Copyright (c) 2026 Protz On Beer, by Roger Protz https://protzonbeer.co.uk/categories/beer-news-1 en-gb Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:31:00 BST The weather is getting warmer and it's time to unwrap with some beers from far and near. Belhaven Black Stout is a long-running Scottish favourite but it's now enjoying a national roll out in 1,000 Lidl stores. Hall & Woodhouse has a new bottled Badger beer, Iron Hart, a strong pale ale available n most major supermarkets. Siren Craft Brew offers two pale ales, an imperial stout an an oak-aged barley wine Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/04/13/celebrate-spring-with-rich-range-of-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/04/13/celebrate-spring-with-rich-range-of-ales An amber beer, brewed with rare rye crystal malt, has won CAMRA's prestigious Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition. It's brewed by Alex Woods at the London Brewing Company based in the Bohemia pub in Finchley. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:08:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/03/15/champion-beer-had-a-mountain-to-climb https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/03/15/champion-beer-had-a-mountain-to-climb St Austell Brewery in Cornwall is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a special range of cask ales, some drawn from recipes in old brewing books. They include a beer to mark Nelson's victory at Trafalgar and Trelawny named after Bishop Trelawny, a supporter of the Royalist cause during the English Civil War, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:47:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/03/05/st-austell-celebrates-with-anniversary-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/03/05/st-austell-celebrates-with-anniversary-ales Suffolk brewer Greene King, the biggest brewer of cask ale in Britain, will launch a range of new cask beers in 2026 along with new pump clip designs. The launch comes on the back of the major success of Rocking Rudolph, its annual Christmas Beer. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:21:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/01/26/greene-king-launches-new-cask-range https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2026/01/26/greene-king-launches-new-cask-range Dougal Sharp (left), founder of Innis & Gunn, has joined forces with Jamie Allsopp to recreate a historic beer from the 19th century. Jamie is a direct descendant of the great Burton brewer Samuel Allsopp who made a special Arctic Ale for a British expedition to the North Pole in 1875. A bottle of the beer was found in Shropshire and was used in the new version Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:48:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2026/01/16/arctic-ale-comes-in-from-the-cold https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2026/01/16/arctic-ale-comes-in-from-the-cold Great interest is being shown by independent brewers in Porter and Stout, beer styles from the 18th century. Both Hook Norton in Oxfordshire and Heritage Brewery in Burton-on-Trent have produced versions of stout based on original recipes. Hook Norton's version is aged in oak casks for 18 months while Heritage P2 is based on Bass's P2 Export Stout sent to Russia and the Baltic States. Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:36:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2026/01/11/brewers-recall-hey-day-of-stout https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2026/01/11/brewers-recall-hey-day-of-stout It's that time of year when Santa gets stuck up the chimney after too many Christmas beers. Here is a fine selection of some of the beers available this year Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:53:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2025/12/08/xmas-beer-let-it-flow-let-it-flow https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2025/12/08/xmas-beer-let-it-flow-let-it-flow AB In Bev, the world's biggest brewer, has bowed to grassroots campaigners and has launched a major promotion for Draught Bass. Bass was once Britain's leading premium cask ale, worth close to one million barrels a year, but that has fallen to 30,000 barrels and the beer has become hard to find. But now more than 1,000 pubs will serve it with new pump clips and glasses. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2025/12/02/draught-bass-is-bouncing-back https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2025/12/02/draught-bass-is-bouncing-back Garrett Oliver, the legendary brewmaster at the Brooklyn Brewery in New York City, has brewed a special strong dark mild using the Union set at Thornbridge Brewery. Sales of the beer will support the Michael James Jackson Foundation, created by Garrett to help people of colour working in the brewing and distilling industries. Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/06/17/brooklyn-brewmaster-s-union-mild https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/06/17/brooklyn-brewmaster-s-union-mild Craft brewers in the United States face a tough battle as they face increased competition from the global giants and now Trump's tariffs on imported grain and aluminium for cans. Brewery analyst Aaron Gore (pictured) says there's an air of doom and gloom in the craft sector as their sales are static and a number of breweries have closed. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:14:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/04/22/u-s-craft-brewers-face-tough-battle https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/04/22/u-s-craft-brewers-face-tough-battle The Chiltern Brewery has done Roger Protz the great honour of producing a special edition of its Bodgers Barley Wine called Roger's Bodgers. It's brewed with Maris Otter malting barley grown on the Rothschild's Waddeson Estate using regenerative farming that avoids fertilisers and agri-chemicals. Pictured Tom Jenkinson of Chiltern Brewery with the writer on the right. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:24:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2025/04/15/roger-honoured-to-become-a-bodger https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2025/04/15/roger-honoured-to-become-a-bodger Greene King has added to its craft and cask portfolio with two new beers. Double Header celebrates the history of its home town where King Edmund was beheaded by invading Vikings and then became a saint. Imperial IPA recalls the original IPAs of the 19th century and is based on a recipe found in the brewery archives. Sun, 23 Mar 2025 15:36:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/03/23/two-new-ipas-from-greene-king https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/03/23/two-new-ipas-from-greene-king Thornbridge Brewery, which rescued a redundant Burton Union fermentation set from Marston's last year, is launching a new beer, 1838, at CAMRA's Great British Winter Beer Festival in Rotherham next week. The name commemorates the year brewer Peter Walker registered his Union system that went on to be widely used by brewers of pale ale and IPA Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:29:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/02/04/thornbridge-adds-new-union-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2025/02/04/thornbridge-adds-new-union-beer Jamie Allsopp, a descendant of the great Burton brewer Samuel Allsopp, has found recipes for IPA and Pale Ale from the 19th century and recreated them along with the famous/infamous keg beer Double Diamond. The beers are on sale at Jamie's pub, the Blue Stoops in Notting Hill, London. The pub takes its name from Allsopp's first tavern in Burton. Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:57:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2025/02/02/allsopps-keeping-beers-in-burton-family https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2025/02/02/allsopps-keeping-beers-in-burton-family A superb range of beers for the festive season that make great companions for food or as stand-along drinks. The selection is from home and from Belgium Sat, 14 Dec 2024 14:32:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2024/12/14/santa-it-s-time-to-get-the-beers-in https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2024/12/14/santa-it-s-time-to-get-the-beers-in Covid still has an impact on sales of beer today. As a result of pub lockdowns drinkers bought beer from supermarkets and chose global lagers sold at huge discounts. Now in pubs many people you would expect to drink cask ale are still choosing lager while small brewers find the route to market hard Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:53:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2024/11/10/heading-for-the-last-chance-saloon https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2024/11/10/heading-for-the-last-chance-saloon Britain's legion of small independent brewers is tackling the problem of drinkers being misled by global lager giants who market such brands as Beavertown and Camden as indies. SIBA, the umbrella organisation for genuine independents, is placing stickers on handpumps to stress that their members' beers are genuine ales from independent producers Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:18:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/10/22/indie-brewers-tackle-misleading-globals-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/10/22/indie-brewers-tackle-misleading-globals-1 Broughton Brewery in the Scottish Borders is celebrating 40 years of brewing Old Jock, a style known as a "Wee Heavy". It has now spawned a range of beers all with Jock in the title, including Wee Jock and Stout Jock. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:26:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/10/15/scotland-s-beers-are-on-the-march https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/10/15/scotland-s-beers-are-on-the-march The launch of Fuller's Vintage Ale 2024 is a cause for celebration, greeted by beer lovers in common with wine buffs' welcome for the latest Bordeaux vintage. It's bottle conditioned, meaning it will age and improve due to live yeast. Vintage has been joined by a new bottle-conditioned beer, The Union, from the Thornbridge Brewery using their restored and revived Burton Union system Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:34:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2024/09/30/corkers-let-beer-breathe https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2024/09/30/corkers-let-beer-breathe There's a growing media storm warning of the dangers of drinking alcohol. Most of the advice is based on ignorance and much of the material in newspapers comes as a result of clever campaigning and influence by the temperance movement using a number of names that cover its real intentions Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:39:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2024/09/04/don-t-be-shy--enjoy-a-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2024/09/04/don-t-be-shy--enjoy-a-beer India Pale Ale has moved on from its Victorian origins. It's now brewed in many parts of the world and recipes vary, but too many versions today are unbalanced. Hops are an important flavouring in beer but the role of malt must not be ignored. Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:41:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2024/04/14/beer-balance-the-importance-of-malt https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2024/04/14/beer-balance-the-importance-of-malt Brewer and retailer Greene King is launching an innovative programme to boost interest in and sales of ale. It says ale is a major category in cask and keg and drinkers need to be made more aware of the category with information at the bar and special branded glasses Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:19:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/03/15/greene-king-s-vision-for-ale-sector https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/03/15/greene-king-s-vision-for-ale-sector Greene King is launching two seasonal cask ales for the spring period, Spring Break and Hopping Special are two full-bodied beers with big hop flavours. They are part of the brewery's rolling programme of cask beers available throughout the year. Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/03/07/greene-king-launches-new-cask-ales-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/03/07/greene-king-launches-new-cask-ales-1 Hook Norton, with its classic tower brewery in Oxfordshire, celebrates 175 years of brewing this year with an exciting range of cask ales that includes old favourites and some new beers. The season hicks off in style with Outside Half for the rugby season followed with Double Stout, Haymaker, Twelve Days Porter, Lock Steady and Autumn Ways. As well as cask, there will be bottled versions too. Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:20:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/02/19/hooky-kicks-off-a-new-range-of-cask-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/02/19/hooky-kicks-off-a-new-range-of-cask-ales Rooster's Brewery in Harrogate celebrated 30 years of brewing in 2023 and has exciting plans for 2024, starting with a "kettle sour" Saison Wild Wild Life that has been aged in Pinot Noir barrels for 15 months. Oak-aged imperial stout and barley wine will follow Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:37:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/02/19/rooster-s-launches-saison-aged-15-months https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/02/19/rooster-s-launches-saison-aged-15-months National brewer and retailer Greene King has stressed its commitment to cask ale with a calendar of new beers for 2024, including a warning winter ale and a beer for the rugby season. The brewer says these beers increase customer interest and help grow sales of cask Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/01/11/greene-king-launches-new-cask-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2024/01/11/greene-king-launches-new-cask-ales Simon Rogan, the chef and restaurateur, has joined forces with Fell Brewery in Cumbria to fashion a stout made with the addition of woodruff leaves. It's the first of four seasonal beers the chef and brewery will make. Rogan's L'Enclume restaurant has just been named No 1 in Britain by Harden's Guide Sun, 17 Dec 2023 17:00:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/12/17/top-chef-helps-brew-a-cumbrian-stout https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/12/17/top-chef-helps-brew-a-cumbrian-stout The festive season is upon us and brewers have produced a fine array of rich and warming brews that will go well with Christmas meals or enjoyed by themselves in front of a roaring fire Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:13:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/12/07/santa-has-a-sackful-of-fine-xmas-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/12/07/santa-has-a-sackful-of-fine-xmas-beers Jamie Allsopp, seven times grandson of Samuel Allsopp, has restored the name and the beers of the historic brewer who was the first to make IPA in Burton-on-Trent. Jamie has used original recipes and yeast to make Pale Ale, IPA and Pilsner. The beers are currently brewed by the Kirkstall Brewery in Leeds but Jamie is looking for a site in Burton Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:49:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/12/04/historic-burton-ales-restored-by-grandson https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/12/04/historic-burton-ales-restored-by-grandson Gale's Prize Old Ale, a stock ale that's a blend of aged and fresh beer, was revived in 2022 and sold out within 48 hours. It's now owned by Fulller's/Asahi and a new vintage has just been launched, brewed at Meantime in Greenwich. Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:11:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/11/23/classic-stock-ale-makes-record-return https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/11/23/classic-stock-ale-makes-record-return Utopian Brewing, the craft lager brewery in Devon, has launched its annual Festbier to coincide with the annual Munich Oktoberfest. While it's a lager, the beer is brewed with 100% British-grown ingredients -- including a version of the Bavarian Hersbrucker hop from the Hallertau region. Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:05:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/09/21/festbier-celebrates-british-malt-and-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/09/21/festbier-celebrates-british-malt-and-hops Cask Ale Week -- 21 September to 1 October -- will seek to boost the fortunes of Britain's unique beer style as it attempts to recover from Covid and lockdowns. Sales of cask ale are down by an alarming 20 per cent though some brewers -- including Timothy Taylor and Robinsons -- say sales are recovering well. Brewers and pub companies will support Cask Ale Week with special promotions in their pubs. Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/09/19/big-beer-week-seeks-to-boost-cask-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/09/19/big-beer-week-seeks-to-boost-cask-ale Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn has launched 12 Moons, a lager that's aged and matured for 12 months. Dougal Sharp, the founder of I&G, thinks it may be the longest-lagered beer in the word. Samichlaus, brewed in Austria, is aged for 10 months while the Czech Budweiser Budvar Reserve enjoys 200 days in the lager cellar. Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:22:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2023/09/11/how-long-should-a-lager-beer-be-aged https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2023/09/11/how-long-should-a-lager-beer-be-aged Famous Yorkshire brewer Timothy Taylor has joined forces with leading craft brewer Thornbridge in Derbyshire to produce a collaboratilon brew, Artesian, 4.2%, a pale ale with the addition of elderflower and gooseberry Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/08/21/tim-taylor-thornbridge-join-forces https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/08/21/tim-taylor-thornbridge-join-forces Molson Coors, a global brewer that took over the old Bass breweries in Burton-on-Trent, says it plans to "rest" production of Worthington's White Shield, a world-famous Burton IPA first brewed in the 19th century. Production has ceased for the "foreseeable future", which means it's unlikely to be brewed again. But Molson Coors say the beer remains part of its portfolio and the group refuses to sell the brand Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/08/14/global-giant-set-to-axe-white-shield-ipa https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/08/14/global-giant-set-to-axe-white-shield-ipa Elland Brewery in Yorkshire has won the coveted Champion Beer of Britain award for 1872 Porter at CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival at London Olympia. The beer has previously been named Champion Winter Beer four times. There were also awards for beers in a range of categories Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:57:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/08/02/elland-brewery-wins-top-beer-award https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/08/02/elland-brewery-wins-top-beer-award Greene King has joined forces with fellow Suffolk brewer Nethergate to launch two new cask beers that will be available in 4.5 gallon pins that will help pubs with a slow turnover and avoid wastage Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/07/05/greene-king-pins-its-hopes-on-cask https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/07/05/greene-king-pins-its-hopes-on-cask Thornbridge Brewery in Derbyshire is boosting the premium bottled beer sector with the launch of seven beers in bottle-conditioned form. The beers include its leading beer Jaipur IPA, and six others that are all available in cask form as well. One of the seven is Kelham Island Pale Rider: Kelham Island Brewery in Sheffield closed in 2022 but has reopened with the support of local beer-loving entrepreneurs Fri, 16 Jun 2023 13:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/06/16/thornbridge-goes-big-on-bottles https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/06/16/thornbridge-goes-big-on-bottles Four brewers from the Norfolk area went to Leuven in Belgium earlier this year to meet with counterparts there and plan beers using both British and Belgian ingredients and styles. The beers were unveiled at the launch of Norwich City of Ale and will be available in some of the 59 pubs supporting the festivities. Mon, 29 May 2023 12:25:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/05/29/launch-of-belgian-brit-collab-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/05/29/launch-of-belgian-brit-collab-beers The National Hop Collection is moving to a new and bigger site in Kent where as many as 350 varieties will be grown and collated. Dr Peter Darby (pictured), founder of Wye Hops, has come out of retirement to oversee the move and the planting of the hops. The collection is supported by Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer based in Faversham. It has funded the move and will continue to give financial backing for at least five years Mon, 08 May 2023 11:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/05/08/new-home-for-historic-hops-collection https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/05/08/new-home-for-historic-hops-collection Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar has joined forces with leading independent brewer Thornbridge in Bakewell, Derbyshire, to produce a collaboration lager, Czech Mates, 4.8%. It's brewed with Maris Otter malt and East Kent Goldings hops and is fermented with Budvar's yeast culture. The beer is aged for six weeks, far longer than most lagers brewed in the UK. Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/04/20/budvar-thornbridge-brew-collab-lager https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/04/20/budvar-thornbridge-brew-collab-lager Most of the top-selling lagers in Britain have reassuringly Continental names but most of them are brewed not in Europe, let along Australia, but in giant beer factories in this country. And almost without exception, they are lower in alcohol than the original beers whose names they mimic -- which means big savings in excise duty for the brewers. Heineken is spending millions launching Cruzcampo -- 4.4% in the UK, 4.8% in Spain Sat, 15 Apr 2023 11:23:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2023/04/15/global-brewers-bamboozle-lager-drinkers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2023/04/15/global-brewers-bamboozle-lager-drinkers After the dread days of Covid and lockdown, it's good to be able to visit pubs and enjoy draught beer, especially traditional ale, made from malted grain and hops -- no funny bits, including beetroot Fri, 14 Apr 2023 18:00:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2023/04/14/no-fuss-the-joy-of-drinking-draught-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2023/04/14/no-fuss-the-joy-of-drinking-draught-beer The National Brewery Heritage Trust has appointed Laura Waters as Collections Officer to preserve and protect the archives and artefacts from the National Brewery Centre in Burton-on-Trent. The centre has been closed by Molson Coors and the collection will go to a temporary home on Station Street until the new Heritage Centre in Burton is ready. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/04/13/burton-beer-museum-finds-a-new-home https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/04/13/burton-beer-museum-finds-a-new-home Timothy Taylor, legendary brewer of Landlord pale ale in Bronte country, has launched its first beer in a can. Hopical Storm (4%) uses five English hops, pure Pennine water and fine English barley malts to create a session beer with mandarin, mango and passion fruit aromas and flavours Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/03/31/tim-taylor-brews-up-a-storm-in-a-can https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/03/31/tim-taylor-brews-up-a-storm-in-a-can Greene King has launched Spring Break, a hoppy golden ale, as part of its cask beer seasonal programme. It's brewed in collaboration with apprentices on the National Brewery Apprenticeship Scheme. The brewery is also celebrating winning a prize for its craft beer programme in the Bartenders Brands Awards Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:05:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/03/24/greene-king-launches-beer-for-spring https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/03/24/greene-king-launches-beer-for-spring Jef Stelling, host of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday and former host of Countdown, has joined forces with brewer and pub retailer Greene King to boost draught cask beer. The brewery has staged a series of events with Jeff where customers have taken part in a pub quiz led by Jeff while enjoying pints of Greene King Abbot Ale. Jeff is seen with Roger Protz in the Green Man in Sandridge, near St Albans Sat, 04 Feb 2023 12:31:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/02/04/tv-host-jeff-stelling-in-boost-for-cask https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/02/04/tv-host-jeff-stelling-in-boost-for-cask Scottish brewer BrewDog has launched a new nitro stout, Black Heart, in a direct challenge to market leader Guinness. The new beer is 4.1 per cent, identical to the Irish beer and will be on sale in pubs from 1 February followed by a packaged version later in the month, BrewDog will have samples of the beer available outside Twickenham rugby ground during the Six Nations tournament, which is sponsored by Guinness Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/01/31/brewdog-stout-in-challenge-to-guinness https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/01/31/brewdog-stout-in-challenge-to-guinness Eylenbosch, one of Belgium's oldest lambic breweries that closed in the 1990s, has been brought back to life and is once again brewing spontaneously fermented lambic and gueuze beers. The brewery has been welcomed by the directors of HORAL set up to protect and promote lambic beer Pictured: Erik De Keersmaeker of Eylenbosch Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/01/24/key-brewery-joins-belgium-s-wild-bunch https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/01/24/key-brewery-joins-belgium-s-wild-bunch It's possible to enjoy good beer and still give your liver a rest in January. There are some excellent NoLos to be found, including the brilliant Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% on draught. These beers have come a long way from the days of Barbican and Kaliber that tasted like cold Horlicks. Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:24:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/01/16/how-nolo-can-you-get-in-dry-january https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2023/01/16/how-nolo-can-you-get-in-dry-january Suffolk-based brewer and retailer Greene King has invested heavily in 36-pint casks called pins for its seasonal ale. This will enable publicans to offer a range of cask ales in good condition that it's hoped will invigorate the sector and bring new and younger drinkers to real ale. The small containers will cut back on wasted beer Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:17:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/01/11/greene-king-pins-its-faith-on-cask-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2023/01/11/greene-king-pins-its-faith-on-cask-ale Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool FC, is also the ambassador for the German wheat beer Erdinger in Britain. As a result of the collaboration, Erdinger is now the biggest-selling imported wheat beer in the country. It's brewed with malts grown on farms near the brewery and with hops from the Hallertau region. Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:01:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/12/19/klopp-boots-erdinger-to-top-sales-spot https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/12/19/klopp-boots-erdinger-to-top-sales-spot It's time for Xmas beers with some splendid examples from regional and independent breweries, including Harvey's in Lewes, Sussex, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Christmas Ale. Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:02:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/12/14/santa-pours-pints-of-festive-joy https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/12/14/santa-pours-pints-of-festive-joy Timothy Taylor's Brewery in Keighley, West Yorkshire, has seen a big jump in sales of Landlord Best Bitter, which is now the second biggest selling cask beer in the country. There has also been big increases in beer sales from such independent brewers as St Austell and Wadworth. Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:21:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/12/11/taylor-s-landlord-leads-cask-revival https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/12/11/taylor-s-landlord-leads-cask-revival Dark Star Brewery in Sussex has launched a new edition of Gale's Prize Old Ale, a rare beer that's a blend of aged and fresh young beer. POA was brewed at Gale's in Hampshire until the brewery closed in 2066. A final batch of the beer was moved to Fuller's in Chiswick and has been used to make occasional new versions of the beer. Henry Kirk at Dark Start hopes it will now become an annual vintage. Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:09:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/11/14/prize-old-ale-dark-star-new-generation https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/11/14/prize-old-ale-dark-star-new-generation The 26th edition of Fuller's Vintage Ale sold out as soon as bottles hit the shelves but it's due to be back in Waitrose on 26 October and is also available from the brewery's online shop. The new vintage includes a new English hop called Emperor. The beer is also on sale on draught in a small selection of Fuller's pubs. Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/10/19/autumn-cheer-from-fuller-s-vintage https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/10/19/autumn-cheer-from-fuller-s-vintage Cask Ale Week runs from 21 September to 1 October and it has a special role this year to reverse the fall in sales as a result of the Covid pandemic and pub lockdowns. The celebration will also attempt to bring younger drinkers on board by stressing that cask beer has rich and vibrant flavours and is brewed from the finest natural ingredients. Bright new handpulls on bars will also draw customers' attention to the beers on offer Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/09/22/big-drive-to-boost-cask-ale-sales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/09/22/big-drive-to-boost-cask-ale-sales Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn, famous for its oak-aged beer, has aged its flagship Original in sherry casks bought from Pedro Ximinez in Spain, The beer cements the long love Scots have for sherry that was landed in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Innis and Gunn's home base. Sat, 20 Aug 2022 12:03:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/08/20/i-g-launches-beer-aged-in-sherry-casks https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/08/20/i-g-launches-beer-aged-in-sherry-casks For the first time ever, a home brew championship has been staged at CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival. The winner was named as Stephen Folland with his Doggy in the Woods, a 16% stout. He will now be invited to brew commercially at a Brewhouse & Kitchen outlet Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:26:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/08/02/home-brew-champions-unveiled-at-gbbf https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/08/02/home-brew-champions-unveiled-at-gbbf Flavourly, the online craft beer specialist, has launched Small Batch Originals, a range of new craft beers from Wiper and True, Brew by Numbers, Siren Craft Brew, Tempest, Anspach & Hobday and Wild Card, In Devon, Salcombe Brewery has launched its first IPA, Atlas, brewed with British, American and New Zealand hops. The Co-op has launched Toast, a hazy pale ale, in collaboration with Toast, using surplus bread from its suppliers. Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:12:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/07/28/new-beers-on-the-block https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/07/28/new-beers-on-the-block Brewers and consumer groups have acted angrily to a delay in a review of beer excise duty levels. The review was announced in the 2021 budget but will not be brought in until the autumn. CAMRA, SIBA, UK Hospitality and the British Beer & Pub Association have all called on the government not to delay the review and to bring in a lower rate of duty for draught beer. Photo shows Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson carrying 30 litre kegs at Fourpure Brewery that are outside a 5% cut in duty Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:48:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/07/21/anger-at-delay-in-beer-duty-review https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/07/21/anger-at-delay-in-beer-duty-review The Great British Beer Festival is back after a two-year break as a result of Covid. With beers from 12 countries, GBBF is now the world's major festival where choice is concerned. As well as beer, cider, perry, wine and gin will be showcased. There will be live music and street food, a home-brewing competition and daily talks and tastings. Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/07/06/olympia-beer-fest-is-best-in-world https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/07/06/olympia-beer-fest-is-best-in-world Yorkshire comedian Maisie Adam has joined forces with Black Sheep Brewery in Masham to promote cask ale. In a video commissioned by Black Sheep, Maisie tackles head-on some of the myths surrounding cask beer: that it's drunk only by old men and is served warm, flat and vinegary, Black Sheep describes cask as "the original craft beer", with a wide variety of styles that suit all age groups Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:48:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/06/29/maisie-adam-joins-battle-for-cask-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/06/29/maisie-adam-joins-battle-for-cask-ale St Austell Brewery in Cornwall has launched Anthem, a new pale ale that's brewed with all-British malts and hops. It's the first new beer to be made at the brewery since the arrival of head brewer Georgina Young from Fuller's. The beer features Maris Otter malting barley and four English hops Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:34:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/06/02/st-austell-on-song-with-anthem https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/06/02/st-austell-on-song-with-anthem Two South London brewers, Anspach & Hobday and Orbit Beers, have joined forces to recreate a genuine Running Porter from the 19th century, using a recipe from Truman's brewery in Whitechapel. The beer will be served from wooden casks at Woodfest, the annual celebration organised by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood but bottled versions are available for purchase. One batch will be kept back and aged to produce a Keeping Porter Fri, 20 May 2022 16:19:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/05/20/brewers-recreate-porter-from-the-wood https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/05/20/brewers-recreate-porter-from-the-wood The ground-breaking City of Ale in Norwich -- a roving festival based around the city's pubs -- is back after two years of lockdown. This year the event will run for a full month and will feature special beers brewed by some of the county's 40 breweries. The launch party takes place on Thursday 26 May. Pictured: two key players in City of Ale, David Holliday of Norfolk Brew House and Dawn Hopkins of the Rose Inn. Sat, 14 May 2022 12:03:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/05/14/norwich-city-of-ale-bigger-and-better https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/05/14/norwich-city-of-ale-bigger-and-better Alloa brewers Williams Brothers have added to their popular Joker IPAs with a ramped up version Juicy Joker, based on the New England NEIPA style Mon, 02 May 2022 13:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/05/02/scots-brewer-gets-juicy-with-joker https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/05/02/scots-brewer-gets-juicy-with-joker One of the world's top beer festivals, the Great British, returns to London Olympia this August following a two-year gap as a result of Covid and lockdowns. This year, thanks to a collaboration with the New England Real Ale Exchange, GBBF will feature a large number of American beers as well as ales from all parts of Britain. Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:53:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/04/26/beer-bonanza-heads-back-to-olympia https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/04/26/beer-bonanza-heads-back-to-olympia Lovers of Draught Bass are urging drinkers and pubs to boost the beer on 16 April, Easter Saturday, which has been dubbed National Bass Day. The beer is now owned by global giant AB InBev. At its peak 800,000 barrels a year were brewed but that fallen to just 30,000 today. Potential buyers of the beer would not be given the famous red triangle trademark. Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:08:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/04/07/easter-saturday-is-boost-bass-day https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/04/07/easter-saturday-is-boost-bass-day Mild Ale will be given a major boost in March and April with a Mild Magic campaign run by CAMRA branches in the region. The campaign will be sponsored by Hydes Brewery, which still brews Mild Ale, and will be supported by two more mild breweries, JW Lees and Joseph Holt. Supporters of the scheme will go on a pub passport pub crawl that will win them entry to Stockport Beer Festival, a T-shirt with the mild logo and the chance to tour Holt's brewery Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/03/11/manchester-goes-mad-over-mild https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/03/11/manchester-goes-mad-over-mild It's 10 years since Dave Wickett, landlord of the famous Fat Cat pub in Sheffield, died. Dave, who also founded Kelham Island Brewery, needed cask beer for the Fat Cat and brought Timothy Taylor Landlord from North Yorkshire. The beer had never been sold outside its immediate area before but its success in Sheffield turned it into a national brand. Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:59:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/03/10/how-sheffield-pub-boosted-landlord https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/03/10/how-sheffield-pub-boosted-landlord Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery in Yorkshire, is spearheading a major campaign to boost cask beer. "It's the heart of what we," she says. The brewery has recovered strongly from the pandemic and lockdowns and now aims, using social media, to attract young people to the pleasures of real ale. But older drinkers will not be forgotten. "There are a lot of lapsed cask drinkers out there," she says. Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/03/02/black-sheep-in-big-push-to-boost-cask https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/03/02/black-sheep-in-big-push-to-boost-cask The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have appealed to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to change his new tax rates for draught beer to include containers of less than 40 litres. Research shows that many pubs and bars do not have the cellar space or turnover to sell 40 litre containers. The Chancellor is pictured with Boris Johnson moving kegs at a London brewery following last year's Budget Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:40:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/02/01/small-brewers-in-tax-plea-to-sunak https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/02/01/small-brewers-in-tax-plea-to-sunak Global brewing giant Guinness plans to build a micro-plant in Covent Garden in the heart of London. The brewery will cost £73 million and will cover an area known as Old Brewers' Yard where brewing has taken place for 500 years, The new plant is due to come on stream in 2023 and will offer tours and a restaurant. Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:28:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/01/31/guinness-to-brew-in-heart-of-london https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/01/31/guinness-to-brew-in-heart-of-london Mad Squirrel Brewery in Hertfordshire has developed a new system of serving fresh draught beer from a tank. Its taproom in St Albans has its best-selling Sumo pale ale on sale, stored in Frank the Tank. The beer is unfiltered and unpasteurised and contains live yeast. It stays in drinkable condition for five days Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:08:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/01/23/mad-squirrel-meets-frank-the-tank https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/01/23/mad-squirrel-meets-frank-the-tank Sales of cask beer fell like a stone during the covid lockdowns but brewers feel confident that a revival is underway. Stuart Bateman, pictured with his sister Jaclyn, says his Lincolnshire brewery is doing well but cask must not be priced beyond drinkers' means. Tom Stainer of CAMRA says cask beer must be treated as a pub's Unique Selling Point while James Calder of SIBA argues that many independent brewers are well placed to meet consumer demand for real ale Thu, 20 Jan 2022 18:40:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/01/20/brewers-bullish-about-cask-beer-revival https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2022/01/20/brewers-bullish-about-cask-beer-revival The authentic Czech lager beer Budweiser Budvar saw a remarkable 38 per cent growth in sales in 2021. It was the number three in World Lager sales in the off trade. On trade sales recovered fast once the lockdown ended. The beer is on draught and also in bottles and cans. Some specialist outlets serve Budvar from special tanks holding unfiltered and unpasteurised beer Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/01/13/budvar-beats-virus-blues-to-boost-sales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2022/01/13/budvar-beats-virus-blues-to-boost-sales Fuller's famous strong ale ESB is 50 years old and Justin Hawke at Moor Beer, working with the Chiswick brewery, has brewed Rebirth, using the original recipe. Today only English hops are used but Justin has a mix of English, American, Australian and Slovenian varieties. He has also brought back maize, which is no longer used by Fuller's Sun, 19 Dec 2021 13:49:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/12/19/esb-at-50-rolling-back-the-years https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/12/19/esb-at-50-rolling-back-the-years Christmas is bursting with a fine range of beers with strong ales and even an oak-aged Pilsner. Santa Claus would certainly get stuck in the chimney if he partakes of some of these beers. Mon, 13 Dec 2021 13:56:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/12/13/beers-to-get-santa-stuck-in-the-chimney https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/12/13/beers-to-get-santa-stuck-in-the-chimney The 2022 edition of the Good Beer Guide, published by CAMRA -- the Campaign for Real Ale -- shows that the number of breweries in the UK has grown despite the impact of the pandemic. The guide lists some 4,500 pubs throughout the country that are serving cask beer in tip-top condition. The guide calls on the government to give greater support to both pubs and breweries in order to face the power of cost-cutting supermarkets Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:19:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/11/12/good-beer-guide-shows-brewery-growth https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/11/12/good-beer-guide-shows-brewery-growth 25 breweries in Britain and Ireland have joined forces to to brew collaborative beers led by Toast using surplus bread as their contribution to tackling waste. They have written an open letter to world leaders who will attend COP26 to step up the campaign to tackle climate change. Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:00:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/10/15/brewers-unite-in-bid-to-boost-cop26 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/10/15/brewers-unite-in-bid-to-boost-cop26 The annual Fuller's Vintage Ale has been released to please beer lovers everywhere. This year's vintage is brewed with pale, caragold and roasted crystal malts with Target, Endeavour, Olicana and CF 182 hops Sun, 03 Oct 2021 16:26:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/10/03/fuller-s-vintage-livens-autumn-beer-scene https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/10/03/fuller-s-vintage-livens-autumn-beer-scene As a result of the pandemic and lockdowns, real ale needs to massively promoted to get drinkers back into pubs and enjoying fresh and unpasteurised beer. The organisers of Cask Ale Week 2021 have set out a whole raft of proposals to get handpumps working again -- and this involves bar staff as well as punters Thu, 09 Sep 2021 16:38:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/09/09/all-hands-to-the-pumps-to-boost-cask-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/09/09/all-hands-to-the-pumps-to-boost-cask-ale River Cottage, founded by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, has teamed up with Stroud Brewery to launch three new organic beers, using ingredients that aid the environment by avoiding the use of chemicals and fertilisers. The beers include a new hop, CF257, that is undergoing trials with leading hop merchant Charles Faram. Two of the beers include stinging nettles and hemp flour Tue, 27 Jul 2021 11:08:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/07/27/river-cottage-stroud-join-forces-with-organic-beers-including-nettles-and-hemp https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/07/27/river-cottage-stroud-join-forces-with-organic-beers-including-nettles-and-hemp In spite of the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns, Thornbridge Brewery in Derbyshire is witnessing record ales of its beers and it retains a strong commitment to cask ale, including its brand leader, Jaipur IPA Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:10:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/07/25/thornbridge-sees-off-the-pandemic https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/07/25/thornbridge-sees-off-the-pandemic The Cask Matters Group, made up of brewers and industry leaders, is urging all beer lovers to head for the pub and enjoy cask ale. During the lockdown more than 87 million pints of cask beer, worth £30 million, were poured down the drain and Paul Nunny of Cask Matters says we need to support our "national treasure" or it could disappear. Mon, 19 Jul 2021 09:07:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/07/19/it-s-time-to-give-cask-beer-a-big-boost https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/07/19/it-s-time-to-give-cask-beer-a-big-boost Quantock Brewery has celebrated its 1,500th brew with Milestone 1500, a 6.5 per cent beer described as a "Mountain IPA", combining West Coast and East Coast styles. The brewery was founded in 2008 with an eight-barrel plant that can produce 300 casks per week. Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:25:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/07/13/quantock-celebrates-with-milestone-ipa https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/07/13/quantock-celebrates-with-milestone-ipa Ralph Findlay, the soon-to-retire chief executive of Marston's brewery and pub company, says the beer world has changed dramatically in recent years and younger drinkers are no longer passionate about cask ale. The group's biggest beer brands are Hobgoblin and Wainwright's while such revered ales as Pedigree and Banks's are struggling. He says the merger with Carlsberg will give Marston's greater muscle in the free trade Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:44:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/07/09/marston-s-boss-cask-is-under-the-cosh https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/07/09/marston-s-boss-cask-is-under-the-cosh Freedom Day may off the agenda on 21 June but beer lovers can celebrate International Gnome Day with five beers from the celebrated La Chouffe brewery in Belgium. The chouffe are mythical gnomes who lived in the forests of the Ardennes and their image graces the labels and pump clips of the brewery. Draught versions will feature during a tap takeover in Britain while bottled versions will be on sale in key outlets. Pictured: Chris Bauweraerts, founder of the brewery with a gnomic friend Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:04:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/06/18/chouffe-has-great-beers-to-go-gnome-to https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/06/18/chouffe-has-great-beers-to-go-gnome-to As the Campaign for Real Ale celebrates its 50th anniversary, a book by Laura Hadland charts the history of CAMRA, the rise and fall of keg beer, the growth of British lager and the dynamic impact of Progressive Beer Duty. With sales of cask beer in crisis as a result of the pandemic and pub shutdowns, the campaign is as a relevant today as it was in the 1970s. Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:22:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/06/14/camra-50-carry-on-campaigning https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/06/14/camra-50-carry-on-campaigning Just when you thought there could be no further versions of IPA, along come two new interpretations -- Milk Shake and wild. Milk Shake IPAs are brewed with the addition of lactose that can't be fermented by brewer's yeast and gives a creamy note to the beer, while wild Brettanomyces yeast leaves a funky and acidic note. The Brett beers are brewed by Beavertown (pictured) Sat, 08 May 2021 12:35:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/05/08/the-ipa-bandwagon-goes-rolling-on https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/05/08/the-ipa-bandwagon-goes-rolling-on Saltaire Brewery in Shipley, West Yorkshire, has brewed a 5% Helles beer, along the lines of the famous Bavarian style consumed in large quantities in Munich beer gardens. The beer is cold conditioned or lagered for six weeks Tue, 04 May 2021 10:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/05/04/saltaire-brews-a-helles-of-a-good-lager https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/05/04/saltaire-brews-a-helles-of-a-good-lager Innis & Gunn has launched an Islay Whisky Cask beer that has been aged in casks at the famous Laphroaig distillery on the island. The casks give the beer a peat, oak and iodine note, with the beer contributing roasted grain and hop character. It's a one-off special edition and will not be repeated so order now Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:24:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/04/19/beer-and-whisky-unite-on-islay https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/04/19/beer-and-whisky-unite-on-islay The Hophurst Brewery in Wigan brews great beers and also helps re-skill people over 50 to enable them to get back into the labour market. The brewery opened in 2014 and now has big range of beers available in local pubs and bars and plans its own taproom. Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:51:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/04/15/wigan-brewery-beers-with-hops-a-heart https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/04/15/wigan-brewery-beers-with-hops-a-heart As CAMRA celebrates its 50th anniversary, it also recognises the strong links between the organisation and St Albans. The city is home to the head office while the local branch, South Herts, is the oldest in the country, founded at the Farriers Arms pub in 1972 (pictured) The branch also runs one of the most successful beer festivals in the country Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:31:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/03/19/camra-50-the-st-albans-link https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2021/03/19/camra-50-the-st-albans-link The Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar has relaunched its strong 7.5 per cent beer as Budvar Reserve with new main and neck labels. The beer is aged for 200 days in the cellars of the brewery in Ceske Budejovice/Budweis and is brewed with pale malt from Moravia, acclaimed Saaz hops and pure, soft water from a well 300 metres below the brewery. The beer is available in bottle in Britain and in kegs when pubs reopen. Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:57:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/03/04/strong-budvar-flexes-its-muscles https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/03/04/strong-budvar-flexes-its-muscles Duvel Moortgat in Belgium is celebrating 150 years of brewing with a new version of its famous Duvel blond ale. Duvel 6.66% uses six hops and has added orange zest alongside the famous Poire William character of the original beer. Head brewer Hedwig Neven also worked in collaboration with the 't IJ' brewery in Amsterdam, which is now owned by Duvel Moortgat. Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:21:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/02/18/duvel-marks-150-years-with-devilish-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/02/18/duvel-marks-150-years-with-devilish-beer A team of American and Egyptian archaeologists has found a large brewing complex at Abydos near Luxor in Egypt. It's thought to be the oldest brewery in the world and dates from the time of King Narmer, founder of the First Dynasty. The brewery contained hundreds of pots in which grain and water were heated. Hops were not used at the time. The beer is thought to have been drunk at royal rituals and funerals. Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:49:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/02/16/world-s-oldest-brewery-found-in-egypt https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/02/16/world-s-oldest-brewery-found-in-egypt For the first time in its 30-year history, Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire, is offering its Best Bitter in bottle. It's one of the country's best-selling ales but to date it has only been available in cask format. But now the closure of pubs and the demand from drinkers has encouraged the brewery to offer the beer in bottle Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:56:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/02/15/after-30-years-black-sheep-hits-the-bottle https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2021/02/15/after-30-years-black-sheep-hits-the-bottle Two breweries in the English Midlands and the Scottish Borders have brought back two noble beer styles from the 19th and 20th centuries. In Northampton, Phipps has aged a batch of its Stingo barley wine for a year while Broughton in Scotland has kept a batch of Imperial Russian Stout in its cellars for 20 years. Wed, 16 Dec 2020 14:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/12/16/two-beers-shine-a-light-on-brewing-s-past https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/12/16/two-beers-shine-a-light-on-brewing-s-past Not all pubs are open but there's still plenty of good beer available to help celebrate the festive season. They range from ale from Britain's oldest brewery to beers from modern craft producers. There's a stout, too, plus the revival of an ancient style, Audit Ale, that was once brewed for Oxford and Cambridge colleges that had audit feasts when they finished their annual accounts Sun, 06 Dec 2020 17:08:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/12/06/yule-tide-over-with-great-xmas-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/12/06/yule-tide-over-with-great-xmas-beers Back in the 1970s the strength of beer and the ingredients used were treated like state secrets by breweries. CAMRA unlocked the doors and consumers began to learn more about their favourite brews. Beer writers started to develop a language for beer appreciation -- derided at first but now widely accepted. Pictured: Butty Bach from Wye Valley with information about strength and ingredients on the back label Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/11/25/how-our-love-affair-with-beer-has-grown https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/11/25/how-our-love-affair-with-beer-has-grown Marston's has launched Horninglow No 3, the third in its special edition of bottle-conditioned beers that are brewed in the historic Burton Union oak barrels. No 3 is a New England style IPA using American hops. The beer is bottle conditioned and at 7.4 per cent ABV it will age for several years Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:52:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/11/10/union-power-drives-new-marston-s-ipa https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/11/10/union-power-drives-new-marston-s-ipa A new system of home brewing produces beer in just seven days and is so easy that even renowned fumble fingers can do it without ruining the kitchen. The range includes Pale Ale, IPA, Pilsner and lager...and the manufacturer says the beers will be better if they are allowed to condition for a few days more Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/11/09/home-brewing-with-a-modern-twist https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/11/09/home-brewing-with-a-modern-twist A once obscure beer style from the Wallonia region of Belgium has now been taken up by brewers in many parts of the world. Saison was originally a seasonal beer brewed by farmers to refresh their workers at harvest time but it's now produced all year round. The classic Saison comes from the Dupont brewery based on a former farm in the Hainaut region Fri, 06 Nov 2020 11:02:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/11/06/tis-the-saison-to-be-merry https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/11/06/tis-the-saison-to-be-merry Exmoor Ales head brewer Tom Davis has produced a strong version of the regular 6.6 per cent Beast. Megabeast is 10.2 per cent and is brewed with pale, crystal and chocolate malts and has four hops. It's bottle conditioned and the perfect companion for blue cheese Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:25:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/10/30/grab-this-big-beer-beast-from-exmoor https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/10/30/grab-this-big-beer-beast-from-exmoor Fuller's Vintage Ale 2020 is now available and this year it's been brewed with two English hops, Godiva and Jester, and gets colour and flavour from a special malt called DRC or Dark Roasted Crystal, created by Simpson's Malt. Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:04:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/10/19/fuller-s-vintage-goes-on-the-dark-side https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/10/19/fuller-s-vintage-goes-on-the-dark-side The Munich Oktoberfest has been cancelled this year but you can sample a Marzen or March beer -- the style once brewed for the festival by Munich brewers. This version comes from The Park Brewery in Kingston upon Thames and is true to style, using Munich and Vienna malts and hops from the Hallertau region Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:57:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/10/13/oktoberfest-classic--from-south-london https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/10/13/oktoberfest-classic--from-south-london A decade ago the English hop industry was on its knees as more and more brewers imported hops from abroad. But the revived British Hops Association has breathed life back into the market and has developed a new range of plants that deliver the rich, fruity aromas and flavours that craft brewers demand. Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:04:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/10/06/hats-off-to-british-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/10/06/hats-off-to-british-hops Cask Ale Week starts on 24 September and, despite the new restrictions on pub opening hours, it will encourage beer lovers to go to their locals and enjoy a style of beer that's unique to Britain. Dozens of breweries have activities planned for the week, including launching special beers for the occasion Thu, 24 Sep 2020 08:35:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/09/24/cask-ale-week-bids-to-beat-the-blues https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/09/24/cask-ale-week-bids-to-beat-the-blues Black Sheep Brewery in the Yorkshire Dales is getting ready for Cask Ale Week with a new tankard for its draught beers in selected pubs in Yorkshire and North-east England. The brewery says cask beer is unique to Britain and it wants to boost its popularity with the powerful image of the tankard Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:14:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/09/15/new-look-tankard-for-black-sheep-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/09/15/new-look-tankard-for-black-sheep-ale Ageing beer in oak casks is coming back into fashion as brewers discover the added aromas and flavours wood can give their beers. Alastair Simms is seen at the White Rose Cooperage in Yorkshire with a fine collection of oak casks. Classic lager brewers lined oaks casks with pitch to avoid woody flavours infecting the beer Thu, 10 Sep 2020 11:44:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2020/09/10/why-wood-gives-a-magic-touch https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2020/09/10/why-wood-gives-a-magic-touch Stroud Brewery has joined forces with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and River Cottage to produce two beers to celebrate Organic September. The beers are Organic Stinger Golden Ale and Organic Rye PA. Stinger is brewed with the addition of organic nettles Fri, 28 Aug 2020 10:35:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/08/28/river-cottage-and-stroud-join-forces-with-beers-for-organic-september https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/08/28/river-cottage-and-stroud-join-forces-with-beers-for-organic-september Ardbeg's whisky distillery on Islay has joined forces with William Brothers' Brewery in Alloa to produce a smoky porter, using the distillery's own peated malt. The profits from the beer will be donated to build clean water wells in Malawi. Wed, 12 Aug 2020 09:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/08/12/whisky-beer-to-aid-africa-water-campaign https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/08/12/whisky-beer-to-aid-africa-water-campaign Bill Tidy at the age of 86 has hung up his pens and sketch pads after years of tickling the nation's ribs with such strip cartoons as the Cloggies and the Fosdyke Saga. He created Kegbuster in the 1970s for CAMRA's What's Brewing newspaper where he lampooned the activities of the Grotny Hardmen and Twitbread and their lacklustre keg beers. Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:19:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/07/29/billy-tidy-fizz-fun-and-keg-buster https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/07/29/billy-tidy-fizz-fun-and-keg-buster Rudi Keyser, founder of Watling Street Brewery in North London, was so inspired by the work of the NHS in combating the coronavirus pandemic that he volunteered to work at the Nightingale Hospital in Docklands and also brewed a special pale Nighting Ale with £1 from every sale going to the Covid-19 appeal. Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:38:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/07/18/beer-inspired-by-nightingale-backs-nhs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/07/18/beer-inspired-by-nightingale-backs-nhs Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey has launched an East Coast IPA to celebrate the re-opening of pubs on 4 July. Seven hops are used in the beer, including Cascade grown in the brewery's own garden. The hop garden covers 8.5 acres and supplies the brewery with 50% of its hops needs. A malt kiln will be added to dry hops within 24 hours of being picked. Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/06/29/hogs-back-ipa-celebrates-return-of-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/06/29/hogs-back-ipa-celebrates-return-of-pubs Carlsberg is the dominant partner in the new brewing group formed with Marston's -- and the Danish giant does not enjoy a good track record where cask ale is concerned. It closed the major Tetley Brewery in Leeds and axed the award-winning Draught Burton Ale and there are now concerns for the future of Draught Bass, which Marton's brews for AB InBev Tue, 26 May 2020 10:22:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2020/05/26/carlsberg-cask-remember-burton-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2020/05/26/carlsberg-cask-remember-burton-ale There's been a lively debate on Twitter about an old system used to serve Irish stouts. It was known as the two cask or high and low system. One cask held freshly-fermented beer, the second older, mature beer. The system was phased out when Guinness developed a new keg method that served the stout with a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gasses Wed, 13 May 2020 14:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/13/the-highs-and-lows-of-draught-guinness https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/13/the-highs-and-lows-of-draught-guinness When some bottles of beer were discovered in the cellars of the former Allsopps' brewery in Burton-on-Trent they turned out be to Arctic Ale, brewed in 1875. They had been produced for the crew of ships sent by Queen Victoria to find the survivors of an earlier attempt to navigate the North West Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. When a small group assembled in Burton in 2011 the key question was: "Will the beer be drinkable?" Mon, 11 May 2020 10:25:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/11/taste-of-history-ale-brewed-for-the-arctic https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/11/taste-of-history-ale-brewed-for-the-arctic Are bottle-conditioned beers better than beers that have been filtered? The evidence says Yes. Not only are modern beers with live yeast more flavourful but some beers more than 100 years old remain in fine drinking condition as a result of secondary fermentation in bottle, as a tasting of old Bass "corkers" (pictured) proved Sat, 09 May 2020 13:40:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/09/how-a-little-yeast-gives-beer-some-bottle https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/09/how-a-little-yeast-gives-beer-some-bottle Great lager beers come from Central Europe while Britain is saddled with the mass-produced brews produced by global brewers. But small independent brewers in Britain are now making some fine interpretations of the style -- and king of the heap is Curious Brew, which uses wine techniques including Champagne yeast Thu, 07 May 2020 12:36:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/07/it-s-curious--a-great-british-lager https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/05/07/it-s-curious--a-great-british-lager Brewers in East London and Somerset are launching special initiatives to back the hard-press NHS during the coronavirus crisis. Signature Brew, who specialise in collaboration beers with rock bands, has produced Nightingale Pale Ale, with £1 from each can going to the NHS. Pitchfork plans a virtual beer festival with again part of the proceeds going to the health service. Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:34:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/04/29/brewers-come-to-the-aid-of-the-nhs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/04/29/brewers-come-to-the-aid-of-the-nhs The usually secretive Yorkshire brewer Sam Smith's is up front and out on the streets, using its traditional horse-drawn drays to deliver bottled beers to people locked in doors and unable to go to the pub Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:54:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/04/15/sam-smith-s-horses-deliver-beer-at-home https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/04/15/sam-smith-s-horses-deliver-beer-at-home Publicans and brewers are worried over what to do with unused beer during the coronavirus lockdown and closed pubs -- can they claim back for lost sales and pre-paid duty? The chairman of a leading regional brewer offers his advice Sun, 05 Apr 2020 12:28:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2020/04/05/lockdown-what-to-do-with-waste-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2020/04/05/lockdown-what-to-do-with-waste-beer Should cask beer be treated as a premium product, as suggested by James Calder, the chief executive of SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers? A pint of Taylor's Landlord at £3.50 in a backstreet pub in Dartford, Kent, keeps in the reach of people on low incomes. Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:32:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2020/03/30/a-pint-of-landlord-gives-hope-for-cask https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2020/03/30/a-pint-of-landlord-gives-hope-for-cask Sainsbury's has come to the rescue of drinkers who can't get to the pub. The supermarket group has launched a range of six beers from craft brewers that are a long way removed from mainstream beers.Several use unusual ingredients and some IPAs are well-hopped with American and Kiwi varieties Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:34:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/20/sainsbury-s-six-to-the-rescue https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/20/sainsbury-s-six-to-the-rescue The Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers have joined forces in an attempt to boost pubs and breweries during the corona virus crisis. They will encourage pubs to make meals and beer available for home delivery for people who are forced to self-isolate. CAMRA is also working with Crowdfunder to help raise much-needed income for pubs Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:50:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/19/camra-siba-in-bid-to-boost-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/19/camra-siba-in-bid-to-boost-beer Hog Star Brewery in Tongham, Surrey, has launched a special take-home service for customers who can't get to the pub during the corona crisis. It's a drive through service where customers stay in their cars while beer is packed into their boots by members of staff who keep a safe distance. Beers include the best-selling TEA, Hop Star Lager, and Nirvana Session IPA Wed, 18 Mar 2020 13:13:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/18/take-home-beers-beat-the-virus-blues https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/18/take-home-beers-beat-the-virus-blues Greene King has teamed up with Bristol-based micro-brewery Tapestry to produce a cask pale ale, Encounter, that will aid charity work in sub-Saharan Africa. Five pence of every pint bought will be donated to Save a Cow, Tapestry's chosen charity. Pictured left are GK head brewer Ross O'Hara and Tapestry co-founder Calum Doutch at the brewery in Bury St Edmunds Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:38:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/09/gk-collab-helps-tackle-african-poverty https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/09/gk-collab-helps-tackle-african-poverty Kent brewer Shepherd Neame is celebrating one year of its Cask Club with a new beer that reaches out to today's legion of gin drinkers. Why Can't We Be Fronds? is brewed with Kentish hops and the addition of juniper berries and elderflower. Half a million pints of beer have been poured since the brewer launched Cask Club with a new ale every month, some brewed in collaboration with other breweries. The April beer will be based on a recipe from legendary American brewer Samuel Adams. Sun, 08 Mar 2020 12:34:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/08/shep-s-new-cask-reaches-out-to-gin-lovers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/08/shep-s-new-cask-reaches-out-to-gin-lovers The Campaign for Real Ale -- CAMRA -- has unveiled new research carried out by European Economics that shows a cut in beer duty for draught beer would help pubs struggling against competition from supermarkets. The research was launched at the House of Commons by Chris Watling MP (seen left) with CAMRA chairman Nik Antona Thu, 05 Mar 2020 12:33:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/05/camra-call-to-cut-duty-to-save-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2020/03/05/camra-call-to-cut-duty-to-save-pubs Hinckley in Leicestershire is the birthplace of three men who went on to carve out important roles in British brewing. William Bass,William Worthington and William Butler all have blue plaques on their homes and the local museum has staged a special event to mark their contribution to brewing Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/02/24/bass-socks-it-to-em-in-hinckley https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/02/24/bass-socks-it-to-em-in-hinckley Derby has a number of pubs that still serve the legendary Draught Bass from nearby Burton-on-Trent. The pubs include the 16th-century and haunted Olde Dolphin (pictured) along with other historic pubs such as the Smithfield and Old Bell coaching inns.They all prove that whether served from a hand pump or straight from the cask, Bass is still a fine ale Sun, 16 Feb 2020 16:35:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/02/16/derby-a-fine-host-for-much-loved-bass https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2020/02/16/derby-a-fine-host-for-much-loved-bass Batham's and Holden's are two legendary Black Country breweries famous for their dark milds. But bitter and pale beers are now their main products and mild is in deep decline. It was a style once downed in vast quantities by miners and other industrial workers but as heavy industry has disappeared mild has fallen from grace and needs urgent support from lovers of traditional beers. Pictured: Batham's famous Vine pub complete with Shakespeare quotation Mon, 30 Dec 2019 14:03:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/12/30/historic-mild-ales-need-urgent-support https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/12/30/historic-mild-ales-need-urgent-support A tasting of old Bass beers drew a large audience in Burton-on-Trent, keen to samples beers as old as 150 years. The event was organised by Ian Webster, a local historian, with a number of retired Bass brewers.The event proved that old unpasteurised beers can age with distinction as much as fine wine. Thu, 19 Dec 2019 13:31:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/12/19/old-bass-beers-are-real-corkers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/12/19/old-bass-beers-are-real-corkers There's a superb range of beers available for the Christmas period. They include the venerable Old Tom from Robinson's., celebrating 100 years, Chiltern about to celebrate 40 years, the revered Bateman's Rosey Nosey and a remarkable Imperial Pilsner from Camden Town that has been aged in French wine barrels. Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:15:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/12/10/hurry-down-the-chimney-for-xmas-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/12/10/hurry-down-the-chimney-for-xmas-beers A special IPA, brewed with "wet hops" straight from the harvest, has been brewed to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Borough Market at London Bridge and is on sale in bars and restaurants. Fuggles hops are grown under the roof of the market hall and go straight into the brew as soon as they are harvested. The beer is sold in a sustainable can and is also on draught in the Rake and the Globe at the market. Sun, 01 Dec 2019 13:24:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/12/01/ipa-celebrates-borough-market-s-21-years https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/12/01/ipa-celebrates-borough-market-s-21-years The Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield is a fascinating view of the city's great industrial past and it was a fine venue for the CAMRA Steel City Beer Festival. Close by, the Kommune collective of restaurants and book shops is home to Hop Hideout, a beer shop run by Jules Gray with a fine range of beers from home and abroad Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:46:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/11/25/sheffield-puts-the-steel-into-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/11/25/sheffield-puts-the-steel-into-beer Traquair House in the Scottish Borders has a 300 year-old brewery famous for its House Ale. It has now added a vintage ale dedicated to the memory of Lord and Lady Nithsdale, supporters of the Jacobite cause in the 18th century. Lord Nithsdale was charged with treason and held in the Tower of London but his wife organised a daring escape. Sun, 17 Nov 2019 14:49:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/11/17/scots-ale-recalls-daring-jacobite-escape https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/11/17/scots-ale-recalls-daring-jacobite-escape Worries that Asahi, the new owners of Fuller's West London Brewery, can be put aside for the moment with the arrival of the 2019 edition of Vintage Ale. It has a strong Kiwi influence, with hops and crystal malt sourced from New Zealand's South Island. Fri, 08 Nov 2019 09:48:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/11/08/kiwi-influence-for-new-fuller-s-vintage https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/11/08/kiwi-influence-for-new-fuller-s-vintage The old question "What did Porter taste like?" is answered by a collaboration brew between Goose Island of Chicago and Wimbledon Brewery in London.The beer is based on recipes unearthed by historian Ron Pattinson from the old Truman brewery in East London. The name celebrates Obadiah Poundage,a retired London brewer in the 18th century, whose writings gave an insight into how early Porters were brewed Wed, 06 Nov 2019 12:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/11/06/obadiah-poundage-a-true-taste-of-porter https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/11/06/obadiah-poundage-a-true-taste-of-porter Robinson's Brewery in Stockport has broken with tradition and for the first time has launched its famous Old Tom barley wine in keg format to complement the versions available in bottle and cask. Joint managing directors William and Oliver Robinson (pictured) believe the chilled craft keg version will win new drinkers to the beer Sun, 03 Nov 2019 11:27:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/11/03/you-ll-purr-with-pleasure-over-old-tom https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/11/03/you-ll-purr-with-pleasure-over-old-tom Family brewer Batemans of Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, has re-designed four of its leading ale brands in bottle with distinctive new labels. The beers are Mocha Stout, XXXB, Victory Ale and Combined Harvest. Managing director Stuart Bateman says young drinkers come across craft ales in pubs and now they have the opportunity to sample them in the off-trade as well Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:46:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/new-look-batemans-has-plenty-of-bottle https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/new-look-batemans-has-plenty-of-bottle Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham issued an angry open letter to the BBC when its East Midlands programme linked an item on alcohol abuse with the brewery's Harvest Pale being poured in a pub.Castle Rock, which has been fully supported by CAMRA, says the item gives a false image of pubs and beer, with pubs providing a vital community role. It added that cheap alcohol in supermarkets should be tackled, not pubs Wed, 09 Oct 2019 12:24:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/10/09/bbc-flayed-over-beer-and-abuse-story https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/10/09/bbc-flayed-over-beer-and-abuse-story The Express Tavern on Kew Bridge in London is a now rare outlet for Draught Bass, once Britain's leading premier cask ale but sidelined by its owners AB InBev and brewed under licence by Marston's in Burton-on-Trent. It's worth a visit to the pub for not just the beer but the fascinating history of an old coaching inn that has survived the change from coach to train and still serves a fine range of cask beers Thu, 03 Oct 2019 20:54:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/10/03/express-trip-for-rare-drop-of-draught-bass https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/10/03/express-trip-for-rare-drop-of-draught-bass Cask Beer needs some tender loving care, according to the 2019 Cask Report. It says too many pubs are serving cask beer at the wrong temperature and often in poor condition, which deters drinkers from returning to the category. The report calls for cask beer to be "premiumised", which means it should cost more than standard lager and says it's absurd that cask is sold cheaper than craft keg considering the effort and cost of materials that go into its production. Thu, 26 Sep 2019 08:48:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/26/cask-report-the-fight-back-starts-now https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/26/cask-report-the-fight-back-starts-now The 24th St Albans beer festival (25-28 Sept) will feature beer from Worms in Germany, St Albans' twin city. The German beer will complement several hundred ales from all parts of Britain and -- for the first time -- a range of key keg beers as well. From small beginnings 24 years ago, the festival is now one of the biggest in the country and draws drinkers from Hertfordshire and London to the Alban Arena Thu, 19 Sep 2019 16:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/19/twin-city-beer-heads-for-st-albans-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/19/twin-city-beer-heads-for-st-albans-fest The 2020 Good Beer Guide, published 12 September, has a Learn & Discover section that will help readers become beer experts with greater knowledge of how beer is brewed, the ingredients used, how it is served in pubs and the best temperatures to enjoy it. The guide will be backed by beer festivals throughout the country that will have Learn & Discover platforms Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/12/be-an-ale-expert-with-good-beer-guide https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/12/be-an-ale-expert-with-good-beer-guide Bass Pale Ale and Draught Bass, once leaders in their field, have been sidelined by owners AB InBev. The draught beer is brewed under licence by Marston's and what was once the biggest-selling cask ale is now hard to find. The bottled version was once sold world wide and featured in Manet's Bar at the Folies Bergeres (pictured) but is now a filtered beer produced at a keg plant in Lancashire a long way from Burton-on-Trent Thu, 12 Sep 2019 09:10:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/09/12/beer-giant-s-clumsy-treatment-of-bass-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/09/12/beer-giant-s-clumsy-treatment-of-bass-ale Greene King has re-launched its leading brand IPA following a long look at the beer's recipe. More hops are now added and it's hoped this will give the beer, with its modest 3.6% strength, greater hop character in the glass. The brewery has also revamped its approach to cask beer, installing smaller casks in pubs with a slow throughput to ensure beer is served fresh and cool. Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:46:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/09/greene-king-ipa-gets-a-major-makeover https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/09/09/greene-king-ipa-gets-a-major-makeover The Tate galleries have teamed up with Fourpure brewery and Toast Ale to make a beer, Elemental, that has 40% of its grain bill made up of bread. The bread is sourced by Toast from bakeries and sandwich makers who throw away vast amounts of bread -- crusts are never used by sandwich makers, for example. Elemental is a sour beer made with cucumbers and a lactic acid culture. Fri, 23 Aug 2019 14:25:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/23/tate-bread-beer-to-help-save-the-planet https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/23/tate-bread-beer-to-help-save-the-planet The De Koninck brewery in Antwerp, famous for its rich, bronze-coloured ale, has bowed to public pressure and renamed the beer Bolleke after the elegant glass chalice it's served in. Local drinkers never call the beer De Koninck but always demand "a Bolleke" in the city's bars and restaurants. Wed, 21 Aug 2019 11:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/21/antwerp-brewery-has-a-load-of-bollekes https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/21/antwerp-brewery-has-a-load-of-bollekes Surrey Hills Brewery in Dorking has walked away with the coveted title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival staged by CAMRA at London Olympia. The festival runs until Saturday. The champion beer event is the culmination of many rounds of tastings and judging in different styles and categories. Photo shows Simon Jones (left) and Ross Hunter of Surrey Hills with their award Tue, 06 Aug 2019 22:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/06/surrey-hills-shere-drop-is-champion-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/06/surrey-hills-shere-drop-is-champion-beer Wild Beer in Somerset has used open vats or coolships first used to make cheese curds to launch Coolship 2019, a spontaneously fermented beer blended with beer aged in French wine casks. The brewers say they are not attempting to create a Belgian Lambic type beer as they have sufficient of their own bugs for fermentation Sun, 04 Aug 2019 09:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/04/gorge-yourself-on-cheddar-wild-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/08/04/gorge-yourself-on-cheddar-wild-beer For the first time in its 42 years, the Great British Beer Festival will offer live keg beers alongside traditional cask ales. The festival at London Olympia, 6-10 August, will have keykeg beers from Tiny Rebel, Siren Craft and Wild Beer while Harveys of Sussex will offer a chance to taste its beer in both cask and keg formats. The organisers say they are reaching out to a wider audience that wants to drink good beer in different formats Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:02:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/07/22/camra-s-big-ale-fest-rings-the-changes-with-beer-for-all-in-both-casks-and-kegs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/07/22/camra-s-big-ale-fest-rings-the-changes-with-beer-for-all-in-both-casks-and-kegs A cask vs keg challenge will be the high-point of this year's Great British Beer Festival (6-10 August) at London Olympia. Miles Jenner, head brewer at Harvey's of Lewes in Sussex, will lead a tasting of his Wharfe IPA in keg and cask versions. He will also have samples of his Tin Lizzie barley wine in keg format for the first time. The new Discovery Zone at the festival will introduce visitors to the brewing experience with experts from malt and hop companies on hand, along with brewers from Adnams,Siren and Wild Beer among others Mon, 08 Jul 2019 12:37:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/07/08/cask-vs-keg-challenge-at-top-beer-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/07/08/cask-vs-keg-challenge-at-top-beer-fest The National Brewery Heritage Trust needs urgent financial help to save a unique collection of documents and artefacts detailing the history of British brewing. The aim is to produce an online catalogue. A crowdfunding campaign is running to raise money and will close of 23 July. Fri, 05 Jul 2019 13:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/07/05/help-preserve-beer-s-heritage-archive https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/07/05/help-preserve-beer-s-heritage-archive Low alcohol and no alcohol beers -- dubbed NABLABs -- used to taste like cold Horlicks. Such horrors as Kaliber were advertised by Billy Connolly, who is now on the wagon! But a new range of NABLABS offer the taste of malt and hops and can be genuinely enjoyable. Adnams removes the alcohol from Ghost Ship by reverse osmosis while the Small Beer Brewery uses less grain to obtain the level of alcohol required. Sat, 29 Jun 2019 09:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/06/29/flavour-rules-in-new-age-low-alcohol-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/06/29/flavour-rules-in-new-age-low-alcohol-beer The historic Union fermenting vessels (pictured) at Marston's brewery in Burton-on-Trent have been called into play to create an IPA that was planned in the nano DE14 plant used to trial new brews. No 1 Horninglow IPA will be on sale in Waitrose and, along with other beers in the series, is bottle-conditioned and will age for several years. Tue, 18 Jun 2019 09:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/06/18/burton-s-historic-unions-create-new-ipa https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/06/18/burton-s-historic-unions-create-new-ipa Monks at Westvleteren, the smallest and most remote of Belgium's Trappist breweries, have responded to world-wide demand for their acclaimed bottle-conditioned beers by making them available by ordering online. Previously, beer lovers could only buy the beers by phoning the abbey when a new batch of beer was ready -- and the lines were often busy for many hours. Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:44:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/06/14/ssh-trappist-monks-sell-their-beer-online https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/06/14/ssh-trappist-monks-sell-their-beer-online A pint of bitter is Britain's favourite style of ale yet a growing number of major brewers are re-branding both their bitters and pale ales as "amber". The trend started with Marston's Pedigree, which is a classic Burton pale ale, using no darker malts in its recipe, but is now labelled "amber". This is making a mockery of centuries of brewing tradition and traducing a beer style famous throughout the world Wed, 29 May 2019 10:00:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/05/29/why-i-m-seeing-red-over-amber-bitter https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/05/29/why-i-m-seeing-red-over-amber-bitter Norwich and Rouen celebrated 60 years of twinning by bringing a collaboration beer, Amitie (Friendship) for the 2019 City of Ale. The beer was brewed by Northmaen in Normandy and Norfolk Brewhouse. The beer had a stormy passage, with the boat rescued by a RNLI lifeboat off Harwich. But it arrived on a flotilla of smaller vessels up the River Yare on time (pictured) for the launch of City of Ale Mon, 27 May 2019 17:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/05/27/viking-ale-has-stormy-passage-to-norwich https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/05/27/viking-ale-has-stormy-passage-to-norwich Leuven is called the City of Beer. The Belgian city, half an hour from Brussels, has two contrasting breweries: Domus brewpub and Stella Artois. The 1920s Art Deco Stella brewery (pictured) is magnificent while tours will take visitors to a number of local breweries, including De Kroon and Hof Ten Dormaal. The Old Market area alone has 36 bars -- sufficient to slake the deepest thirsts. Fri, 17 May 2019 13:51:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/05/17/beer-and-bars-bloom-in-belgian-beer-city https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/05/17/beer-and-bars-bloom-in-belgian-beer-city Geary's Pale Ale came from the first micro-brewery in New England in the 1980s and helped kick start the American beer revolution. The beer was rhe result of founder David Geary touring breweries in England and Scotland and discovering a passion for pale ale. When sales of the beer fell away in the second decade of the new century, Geary looked for new owners who bought the brewery and have revived it, complete with a taproom in Portland, Maine Wed, 15 May 2019 17:12:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/05/15/old-and-new-england-forged-beer-legend https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/05/15/old-and-new-england-forged-beer-legend The award-winning Harp pub at Charing Cross in London is promoting Mild Ale during May -- and the beers include an exclusive beer, Into the Mild, brewed by Dark Star in Sussex. There will be a rolling programme of milds at the pub during May but the popularity of the style means that Dark Star will now have a permanent pump for mild. Thu, 09 May 2019 09:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/05/09/mild-is-top-of-the-hops-at-harp-pub https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/05/09/mild-is-top-of-the-hops-at-harp-pub Carlsberg has created media interest in its new Danish Pilsner and its admission that it may not brew the best lager in the world. It has also unleashed criticism from drinkers that the beer lacks flavour and character. But it has also sparked a debate over what constitutes proper lager beer and whether it can be brewed as quickly as ale or whether long maturation is still best. Fri, 19 Apr 2019 18:21:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/04/19/carlsberg-and-the-meaning-of-lager https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/04/19/carlsberg-and-the-meaning-of-lager Cask beer had a tough time in 2018 but there are signs of a revival. Shepherd Neame has launched Cask Club with a series of new beers, including collaborations with the likes of Sam Adams in the U.S. BrewDog and Cloudwater are planning to brew some cask beers while Thornbridge says sales of its real ales are doing exceptionally well. Multi-prize-winning Timothy Taylor Landlord has become a cult beer among young drinkers Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:31:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/03/26/cask-beer-is-climbing-out-of-the-grave https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2019/03/26/cask-beer-is-climbing-out-of-the-grave Greene King has added to its award-winning Heritage Ales series with a new pale ale brewed with the Ernest hop variety. Ernest was developed in the 1920s but was never commercially grown as brewers disliked its citrus flavours. Greene King head brewer Ross O'Hara says if it had been used in brewing in the 1920s the British would have been drinking New