think-global-close-local The genie is out of the bottle. Beer is no longer seen as a quick refresher, a few pints down the pub. It has been… Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/04/01/beer-on-the-dining-table http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/04/01/beer-on-the-dining-table Heineken used to brew a stout called Van Vollenhoven, based on a recipe from a brewery taken over and closed by the Dutch giant. It… Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/03/01/stout-hearts-and-dutch-courage http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/03/01/stout-hearts-and-dutch-courage Beer is raising its head above the ramparts in an area of south London packed with trendy restaurants and best known for the hugely successful… Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/02/01/setting-sail-for-london-s-brew-wharf http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/02/01/setting-sail-for-london-s-brew-wharf Stately homes and country houses used to have their own breweries, where the butlers made the beer, but the activity disappeared along with most of… Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/02/01/the-beeristocrats http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2006/02/01/the-beeristocrats A battle is raging over the heart, soul and future of brewing in the Czech Republic. The country that produced the first golden lager in… Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/01/01/czechs-and-balances http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/01/01/czechs-and-balances The Koningshoeven Brewery near Tilburg in the Netherlands has been given clearance by the International Trappist Association to use the ITA logo that guarantees its… Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/01/01/la-trappe-back-in-the-fold http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2006/01/01/la-trappe-back-in-the-fold Is it time to re-evaluate the origins of two 19th-century beer styles, India Pale Ale and Pale Ale? One veteran Scottish brewer, who has recently… Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/12/01/the-origins-of-the-species http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/12/01/the-origins-of-the-species Heineken recorded a remarkable sales boost of 29% in Britain in the first half of 2005, a sure sign that its move to sell its… Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/12/01/no-fibs-well-done-heineken http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/12/01/no-fibs-well-done-heineken A special St Albans Ale has gone on sale in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Albans, restoring a potent link with the time… Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/11/01/beer-by-holy-orders http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/11/01/beer-by-holy-orders When Reuters news agency left Fleet Street in London a couple of months ago there was a vast outpouring of grief in the media about… Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/11/01/the-booze-of-the-news http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/11/01/the-booze-of-the-news A news item in last week Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/10/01/the-joy-of-cask-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/10/01/the-joy-of-cask-beer Richard Everard presses all the right buttons. "The family brewers are the custodians of cask beer," he says. "The nationals aren't interested in cask -… Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/10/01/alive-and-kicking-everards-cask-ales http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/10/01/alive-and-kicking-everards-cask-ales The Hook Norton Brewery was featured prominently in an earlier profile on beer-pages and remains an excellent example of British brewong tradtition. Just a short… Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/10/01/traditional-brewers-of-britain http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/10/01/traditional-brewers-of-britain It was when he fell off a ladder in his brewhouse that Richard Jenkinson knew it was time to hang up his mashing fork and… Thu, 01 Sep 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/09/01/the-ups-and-downs-of-the-chiltern-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/09/01/the-ups-and-downs-of-the-chiltern-brewery Crouch Vale, one of Britain's longest-running micro-breweries, won the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain competition on Tuesday 2 August at Camra's Great British Beer Festival… Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2005/08/01/the-great-british-beer-festival-2005 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2005/08/01/the-great-british-beer-festival-2005 White smoke suddenly gushed from the chimney at Mauldons as we stepped from the brewhouse into the loading and delivery area. Steve Sims roared with… Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/08/01/mauldons-the-black-adder-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/08/01/mauldons-the-black-adder-brewery There were many fine messages of support for London following 7 July but the most poignant was a one-sentence letter in the Guardian from a… Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-we-are-all-londoners-now http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-we-are-all-londoners-now Are British beer drinkers afraid of challenging flavours, hop bitterness in particular? The question is prompted by the recent news concerning the Meantime Brewery in… Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/07/01/who-s-afraid-of-the-big-bad-hops