Rebel beer stirs up Norfolk

Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales are bringing back one of their most rebellious limited edition brews when Kett’s Rebellion, the ale to commemorate Norfolk’s Robert Kett and the peasants’ revolt, returns to pubs across East Anglia from the end of August 2012.

Kett’s Rebellion (4.3%), a copper-coloured ale with a rich, bitter finish, was last produced in 2002 and was created by Woodforde’s to commemorate the summer of 1549 when Robert Kett from Wymondham famously led the peasants’ revolt.

There was nationwide unrest due to landowners threatening the livelihood of peasants by fencing off common land. In Norfolk, Robert Kett stepped forward to lead a revolt and rallied his forces at the oak tree outside Hethersett ‘Ketts Oak’ which stands to this day.

With an army of 20,000 men Kett led a successful attack on the city of Norwich but after much fighting the rebels were eventually overthrown. 3,000 were killed before Kett was captured and hanged at Norwich Castle.

Rupert Farquharson, Managing Director of Woodforde’s comments: “We produced Kett’s Rebellion to keep the memory of the Norfolk legend Robert Kett alive. It has a complex blend of fruit and zesty flavours and packs a real punch as with most of Woodforde’s beers, it has a link to the culture and heritage of Norfolk. With every pint we aim to celebrate Robert Kett’s role in Norfolk’s folklore.”

The pumpclip for Kett’s Rebellion has been modernised for the 2012 re-launch and the beer will be available from pubs across East Anglia from late August and in 18 or 36 pint beerboxes which can be purchased from the Woodforde’s shop (tel: 01603 722 218) or at www.woodfordes.co.uk.