Greene King launches new cask ales

Greene King is releasing two seasonal cask favourites in time for spring.

The brewer has announce the return of Spring Break to its calendar this year, which will be available for March and April. The full bodied 4.4% ale has a fine balance of citrus flavours and delicious malt character. This is a refreshing beer and ideal to have on offer during the Easter period.

Spring Break was frst launched in 2022 and was created through a partnership between Greene King and the National Brewing Apprentice Programme, called Future Brewers, which offered students the opportunity to be involved in the brewing process.

The new addition to the calendar last year, Hopping Special, will also be returning as a limited-edition ale, available from mid-March until mid-May. The 4.2% amber ale is hoppy by name and hoppy by nature, as it incorporates the process of late hopping into its brewing method to  enhance the fruity flavours. Greene King took inspiration for the name of Hopping Special from the train service put on for the hop picking families in the 19th-20th century.

In Spring last year, Greene King saw overall beer sales grow by 4% as more people started visiting the pub as the sun started to come out. Golden cask ale grew by a massive 11% in sales. Greene King’s Fresh Cask Releases calendar offers the opportunity to rotate an ale with the best style and flavours for the season.

Jack Palmer, Head Brewer at Greene King, said: “It is great to see Spring Break and Hopping Special appearing as our seasonals for spring as we know they are well liked by drinkers. These beers offer lots of flavour and refreshment, which is perfect for the time of year. Both cask ales are limited brews for 2024 and they won’t be around for long." 

Spring Break and Hopping Special form part of the wider Fresh Cask Releases calendar, a portfolio of 13 limited-edition cask beers available at specific times throughout the year.