http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/07/01/who-s-afraid-of-the-big-bad-hops Somewhere deep in the bureaucracy of the European Union there is a unit composed of highly-paid people whose job is to think up the most… Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/07/01/the-importance-of-geography http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/07/01/the-importance-of-geography Is the British brewing industry on the verge of yet another major upheaval? Wolverhampton & Dudley has paid Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/07/01/in-praise-of-regionality http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/07/01/in-praise-of-regionality Have you had a Mackeson recently? The answer is probably no, as it's a beer that is hard to find these days. A trawl of… Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/make-mine-a-mackeson http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/make-mine-a-mackeson PIERRE Celis has been so badly mauled by global brewers that it was good to find him sprightly and cheerful at his home in the… Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/pierre-celis-maestro-of-white-beer http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/pierre-celis-maestro-of-white-beer Bristol lost its historic George Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/sunshine-amp-smiles-at-the-beer-factory http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/sunshine-amp-smiles-at-the-beer-factory Lager beer, most of it a pale pastiche of the golden beers brewed in the Czech Republic and Germany, accounts for more than 90% of… Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/pale-and-interesting http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/06/01/pale-and-interesting I sometimes feel that a song of yesteryear, You Always Hurt the One You Love, should be the anthem of beer lovers of the anorak… Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/the-beers-of-chimay-plus-ca-change http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/the-beers-of-chimay-plus-ca-change Signs outside the Wellington Hotel in the Horfield district of Bristol a couple of months ago announced "Beer Seminar with Roger Protz". Even though I've… Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/ship-shape-and-bristol-fashion http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/ship-shape-and-bristol-fashion Can Jennings survive? The takeover bid by Wolverhampton & Dudley has been accepted by the Cumbrian brewer, so there is little point in manning the… Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/jennings--another-one-bites-the-dust http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/jennings--another-one-bites-the-dust The Bread and Roses pub had organised a beer festival that featured most of the beers that have won the Champion Beer of Britain competition… Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2005/05/01/everything-s-coming-up-roses http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2005/05/01/everything-s-coming-up-roses Government documents from 1975, released under the "30-year rule" recently, reveal a plan by Labour prime minister Harold Wilson to save small breweries from takeover… Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/something-political-brewing http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/05/01/something-political-brewing One evening last week I went out for a few drinks with reporters on the Daily Mail. We toured a dozen pubs in London near… Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/04/01/shock-horror-let-s-have-a-sense-of-perspective-on-24-hour-opening http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/04/01/shock-horror-let-s-have-a-sense-of-perspective-on-24-hour-opening In 30 years of writing about beer I have come to agree more and more with the proposition put forward by the radical economist Ernst… Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/04/01/grolsch-big-is-sometimes-beautiful http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/04/01/grolsch-big-is-sometimes-beautiful Beer-drinking circles were buzzing recently when Wetherspoons announced it was launching the famous Belgian beer De Koninck on draught throughout its 600-strong pub estate. De… Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/de-koninck-from-cask http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/de-koninck-from-cask In the days when trains had smoking compartments, a friend with both a wicked sense of humour and an addiction to nicotine would say to… Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/foggy-thinking-on-smoking http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/foggy-thinking-on-smoking I met Nick Stafford at a beer launch last week and, to my surprise, he said he felt small brewers needed to be more innovative.… Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/looking-back-to-innovate-elveden-ales http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/looking-back-to-innovate-elveden-ales Camra's newspaper What's Brewing enjoyed some lively debate recently on the subject of the ever-growing number of pale and hoppy cask beers. Such discussions can… Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/wither-winter-beers-the-big-chill http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/03/01/wither-winter-beers-the-big-chill Pinkus Muller is a sea of tranquillity in the German university town of Munster that has been a centre of turbulence for centuries. Anabaptists laid… Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/the-organic-beers-of-pinkus-m-uuml-ller http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/the-organic-beers-of-pinkus-m-uuml-ller The fall out from the closure of King & Barnes brewery in Horsham, West Sussex, has given this small town of around 60,000 people, not… Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/horsham-britain-s-brewtown http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/horsham-britain-s-brewtown It's not only the Belgians who cherish and nurture classic beer styles. In spite of the best efforts of the global brewers to trample on… Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2005/02/01/old-british-beers-and-how-to-make-them http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2005/02/01/old-british-beers-and-how-to-make-them It's a tough job being a regional brewer these days, doubly hard if you're in a part of the country where the population halves as… Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/st-austell-brewery-all-steamed-up http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/st-austell-brewery-all-steamed-up It's good to see Whetherspoon's Chairman Tim Martin putting his money where his mouth is (see my article of November 2004) by announcing all pubs… Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/woolly-thinking-on-smoking-in-pubs http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/02/01/woolly-thinking-on-smoking-in-pubs I was flicking disconsolately through the television channels one evening looking for a programme that wasn't a repeat or an insult to the intelligence when… Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/let-s-celebrate-britain-s-national-drink http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/let-s-celebrate-britain-s-national-drink If I had a pound for every article I have read in the past year about the "real ale crisis" I would have money in… Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/real-ale-crisis-what-crisis http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/real-ale-crisis-what-crisis I once witnessed an astonishing and possibly unique site at the Cantillon brewery in Brussels: CAMRA members refusing a second beer. It was an open… Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/cantillon-from-belgium-with-love http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/cantillon-from-belgium-with-love They say the good thing about bashing your head against a brick wall is that it's wonderful when you stop. I wouldn't know: my cranium… Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/beer-the-writing-s-on-the-wall http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2005/01/01/beer-the-writing-s-on-the-wall On a crisp autumn day, I found myself in deepest rural Essex tasting a Yorkshire beer produced in a brewery founded by a family from… Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/12/01/ridleys-brewery-leaping-the-north-south-divide http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/12/01/ridleys-brewery-leaping-the-north-south-divide The recent announcement by Coors that it will end all cask beer production in Burton-on-Trent went almost unnoticed: it generated at most what journalists call… Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/12/01/gone-for-a-burton http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/12/01/gone-for-a-burton A cynic might say that the best advice Scottish & Newcastle or Coors could put on labels of products such as Fosters, Newcastle Brown and… Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/12/01/your-very-good-health http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/12/01/your-very-good-health T&R Theakston, the famous brewery based in Masham, North Yorkshire, has re-launched its brands a year after the company was restored to independent ownership when… Mon, 01 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/11/01/still-peculier-the-relaunch-of-t-r-theakston http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/11/01/still-peculier-the-relaunch-of-t-r-theakston I break new ground this week by agreeing with Tim Martin, the boss of Wetherspoon. Speaking on Radio 4 recently, Tim said he was not… Mon, 01 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/11/01/weeding-out-the-smokers-thoughts-on-smoke-free-pubs http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/11/01/weeding-out-the-smokers-thoughts-on-smoke-free-pubs ASDA, the giant national supermarket group, has unveiled a new beer range that will go some way towards mitigating the loss of the Safeway portfolio.… Mon, 01 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/11/01/beer-at-asda-assessing-the-range http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/11/01/beer-at-asda-assessing-the-range The twisted priorities of the global brewers can be measured by a series of extremely expensive advertisements for the Interbrew brand Leffe in the quality… Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/think-global-ignore-local http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/think-global-ignore-local "Welcome to Brigadoon," Stewart Main, the head brewer at Hook Norton said. As a Scot, he is well versed in the story of the mythical… Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/the-beers-of-brigadoon-hook-norton http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/the-beers-of-brigadoon-hook-norton The postman rang the doorbell in September with two copies of my Complete Guide to World Beer (Carlton Books), which will be available in the… Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/10/01/from-russia-with-love http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/10/01/from-russia-with-love The Czech brewery Budweiser Budvar has launched a campaign to stop beer in the republic