American summer seasonals hit British bars

Three new American seasonal beers that will help slake British thirsts this summer come, via specialist importer Heathwick, from the Fordham Brewery and its sister brewery, Old Dominion, two award-winning craft brewers based in Dover, Delaware.

Heathwick has built distribution of Fordham’s three permanent beers and seasonal specialities in pubs, bars and restaurants since their British launch in 2011.

The three new beers, which will be available from mid-June and throughout the summer, are:

Fordham Wisteria Wheat: a 4% wheat ale, unfiltered with a medium body and low carbonation. It’s brewed with a genuine wheat beer yeast culture with pale and wheat malts. The hops are Perle and Tradition and there’s a hint of camomile. It pairs well with fresh salads, seafood and grilled chicken, as well as sharp and tangy cheeses and desserts with a citrus character.

Old Dominion Beach House Pilsner: a 5% Pilsner lager, brewed with all natural ingredients, and include Perle, Tettnaner and Saaz hops. The crisp and refreshing flavour pairs well with salads, spicy Asian cuisine and summer barbecues.

Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout: a 5.8% craft stout made with smoked and peated malts, Willamette and Cascade hops, and dry hopped with vanilla beans and oak chips for a deep stout flavour. Oak Barrel Stout pairs well with oysters, clams, Brie cheese and chocolate.

All three beers are available in 335ml bottles while Wisteria Wheat and Beach House Pilsner are also available in kegs. Pubs and bars stocking the keg versions will also be supplied with a distinctive wooden tap handle.

Graham Richardson, general manager of Heathwick, says: “A big part of the appeal of the Fordham beers is that they encourage consumers to try something new, while their drinkability makes them more accessible than many American craft beers. By adding Old Dominion’s seasonal beers, we’re expanding the choice available to operators, helping them to create an American craft offer that will appeal not just to die-hard enthusiasts but also to more mainstream beer drinkers looking for something different this summer.”

*The Fordham range was launched in autumn 2011 and current distribution is mainly in London and the South-east, as well as online. Stockists include Ales by Mail (www.alesbymail.com), Chicago Rib Shack, The Diner Group, Whole Foods Market and the Draft House, Tower Bridge Road. For further information see www.fordhambeers.co.uk.