Hawkshead heads for hoppy heights

Hawkshead in Cumbria has launched three “well-hopped” bottled beers that build on the brewery’s success with its range of cask ales. The brewery, based in Staveley, with The Beer Hall alongside the brewing plant, has produced NZPA, Cumbrian Five Hop and Windermere Pale, all 6% in 330ml bottles.

The beers are all pale in colour, allowing the hops to fully express themselves. NZPA – New Zealand Pale Ale (pictured) – used four Kiwi hops:  Green Bullet, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka. The straw-coloured beer has a rich fruit nose – plum, orange, lemon and greengages – along with tangy hops hop resins and biscuit malt. Tart fruit, juicy malt and bitter hops fill the mouth while the finish is bitter with pronounced hop resins, biscuit malt and rich jammy fruit.

Windermere Pale is deep gold with a massive hit of grapefruit and lemon on the nose, with rich toasted malt and a hint of toffee. The hops are American Citra and English Goldings. Bitter hops build in the mouth, with tart citrus fruit and “barley cup” malt. Sherbet lemons, creamy malt and intensely bitter hops dominate the finish.

The varieties used in Cumbrian Five Hop include Amarillo, Citra, Fuggles and Goldings. The beer is pale bronze and has an aroma of rich biscuit malt, spicy hop resins and light citrus fruit. Tart fruit builds in the mouth with notes of tangerine, grapefruit and lemon, balanced by chewy malt and bitter hops. The long bittersweet finish has spicy hops, tart fruit and biscuit malt.

The limited edition Well Hopped collection is available from selected outlets, including the Beer Shop at The Beer Hall and online from www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk.

*Hawkshead opened in 2002 in a barn at Hawkshead and was founded by former BBC correspondent Alex Brodie. In 2006 it moved to Staveley and The Beer Hall was built alongside the brewery with The Brewery Tap pub. The hall acts as a function room where visitors can see two 11,000-litre fermenting vessels. The brewing process can be followed from both the hall and pub. Hawkshead Brewery, Mill Yard, Staveley, Cumbria LA8 9LR; 01539 822644.