being turned into what it calls "Euro lager". Budvar has… Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/the-ten-commandments-of-budvar http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/the-ten-commandments-of-budvar I sometimes feel that the British brewing industry exists on two separate but occasionally colliding planets. On Planet Global, the giant brewers concentrate on big… Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/fuller-s-taking-pride-in-cask-beers http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/fuller-s-taking-pride-in-cask-beers A few weeks ago I was on a train to Weymouth. It's a trip I have made many times and I have always looked… Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/the-passing-of-eldridge-pope http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/10/01/the-passing-of-eldridge-pope Mayhem and murder at the top of the brewing industry continue apace. Hard on the heels of the closure of its Scottish and Newcastle plants… Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/09/01/decline-and-fall-boddingtons-amp-bass http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/09/01/decline-and-fall-boddingtons-amp-bass I tasted last month a malty/hoppy Pilsner, a roasted grain and chocolatey black lager, a crisp and fruity American-style pale ale, and an aromatic,… Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/09/01/chilling-out-at-zerodegrees http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/09/01/chilling-out-at-zerodegrees If you suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo, avoid the brewery trip at the Concertina Band Club in Mexborough. You go through the bar and store… Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/09/01/the-concertina-band-club http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/09/01/the-concertina-band-club On the eve of the Great British Beer Festival, I attended a remarkable gathering of beer lovers in London. The meeting was dubbed "the Camra… Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/33-years-in-the-mash-tun http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/33-years-in-the-mash-tun I'm pleased to report that I shall soon have a local pub to go to again. St Albans has a large number of pubs in… Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/08/01/hope-and-cask-beer-springs-eternal-in-st-albans http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/08/01/hope-and-cask-beer-springs-eternal-in-st-albans I was in the thick of the Great British Beer Festival action in London in the first week of August, including Chairing the judges panel… Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2004 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/08/01/great-british-beer-festival-2004 Have you ordered the Rolls-Royce yet? I asked Dave Wickett. He laughed and said, "I'm too busy ordering casks!"The phone hasn't stopped ringing since Kelham… Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/kelham-island-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/kelham-island-brewery Moments after I'd announced that Greene King IPA had won gold in the bitter class in the Champion Beer of Britain competition at Olympia last… Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/the-greene-king-ipa-controversy http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/the-greene-king-ipa-controversy Stand by for my reports on a new homebrew system that promises to turn out 40 pints of excellent beer in just 14 days.… Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/the-home-brew-challenge http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/08/01/the-home-brew-challenge One delightful way to sample the products of Dunkerton's Cider Mill is to have a meal in their Cider House restaurant, opened in 1994 in… Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2004/07/01/dunkerton-s-hereford http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2004/07/01/dunkerton-s-hereford The Great British Beer Festival is the major UK celebration of real beer, with over 450 real ales from all over Great Britain on tasting,… Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/07/01/great-british-beer-festival-3rd-7th-august-2004 http://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2004/07/01/great-british-beer-festival-3rd-7th-august-2004 Last month my wife and I took two Italian friends, after the obligatory trip round the abbey cathedral, for lunch in one of St Albans'… Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2004/07/01/ye-old-fighting-cocks-st-albans http://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2004/07/01/ye-old-fighting-cocks-st-albans Stephen Crawley was sporting a beauty of a black eye. Is that what happens when Scottish & Newcastle moves in and starts running your brewery?Not… Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/07/01/long-live-caledonian-brewery http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/07/01/long-live-caledonian-brewery Ivor Dunkerton won't be chopping down the trees that supply him with apples and pears for his organic ciders and perries. He and his wife… Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/07/01/dunkerton-s-cider http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/07/01/dunkerton-s-cider Dortmund was once known as the "Burton of Germany". In the 19th and 20th centuries, the great steel-making and coal-mining city had more breweries than… Thu, 01 Apr 2004 00:00:00 BST http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/04/01/dortmund-the-burton-of-germany http://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2004/04/01/dortmund-the-burton-of-germany