World-style ales back then Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:47:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/03/17/greene-king-and-the-importance-of-brewing-with-ernest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/03/17/greene-king-and-the-importance-of-brewing-with-ernest Gloucester and Swannay breweries walked away with Gold awards for cask and keg beers in the annual championship at Beer X, staged by SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers in Liverpool. Wibblers Brewery won Gold in the packaged sector. The victors are seen with Master of Ceremonies Nigel Barden, far right. Sun, 17 Mar 2019 09:47:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/03/17/going-for-gold-in-siba-championship https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/03/17/going-for-gold-in-siba-championship Britain's oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame in Faversham, is to launch a new range of real ales with Cask Club that will aim to improve the style's image among younger drinkers.There will be a new beer every month, including collaborative brews with the likes of Sam Adnams of Boston in the United States. Cask Club will run a Passport Scheme with participating pubs that will enable drinkers to win free T-shirts Tue, 26 Feb 2019 13:25:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/26/shepherd-neame-to-launch-new-cask-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/26/shepherd-neame-to-launch-new-cask-ales Twenty years ago sales of bottled beer were falling off the cliff. But there's been a spirited revival and one section of the bottled sector that's showing special growth is bottle-conditioned beers. This year, Marston's will stage a "live beer" week along with other breweries. Among live beers on sale, the Gold edition of Thomas Hardy's Ale stands out from the crowd as it marks 50 years since it was first brewed for a literary festival in Hardy's home town of Dorchester Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:56:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/02/18/how-live-beers-came-back-from-the-dead https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2019/02/18/how-live-beers-came-back-from-the-dead BrewDog has launched a range of 10 sour beers from its new plant, Overworks, near Aberdeen, drawing on the experience of Belgian lambic and gueuze beers made by spontaneous fermentation -- but with a BrewDog twist. The beer use a variety of fruits for additional flavour and will be followed by several more "wild" beers during 2019. The beers will go on sale in all BrewDog bars in Britain and also in specialist beer shops Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:03:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/08/brewdog-goes-wild-over-sour-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/08/brewdog-goes-wild-over-sour-beer The Co-Op group is helping to raise awareness of food waste by stocking Toast beer in all its 57 stores in London. Toast beer is made with one third of the mash made up of surplus bread. Both the Co-Op and the brewery are keen to make consumers more aware of the need to re-cycle wasted bread and other food and both contribute a share of the profits to charities Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:49:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/04/co-op-boost-for-bread-saving-toast-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/04/co-op-boost-for-bread-saving-toast-beer A strong imperial stout, brewed by Bass in the 19th century for export to Russia, has been revived at the Heritage Brewery in Burton. P2 Stout was one of a range of stouts brewed by Bass for export to Czarist Russia. Bass phased the beer out in the 1960s but it's been revived by brewers Steve Wellington and Caroline Horrabin. A draught version will be available at the Derby Winter Beer Festival in late February Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:11:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/01/burton-brewer-revives-czar-s-stout https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/02/01/burton-brewer-revives-czar-s-stout Road works in Cambridgeshire have thrown up the remains of a brewery from the Iron Age, some 400 years BC. The work on the A14 road near Huntingdon allowed archeo-botanists to analyse residues in brewing pots that indicate people were making beer along with porridge and bread, all using grain from East Anglia. The discovery follows earlier work on beer-making in the Old World of Egypt and Bablyon: pictured is a depiction of brewing in Ancient Egypt Thu, 31 Jan 2019 16:00:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/31/iron-age-brewery-found-in-east-anglia https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/31/iron-age-brewery-found-in-east-anglia Thornbridge Brewery is pinning its faith in cask ale and the Derbyshire company is producing more of the style than at any time in its history. Jaipur IPA is its flagship ale but it's producing a range of innovative beers, including porters that have proved highly popular. It's beers sold so well at last August's Great British Beer Festival that a second delivery was necessary Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:27:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/24/jaipur-leads-the-cavalry-charge-for-cask https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/24/jaipur-leads-the-cavalry-charge-for-cask As the clamour for porter and stout grows, two breweries in the West Country have launched new dark beers. Moor Beer in Bristol has worked in collaboration with La Quince brewery in Madrid to produce a series of barrel-aged stouts, some in whisky and rum casks. The photo shows Justin Hawke of Moor (second from left) with the La Quince brewers. And Salcombe brewery in Devon has produced a complex Porter Thu, 17 Jan 2019 16:25:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/17/west-country-weighs-in-with-new-stouts https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/17/west-country-weighs-in-with-new-stouts Black Sheep and Hogs Back are two breweries backing the Tryanuary campaign that encourages beer lovers to visit their local pubs during January. Black Sheep has launched Resolution, an amber beer that's the first of its special ales for 2019 while Hogs Back is promoting its TEA bitter during the month. Pictured: Rob and Jo Theakston at Black Sheep with pints of Resolution Mon, 07 Jan 2019 15:10:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/07/beers-boost-tryanuary-pubs-campaign https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2019/01/07/beers-boost-tryanuary-pubs-campaign After years of growth in the pale ale and IPA sector, dark beer is making a comeback. Tesco stores sold out of stout during the Christmas period as consumers relish the rich flavours of beers made with roasted and caramel malts. There are some fine porters and stouts available but you will need to rush to get a bottle of the annual Goose Island Bourbon County Stout before it sells out Mon, 31 Dec 2018 07:52:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/12/31/there-s-dark-at-the-end-of-the-beer-tunnel https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/12/31/there-s-dark-at-the-end-of-the-beer-tunnel As Christmas hovers on the horizon there is a plentiful supply of rich and warming beers to help celebrate the holiday. They come in all shapes and sizes and from Belgium as well as this country. So start stocking up now! Fri, 14 Dec 2018 09:18:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/12/14/it-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-beermas https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/12/14/it-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-beermas Britain has the biggest number of breweries in Europe but producers are faced by a shocking tax burden. Research shows that while the UK is second only to Germany where beer production is concerned, the British industry is held back from growth by duty levels 12 times higher than in Germany. The UK pays almost 40 per cent of all beer duty in the EU, with 54p of a pint going in tax, compared to just 5p in Germany. Thu, 06 Dec 2018 11:17:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/12/06/uk-brewers-have-biggest-eu-tax-burden https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/12/06/uk-brewers-have-biggest-eu-tax-burden Most beers are meant for immediate consumption but there are some strong versions that should be treated with the same respect as vintage wine and which will improve with age. Two such recent additions are the latest Thomas Hardy's Ale and Fuller's Vintage Ale. It's claimed the Thomas Hardy's will improve over 25 years while samplings show the Fuller's beer with deepen its complexities if laid down for a few years Wed, 05 Dec 2018 09:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/12/05/beers-that-grow-old-gracefully https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/12/05/beers-that-grow-old-gracefully John Keeling has just retired as head brewer at Fuller's but he has a new mission in life -- to boost the fortune's of cask beer. He says Britain's unique contribution to beer is seeing sales fall by 10% a year. His recommendations include greater quality control, with no cask served longer than three days, and a special differential rate of duty when Britain leave the European Union Tue, 30 Oct 2018 08:53:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/10/30/master-brewer-s-mission-to-boost-cask https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/10/30/master-brewer-s-mission-to-boost-cask Seen years after Norwich set the ball rolling with City of Ale, other cities across the UK gathered in Norwich to create a forum that will see more and more beer and pub events in the years ahead. The photo shows the delegates at the forum with key note speakers including Pete Brown, Roger Protz, Stefan Gurney from BID, David Wilson from the British Beer & Pub Association and Andrew Daines from Visit Flanders. Roger Protz is holding the sign with Dawn Leeder and Phil Cutter from Norwich with Pete Brown next to Phil. Report by Frances Brace Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/10/25/cities-unite-to-boost-britain-s-beer-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/10/25/cities-unite-to-boost-britain-s-beer-pubs Greece has a vast number of islands and several of them are now home to new craft breweries. They include the Nissos Brewery that concentrates on organic lagers and Mikonu on Mykonos, where founders Angelos Ferous and Janos Bako (pictured) learned the brewing skills at BrewDog in Scotland. Other islands with flourishing breweries include Crete and Santorini Tue, 23 Oct 2018 12:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/10/23/greek-islands-harbour-fine-craft-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/10/23/greek-islands-harbour-fine-craft-beers Now in its 37th year, the Great American Beer Festival goes from strength to strength, attracting in September 8,500 beers from 2,404 breweries and drawing crowds of 62,000. As well as mainstream styles such as lager and IPA, American brewers are "pushing the envelope" with sours, saisons, barrel-aged and wine-influenced beers. This special report is from Lotte Peplow Fri, 05 Oct 2018 11:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/10/05/beer-hits-new-heights-at-american-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/10/05/beer-hits-new-heights-at-american-fest New England IPA is yet another variant of a style that shows no signs of slowing down world wide. Versions from the East Coast of the US are less aggressively hopped than beers from the West Coast that can have as much as 100 units of bitterness. And it was the IPA from the Harpoon Brewery in Boston that helped kick-start the IPA revolution in the 1990s. NEIPAs as they are known are now being brewed with enthusiasm as far away as Australia Tue, 02 Oct 2018 08:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/10/02/east-west-ipa-goes-on-travelling https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/10/02/east-west-ipa-goes-on-travelling Sales of cask beer have fallen faster than the overall beer market, according to the latest Cask Report. Sales are down by 6.8 per cent while the overall beer market has declined by 1.6 per cent. But while amber beers have shown the biggest fall, golden ales in the cask sector have seen substantial growth and a big majority of publicans say cask beer is vital to the business. Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:28:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/27/cask-sales-fall-but-still-vital-to-pub-trade https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/27/cask-sales-fall-but-still-vital-to-pub-trade Hannah Rhodes is celebrating her fifth anniversary as a brewer by launching her Hiver honey beers in cans to augment the keg and bottle versions. She uses fresh, unpasteurised honey as part of the fermenting and conditioning process, not just as an add-on flavouring. 10% of her profits go to backing charities that support bees as they forage for honey. All her malts and hops come from England Mon, 24 Sep 2018 08:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/24/drinkers-swarm-for-hannah-s-honey-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/24/drinkers-swarm-for-hannah-s-honey-beer After years of dramatic growth, the craft beer sector has slowed in the US but is growing at a fast pace in Europe, according to a report by leading research organisation Mintel. Traditional beer styles are being challenged by innovative new ones as consumers look for new tastes and flavours. The downside of craft beer's success, says Mintel, is that global brewers are now entering the sector and are buying independent producers. Pictured: Stone Brewing of California now has a second brewery in Berlin Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:38:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/20/europe-now-leads-craft-beer-revolution https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/20/europe-now-leads-craft-beer-revolution The new edition of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide praises breweries that are "putting something back" by reducing carbon footprints and producing more gluten-free, vegan-friendly and low alcohol beers. The guide also lists breweries that aid less fortunate people,such as those with learning difficulties and others serving prison sentences. Other breweries aid the environment by recycling used malt and hops and even lining brewing vessels with sheep wool. Thu, 13 Sep 2018 10:33:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/13/beer-guide-hails-socially-aware-brewers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/13/beer-guide-hails-socially-aware-brewers For the first time in years, the craft beer sector in the United States is losing growth as a result of the emergence of two giant brewing groups, AB InBev and Molson Coors. Jim Koch (pictured) says the domination of "Big Beer" poses a threat to the craft movement while the Brewers Association lays the blame for the decline on the aggressive price cutting of the giants and success of Bud Light, which has led to some craft brewers producing light lagers Mon, 10 Sep 2018 08:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/10/big-beer-threat-to-us-craft-revolution https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/09/10/big-beer-threat-to-us-craft-revolution So much attention is paid to hops these days that many drinkers ignore the vital role played by barley and other grains in making beer. Hops are the salt and pepper of beer-making but it needs malt, with its essential sugars, that enables beer to be made and to balance the bitterness of hops with rich biscuit notes with chocolate and fruit from darker grain Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/08/30/great-beer-it-s-a-grainy-image https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/08/30/great-beer-it-s-a-grainy-image In 1978, when Roger Protz published his first book on beer, Pulling a Fast One, the industry was dominated by the Big Six national brewers who closed many smaller breweries and charged high prices for their ales and lagers. 40 years later, global brewers have replaced the nationals and their beers are still shockingly over-priced Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:28:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/08/24/40-years-on-big-beer-still-rules-the-roost-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/08/24/40-years-on-big-beer-still-rules-the-roost-1 Siren Craft Brew from Berkshire stole the show on the opening day of the 2018 Great British Beer Festival by winning Champion Beer of Britain with its Broken Dream Breakfast Stout. The Siren team are shown with their cup, with founder Darron Anley centre. The Silver award went to Green Jack brewery for Ripper barley wine and Bronze was won by Mordue Brewery for its Workie Ticket Best Bitter Wed, 08 Aug 2018 08:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/08/08/champion-stout-good-way-to-start-the-day https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/08/08/champion-stout-good-way-to-start-the-day A YouGov poll commissioned by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, finds that 56 per cent of British beer drinkers say the price of a pint is driving them away from pubs and to more affordable outlets such as supermarkets. CAMRA is calling on the government to scrap plans to increase beer duty in the autumn -- which will put 2p on the price of a pint -- and to ease the burden of business rates on pubs. Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/08/06/brits-are-being-priced-out-of-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/08/06/brits-are-being-priced-out-of-pubs Brakspear Special, a much-loved traditional ale, disappeared when the Henley brewery closed and production moved to Wychwood in Witney, where just Brakspear Bitter and Oxford Gold are brewed. But now the independent Brakspear pub company has brought Special back, brewing it on a small plant in its Bull pub in Henley. Sun, 22 Jul 2018 17:43:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/07/22/brakspear-special-back-where-it-belongs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/07/22/brakspear-special-back-where-it-belongs Delegates attending the annual conference of More Than a Pub, staged by the Plunkett Foundation, heard of campaigns throughout the country to save cherished local pubs as a result of dedicated work by action groups. The centrepiece of the conference was a case study of the Gardeners Arms in Sheffield (pictured) that was saved from closure and is now acting as a vital community hub and is also the tap house for the Sheffield Brewery Tue, 17 Jul 2018 12:20:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/07/17/big-drive-to-save-embattled-locals https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/07/17/big-drive-to-save-embattled-locals Eden River Brew in Penrith has joined forces with design students at Cumbria University to fashion a new range of beers with vibrant coloured cans. The range includes two IPAs -- one of them sour -- a fruit wheat beer and a Belgian-style farmhouse saison. Sun, 10 Jun 2018 17:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/06/10/eden-river-beers-on-steep-learning-curve https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/06/10/eden-river-beers-on-steep-learning-curve Norwich is linked to Rouen in France and David Holliday at Norfolk Brewhouse was keen to brew a beer that commemorated the association. He found that Northmaen brewery on a farm near Rouen in Normandy grows its own grain and was also keen to stress the Vikings' link between the two regions. The result is Amitie IPA, launched during City of Ale in Norwich. Pictured: Dominique Camus at Northmaen with Bruce Ash from Norfolk Brewhouse Mon, 28 May 2018 15:53:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/05/28/viking-beer-cements-norfolk-rouen-link https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/05/28/viking-beer-cements-norfolk-rouen-link Torrential rain prevented speeches being made at the launch of Norwich City of Ale 2018. City of Ale has been running for eight years and has been a ground-breaking festival, a rolling series of events that emphasise the importance of the pub to good beer. Here's the speech I planned to make. Pictured: City of Ale founders Dawn Leeder and Phil Cutter with Norwich South MP Clive Lewis (centre) at the launch party Fri, 25 May 2018 12:59:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/25/city-of-ale-the-speech-i-didn-t-make-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/25/city-of-ale-the-speech-i-didn-t-make-1 More than 44,000 drinkers are expected to pack the six-day beer festival in Cambridge. It's the 45th one in the city and is the longest-running event staged by CAMRA. There are 216 beers to enjoy, along with cider, perry, wine and mead. Wed, 23 May 2018 22:20:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/23/cambridge-beer-fest-is-one-of-the-best https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/23/cambridge-beer-fest-is-one-of-the-best Siren Craft Brew in Berkshire, which has a big barrel-ageing programme, has launched a series of new beers, several made in collaboration with other brewers in Britain, the U.S. and Spain. In Scotland, Innis & Gunn has produced a new IPA, Gunnpowder, in bottle and can, using American hops Mon, 21 May 2018 08:03:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/21/siren-and-i-g-new-beers-on-the-block https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/21/siren-and-i-g-new-beers-on-the-block Carlsberg, owner of Joshua Tetley, has launched a pale ale, Tetley No 3, in cask form. The beer is based on a 19th-century recipe found in the Tetley archive and it's brewed by the local Leeds Brewery using 100 per cent English malts and hops. Following the closure of Tetley's, the beers have been brewed by Marston's in Wolverhampton but Carlsberg is now taking the brand back to its Yorkshire roots Sun, 13 May 2018 08:43:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/13/tetley-is-back--and-brewed-in-leeds https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/05/13/tetley-is-back--and-brewed-in-leeds Turkey saw its first ever beer festival in Izmir in May. There are now seven craft breweries in the country and a vigorous home-brewing scene as well. For decades the country has been dominated by one large brewery, Efes, but now the impact of the world-wide craft revolution is being felt. Pictured, the hall in Izmir where Brewstival was staged Sat, 12 May 2018 17:25:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/05/12/turkish-delight-at-first-ever-beer-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/05/12/turkish-delight-at-first-ever-beer-fest Henley brewer Brakspear has launched for the third year running its Honey Bee Beer that raises money for Friends of the Earth's Bee Cause Campaign. The beer helps raise awareness of the need to save habitats for bees, which are the world's most important pollinator. As a result of demand for the beer, production has moved this year to the Wychwood Brewery in Witney Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:53:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/04/30/bee-happy-with-brakspear-honey-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/04/30/bee-happy-with-brakspear-honey-beer Jackie Parker, the new chairman of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, says beer drinkers must ignore many of the distorted views in the media and on Twitter about the decisions taken at the annual meeting and grasp the fact that the campaign, following a major review of its role, will go forward with great determination to support real ale, cider, perry and pubs -- but is opening the door to other types of beer at its festivals Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:46:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/04/27/camra-s-new-chair-on-need-for-change https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/04/27/camra-s-new-chair-on-need-for-change The decisions taken by the Campaign for Real Ale at its annual meeting have been widely reported -- and widely misunderstood. As a result of company law, 75% of members have to support a change to the constitution and a call to make CAMRA the voice of all pubgoers failed by just 3%. But other important changes were agreed and suggestions that cask ale is under threat do not stand up to scrutiny Mon, 23 Apr 2018 20:21:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/04/23/camra-past-present-and-future-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/04/23/camra-past-present-and-future-1 A tasting of aged beers organised by Brad Wight at the Steam Machine Brewery in Co Durham included beers going back to the 1950s and possibly pre-World War Two. Pictured are the group of volunteers who tasted the beers and found that some aged better than others and bottle-conditioning was no guarantee of success Sat, 21 Apr 2018 10:41:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/04/21/will-old-ales-stand-up-to-the-taste-test https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/04/21/will-old-ales-stand-up-to-the-taste-test Both the Society of Independent Brewers and the Campaign for Real Ale have criticised a report by Cambridge University that says drinking alcohol can shorten people's lives. Both organisations stress the health and societal benefits of moderate drinking. Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:37:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/04/13/siba-and-camra-slam-drink-warning https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/04/13/siba-and-camra-slam-drink-warning Export sales of American craft beer grew by 3.6 per cent in 2017 and sales to the UK increased by 7.1 per cent -- making the UK the second biggest export market for American craft beer after Canada. There are now 6,372 craft breweries in the U.S. and exports are worth $125 million Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:12:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/04/05/big-jump-in-american-beer-exports-to-uk https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/04/05/big-jump-in-american-beer-exports-to-uk The latest beer craze is a style based on Saison, a farmhouse beer brewed in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium. The best-known Saison brewer there is Dupont (pictured) which started life as a farm. Saison was originally brewed by farmers to refresh their families and labourers during the harvest period. Other Saison brewers include Brasserie a Vapeur and Silly in the town of the same name Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/04/05/it-s-always-the-season-for-a-saison https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/04/05/it-s-always-the-season-for-a-saison Kindred Spirits is a 6.1 per cent stout from Innis & Gunn in Perth that's aged in Irish whiskey barrels that were first used to triple distil Tullamore D.E.W. Innis & Gunn started life when William Grant acquired some ale for barrel-ageing from the Caledonian Brewery. The beer tasted so good that head brewer Dougal Sharp left Caley to launch his own company. Turning full circle, Tullamore is now part of the William Grant group. Thu, 22 Mar 2018 15:01:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/03/22/scots-stout-irish-whiskey-pool-flavours https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/03/22/scots-stout-irish-whiskey-pool-flavours Wolf Brewery in Norfolk and North Brewing of Leeds have stormed to victory in SIBA's national brewing awards at Beerex 18 in Liverpool. They won gold awards in the cask and keg categories with Tring Brewery also scooping gold in the small pack sector Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:37:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/03/16/wolf-and-north-seize-siba-gold https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/03/16/wolf-and-north-seize-siba-gold Graham Wheeler championed the cause of real ale with a series of best-selling home brewing guides. Roger Protz recalls a reclusive writer who ignored deadlines but finally produced books that encouraged a generation of beer lovers to make good beer at home Thu, 15 Mar 2018 16:12:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/03/15/saluting-a-home-brewing-pioneer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/03/15/saluting-a-home-brewing-pioneer The London Drinker beer festival, first staged in 1985, will call "time" this week as its home, the Camden Centre, is closing. The festival has been at the forefront of the revival of brewing in the capital where there are now more than 70 breweries. 150 of their beers will be on show this week. The success of the festival is down to the commitment of the North London branch of CAMRA and the remarkable duo of John and Christine Cryne Mon, 12 Mar 2018 08:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/03/12/ale-and-farewell-london-drinker https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/03/12/ale-and-farewell-london-drinker Green Jack Brewery in Lowestoft has walked away with the Champion Winter Beer of Britain top award at CAMRA's winter beer festival in Norwich. Tim Dunford from Green Jack is seen collecting his award from festival organiser Nick Boley Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:08:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/02/21/ripper-lowestoft-beer-wins-winter-gong https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/02/21/ripper-lowestoft-beer-wins-winter-gong A rare collection of black and white photos by David Evans has been unearthed and used in a new film that traces the life and times of hop pickers in Herefordshire in the 1950s and 60s. The photo left shows the Jones family picking hops -- a ritual that disappeared when mechanisation took over. The film Stories from the Hop Yards, will be premiered in Hereford on 3 March Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:39:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/02/16/historic-photos-put-hops-in-the-picture https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/02/16/historic-photos-put-hops-in-the-picture Suffolk brewer Greene King has restored a 19th-century barley, Chevallier, to brew a new Heritage Series of beers. Suffolk Pale Ale and Vintage Fine Ale are on sale exclusively in Tesco. The grain was grown by Crisp Malt in Norfolk who took just five seeds to grow a new batch of the grain Wed, 31 Jan 2018 09:24:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/01/31/greene-king-brings-back-taste-of-the-past https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/01/31/greene-king-brings-back-taste-of-the-past 2018 will be a crunch year for CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. After two years of discussions around the Revitalisation Project, the campaign's 195,000 members will have to decide whether to move beyond cask ale and embrace other types of beer. Roger Protz argues that the threat to good beer comes not from craft brewers but from global giants such as AB InBev and CAMRA needs to recruit younger drinkers to take up the fight Sun, 28 Jan 2018 12:02:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/01/28/why-camra-must-embrace-good-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2018/01/28/why-camra-must-embrace-good-beer CAMRA -- the Campaign for Real Ale -- is reaching out all beer lovers, not just cask ale drinkers, with a set of new proposals that will radically change the direction of the 46-year-old consumer organisation. As a result of its Revitalisation Programme, CAMRA's leadership will propose to its annual meeting in April that it should extend its scope to other types of quality beer -- though real ale will remain its focus Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/01/22/camra-reaches-out-to-all-beer-lovers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2018/01/22/camra-reaches-out-to-all-beer-lovers St Pancras Station in London is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2018 -- and beer will be the centrepiece of events. The station was built to bring beer from Burton-on-Trent to London and St Pancras helped revolutionise brewing, acquainting Londoners with pale ale for the first time. Events at the station will include a beer festival in October and a special IPA has been brewed by Lost Rivers, with the first batch delivered by a Young's dray Sun, 14 Jan 2018 11:45:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/01/14/beer-highlight-of-st-pancras-celebrations https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/01/14/beer-highlight-of-st-pancras-celebrations The beer world has moved on from the likes of Mild and Bitter. Craft brewers are endlessly seeking out new and sometimes extreme flavours in beer. Some writers question whether adding fruit to beer is a step too far but there's no doubt that wood ageing has brought new dimensions to the pleasures of drinking. And Adnams' Ghost Ship, with its rich hop character, is now the brewery's top-selling beer Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/01/05/beer-flavour-is-top-of-the-agenda https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2018/01/05/beer-flavour-is-top-of-the-agenda Gale's Prize Old Ale, aged in wood, looked to have died when the brewery was bought and closed by Fuller's in 2006. But now the major London brewery has worked with Marble in Manchester to restore the classic ale, ageing it in four oak barrels for a year. Marble head brewer James Kemp has released the beers in four different signatures from bourbon, Barbera, Madeira and Pinot Noir barrels Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:38:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/12/27/fuller-s-marble-revive-classic-old-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/12/27/fuller-s-marble-revive-classic-old-ale With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, a small group of beer lovers sat down to sample a few of the offerings available this year. They ranged from jet-black porters to the palest of pale ales and the beer that found most favour was one brewed with Biblical additions of frankincense and myrrh. Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:15:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/12/13/scots-beer-is-star-of-the-christmas-tree https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/12/13/scots-beer-is-star-of-the-christmas-tree The decision by Chancellor Philip Hammond in his Budget to freeze beer duty and extend business rates relief to pubs has been welcomed by the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers. Both organisations feel the moves will aid the embattled pub sector and encourage consumers back to the pub/ Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:05:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/22/camra-and-siba-budget-response https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/22/camra-and-siba-budget-response Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire, brewer of Hobgoblin ruby ale -- second-biggest bottled beer in Britain -- has added a 5.3% IPA to the range. The beer is brewed with pale and Vienna malts and hopped with both English and American varieties Mon, 20 Nov 2017 09:01:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/20/hobgoblin-adds-ipa-to-top-selling-range https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/20/hobgoblin-adds-ipa-to-top-selling-range Moor Beer, the Bristol-based brewery run by American Justin Hawke, is breaking into the fast-growing Italian beer market with cask-conditioned real ale. The beer comes complete with instructions in Italian on how to cellar, tap, spile and serve the beer. Moor Beers are naturally hazy as Hawke does not use isinglass finings to clear his beers. Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:21:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/17/moor-gives-italians-a-taste-for-cask-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/17/moor-gives-italians-a-taste-for-cask-ale Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey has won new listings in a number of supermarkets, including Co-op and Morrison's, for its TEA bitter with Hogstar lager in Majestic Wines. The brewery has also announced two beers that are ideal for the Christmas period: Advent Ale and the strong vintage ale A over T. The beers are brewed with hops grown on the brewery's own garden and include Farnham White Bine, a historic variety revived by Hogs Back. Tue, 14 Nov 2017 17:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/14/get-high-on-the-hogs-back-for-xmas-time https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/11/14/get-high-on-the-hogs-back-for-xmas-time Brewers are still using sexist images to sell beer, says Katie Wiles -- and it demeans women drinkers. Recent examples (left) are from Robinson's and Moorhouse's while an Italian beer has caused an uproar with a crude label suggesting a woman drinker is performing fellatio. And an Irish brewery is using a sexist image for its Dublin Blonde Lager. Thu, 26 Oct 2017 09:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2017/10/26/time-to-kick-sexism-out-of-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2017/10/26/time-to-kick-sexism-out-of-beer There are now more than 2,000 independent craft breweries in Britain -- a jump of 18 per cent in the past year, according to a new report by UHY Hacker Young. Tax breaks introduced by the last Labour government have encouraged new brewers -- including home brewers -- to enter the market. But the report warns that global brewers are moving into the craft sector and are keen to buy successful small breweries Mon, 23 Oct 2017 09:23:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/10/23/british-craft-beer-goes-on-booming https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/10/23/british-craft-beer-goes-on-booming The seventh annual Spa Valley railway beer festival, held in conjunction with West Kent CAMRA, offers beer at Tunbridge Wells West Station and also on trains to Groombridge and Eridge. The centrepiece of the festival is 25 "green hop" beers, using hops fresh from the Kent harvest. Pictured, the engine shed at Tunbridge Wells Fri, 20 Oct 2017 16:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/10/20/beer-on-the-move-at-kent-train-festival https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/10/20/beer-on-the-move-at-kent-train-festival The latest Cask Report underlines the importance of cask beer -- real ale --to Britain's pubs. With many new breweries opening, cask beer continues to encourage people to visit local pubs and enjoy the range on offer. The report says the diversity of beer available is now wide and consumption of real ale in pubs aids the British economy far more than coffee shops. Wed, 27 Sep 2017 13:00:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/09/27/cask-beer-is-pub-hero-says-report https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/09/27/cask-beer-is-pub-hero-says-report Pubs across the country will support Cask Ale Week, an annual celebration of Britain's unique contribution to the world of beer. With 1,700 breweries in the UK and a myriad of styles, there will be plenty to enjoy during the week. So hurry to a pub and order a Pint of the Best Mon, 18 Sep 2017 12:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/09/18/raise-a-glass-to-our-great-national-drink https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/09/18/raise-a-glass-to-our-great-national-drink British hops are no longer in the doldrums. There are now 50 hop farmers producing 27 varieties, with a large proportion going for export. Beer lovers can celebrate the Great Hop Revival this autumn with a raft of festivals, exhibitions and train rides. Get hopping! Mon, 11 Sep 2017 08:33:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/09/11/celebrate-great-hop-revival-this-autumn https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/09/11/celebrate-great-hop-revival-this-autumn Carlsberg says it has "taken lagering out of lager". This is a remarkable claim by the brewery that produced the first pure strain of lager yeast in the 19th century thanks to the pioneering work of Emil Hansen (pictured) in the Copenhagen laboratory. But if modern global brands of lager are produced in just 21 days, what should we call this style of beer that is not aged and conditioned? Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:43:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2017/09/04/to-lager-or-not-to-lager-it-s-the-new-brewing-conundrum-in-denmark https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2017/09/04/to-lager-or-not-to-lager-it-s-the-new-brewing-conundrum-in-denmark Danish brewer Carlsberg has found the genome in barley and its scientists are developing new varieties of grain that can resist drought and extreme temperatures and also use less water. The brewer is reducing its carbon footprint and is also developing new hop varieties that can be grown in the Nordic countries and Russia, which are too cold for conventional hops Tue, 29 Aug 2017 09:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/08/29/carlsberg-gets-to-the-roots-of-barley https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/08/29/carlsberg-gets-to-the-roots-of-barley Church End Brewery's Goats Milk Bitter has walked away with the Gold award in the Champion Beer of Britain competition staged by CAMRA at the Great British Beer Festival at London Olympia. The beer was first brewed as a one-off for a pub but proved so popular it has become a regular part of the brewery's range. Paul Hamblett from Church End is seen with the trophy at Olympia Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:51:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/08/08/warwickshire-bitter-wins-olympia-gold https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/08/08/warwickshire-bitter-wins-olympia-gold Anchor Brewing of San Francisco has been bought by the giant Japanese brewery Sapporo, which means yet another independent craft brewery has fallen to Big Beer. Anchor, famous for its steam beer, enjoys iconic status in the US as it played a key role in kick-starting the great American beer revival in the 1960s Sat, 05 Aug 2017 12:22:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/08/05/big-beer-snaps-up-iconic-anchor-brewery https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/08/05/big-beer-snaps-up-iconic-anchor-brewery This year's Great British Beer Festival will have a strong campaigning theme as SIBA joins forces with CAMRA to emphasise beers produced by genuine craft brewers. The SIBA logo of Assured British Craft Brewer will be widely used throughout the festival at a time when global brewers are buying small breweries in both Britain and the United States.The festival will have several hundred British cask beers along with a World Beer section featuring beers from the U.S., Australia and New Zealand Wed, 26 Jul 2017 12:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/26/camra-fest-to-back-genuine-craft-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/26/camra-fest-to-back-genuine-craft-beer Audit Ale is a historc beer style, once brewed for Oxford and Cambridge colleges for the annual Audit Feast. Last October I helped brew a version of the beer at the White Horse Brewery near Oxford, backed by Titanic Brewery. The 7% beer was then aged in wood -- a wine cask obtained from the port industry. After several months in cask, the finished beer is a revelation Sun, 23 Jul 2017 09:40:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/23/here-s-one-i-brewed-earlier https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/23/here-s-one-i-brewed-earlier Flo Vialan has been named Brewer of the Year by the Parliamentary Beer Club in its annual awards. The Frenchman from Lyon brews at Purity in Warwickshire, which specialises in helping the environment by re-cycling grain and hops and treating water used in the brewing process through a series of reed beds in the grounds Thu, 13 Jul 2017 08:46:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/13/go-with-the-flo-award-for-purity-brewer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/13/go-with-the-flo-award-for-purity-brewer SIBA -- the Society of Independent Brewers -- calls for greater clarity of who owns breweries and beers. It says beer drinkers should know whether a beer is brewed by an independent brewery or by a global producer. It will showcase independent beers at this year's Great British Beer Festival, run by CAMRA. Pictured: Jasper Cuppaidge of Camden Town Brewery, now owned by AB InBev. Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:05:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/10/who-owns-your-beer-siba-wants-clarity https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/10/who-owns-your-beer-siba-wants-clarity Rock legend Bruce Dickinson, lead singer with Iron Maiden, has teamed up again with Robinson's brewery in Stockport to launch a new beer, Hallowed, a Belgian-style beer that uses a Belgian yeast culture to give the beer an authentic character. The beer follows the world-wide success of Trooper that has filled Robinson's new brewhouse to bursting point Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/10/new-iron-maiden-ale-has-a-belgian-twist https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/07/10/new-iron-maiden-ale-has-a-belgian-twist The Brewers Association in the United States has launched a seal of approval scheme for American craft brewers to help them and consumers understand the difference between independent craft beer and the beverages made by global brewers. The BA says its important to let consumers know which beers are genuinely independent at a time when "Big Beer" is buying small breweries Wed, 28 Jun 2017 08:52:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/28/us-craft-brewers-get-seal-of-approval https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/28/us-craft-brewers-get-seal-of-approval Students at Heriot-Watt University's Brewing and Distilling course in Edinburgh have recreated a 19th-century beer style, California Common, in collaboration with Stewart Brewing at Loanhead. The beer is based on the style known as Steam Beer, made with lager yeast but fermented at an ale temperature. The best-known example of the style is Anchor Brewery's Steam Beer: as that is a trademark, other brewers have to use the term California Common Mon, 26 Jun 2017 08:59:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/26/beer-students-create-california-classic https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/26/beer-students-create-california-classic A unique collaboration between brewers throughout Britain have joined forces to brew The Great Together Pale Ale that will be on sale over the weekend of 16-18 June to mark The Great Together that will celebrate the life of Jo Cox, who was murdered a year ago. 15 brewers have joined forces under the direction of Adnams' head brewer Fergus Fitzgerald, using English malt and hops. Profits from the sale of the beer will go to the Jo Cox Foundation. Tue, 06 Jun 2017 15:54:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/06/brewers-unite-to-remember-mp-jo-cox https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/06/brewers-unite-to-remember-mp-jo-cox Greene King, who are the official suppliers of beer to England Cricket, have teamed up with the Barmy Army, the globe-trotting supporters of the England team, to launch a special beer for the season that includes Test matches against the West Indies and South Africa. The 3.7% Barmy Army IPA will be available in cask and bottle until September. Sun, 04 Jun 2017 09:59:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/04/brewer-goes-barmy-over-cricket https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/04/brewer-goes-barmy-over-cricket Beer sommelier Jane Peyton is leading the crusade to celebrate our national drink with the 2017 version of Beer Day Britain on 15 June. This year the event will extend over the weekend with breweries and pubs taking part. Sambrook's in Battersea will stage a beer party while special brews will be launched by Brewster's and Thornbridge Thu, 01 Jun 2017 11:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/01/15-june-raise-a-glass-to-uk-s-great-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/06/01/15-june-raise-a-glass-to-uk-s-great-beer Moor Beer in Bristol is celebrating the first anniversary of its PMA -- Pale Modern Ale -- that supports the battle against cancer. Head brewer and founder Justin Hawke (pictured) designed the beer following a meeting with Hard Core Hits Cancer and now donations from sales of the beer -- totaling more than £4,000 -- have been made to Penny Brohn, Macmillan and Cancer Research UK. Tue, 30 May 2017 10:20:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/05/30/moor-beer-pale-ale-aids-battle-with-cancer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/05/30/moor-beer-pale-ale-aids-battle-with-cancer A special beer using a malting variety and hops both consigned to the grave many years ago have been resurrected by Norfolk brewers Martin Warren (left) from Poppyland Brewery and David Holliday of Norfolk Brewhouse. Working with Crisp Malt and Charles Faram, the major hop merchant, the brewers have made two versions of a beer using Chevallier malt and Ernest hops. The beers will be showcased at Norwich City of Ale from 25 May Sat, 20 May 2017 10:53:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/05/20/special-beer-is-a-rave-from-the-grave https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/05/20/special-beer-is-a-rave-from-the-grave Norwich's great beer bonanza, City of Ale, returns at the end of May for another great celebration of beer and brewing in Norfolk and its capital city. The brainchild of Dawn Leeder and Phil Cutter, City of Ale is more than a beer festival but is a rolling programme of events in pubs and breweries, with talks and tastings by local brewers and beer writers, including Adrian Tierney-Jones and Roger Protz Wed, 17 May 2017 13:26:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/05/17/hail-to-the-ale-in-major-norwich-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/05/17/hail-to-the-ale-in-major-norwich-fest Farr Brew in Hertfordshire has launched a special beer to celebrate the life of Joe "Chief" Paul, a great supporter of charities and community groups, who died tragically young. 10% of the price of a pint of Chief Jester will go to the Rennie Hospice. The beer was launched at the Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Britain's oldest pub, and is available at other pubs in the county. Pictured at Matt Elvidge (left) and Nick Farr from the brewery with Ros Lee of the Rennie Hospice Fri, 12 May 2017 18:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/05/12/special-beer-celebrates-charity-hero https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/05/12/special-beer-celebrates-charity-hero Brewers celebrated at London's Guildhall as they picked up Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in the International Beer & Cider championship. Pictured are some of the brewers with their trophies. 125 breweries from 21 countries entered the competition, held in Burton-on-Trent, and judges tasted more than 1,000 beers and ciders. Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:08:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/04/27/brewers-win-gold-in-world-awards https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/04/27/brewers-win-gold-in-world-awards There's a quiet beer revolution underway in Hungary with some 70 craft breweries bringing choice to a country dominated by global brewers. The driving force is Eleszto -- yeast -- a complex of bars and restaurants that features many craft beers and organises tours of the best bars in the city. There's even cask beer available, the results of a collaboration between the small Hubris brewery in Budapest and Signature Brew in London Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/04/18/craft-beer-is-booming-in-budapest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2017/04/18/craft-beer-is-booming-in-budapest Meantime Brewery in south London has responded to demand from drinkers and retailers and has launched three of its key beers -- London Pale Ale, London Lager and Yakima Red -- in cans. The brewery feels that canning technology has improved to such an extent that canned beers now taste as fresh as draught. The beers will be available in Co-op stores and other retailers are being lined up Thu, 06 Apr 2017 11:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/04/06/now-you-can-get-canned-with-meantime https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/04/06/now-you-can-get-canned-with-meantime Four regular beers from the Chiltern Brewery have been officially designated "gluten free" -- good news for beer lovers who have an intolerance to gluten, which mainly comes from wheat. Chiltern near Wendover is the oldest independent brewery in Buckinghamshire and is run by the Jenkinson family, who also manage the historic King's Head pub in Aylesbury Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:19:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/03/23/chiltern-brings-relief-for-gluten-sufferers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/03/23/chiltern-brings-relief-for-gluten-sufferers London brewery Fourpure stormed to victory in the brewery awards competition staged by SIBA at its annual BeerX in Sheffield. Fourpure was named Brewery of the Year and also won the prestigious Business Innovation Award for its sensory staff training scheme. Members of the Fourpure team are seen receiving their awards from SIBA chairman Buster Grant (second left) Mon, 20 Mar 2017 18:01:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/03/20/fourpure-goes-for-gold-at-siba-awards https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/03/20/fourpure-goes-for-gold-at-siba-awards Renowned Yorkshire family brewer Timothy Taylor has added a blond beer, Knowle Spring, to its range of cask beers. The brewery has won an array of awards for its Landlord and Boltmaker bitters and has been encouraged by drinkers to add a lighter beer. Knowle Spring was launched at the Bradford Beer Festival with head brewer Andy Leman (left) and senior brewer Tom Slack in attendance. Thu, 02 Mar 2017 11:08:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/03/02/new-tim-taylor-beer-has-spring-in-its-step https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/03/02/new-tim-taylor-beer-has-spring-in-its-step Moor Beer's legendary strong ale Old Freddy Walker has won the prestigious Champion Winter Alof Britain title at CAMRA's National Winter Ales festival in Norwich. The silver award went to Sulwath Brewery in Scotland for Black Galloway and the bronze was awarded to Magic Rock for Dark Arts Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:07:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/22/old-freddy-walks-to-festival-glory https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/22/old-freddy-walks-to-festival-glory Craft Beer Rising returns to London for the fifth year running with 170 breweries lining up to present their brews to the crowds. Goose Island will feature a virtual reality tour of its hop farm and brewery in the U.S. while Fuller's will unveil a Black IPA and Sierra Nevada from California will have a bar dedicated to its beers. Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:09:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/17/craft-beer-bonanza-back-in-london https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/17/craft-beer-bonanza-back-in-london Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer, based in the heart of the Kent hop fields, will unveil a special video dedicated to hops during Craft Beer Rising in London on 23-26 February. The video will feature Tony Redsell, the famous Kent hop farmer, and is shot at Parsonage Farm near Faversham Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/16/hops-to-get-boost-at-major-beer-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/16/hops-to-get-boost-at-major-beer-fest Daisy Claeys, who ran the legendary Brugs Beertje bar in Bruges for more than 30 years, was honoured on 3 February by members of the British Guild of Beer Writers who presented her with an engaved tankard that thanked her for inspiring "a generation of British beer writers". Roger Protz handed the tankard to Daisy at the Siphon in Damme at the Smaak Down beer tasting organised by Breandan Kearney, seen in Matthew Curtis's photo Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:14:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/06/british-beer-writers-honour-daisy-claeys https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/02/06/british-beer-writers-honour-daisy-claeys Unesco has declared that Belgian beer is a 'treasure of humanity'. Quite right -- but perhaps the organisation would care to take a look at the history and traditions of British beer. Porter and stout in the 18th century and IPA a century later transformed brewing on a world scale. Pictured: a White Shield delivery van at the National Brewery Centre in Burton, a powerful link to Victorian brewing Wed, 25 Jan 2017 17:26:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2017/01/25/unesco-take-a-look-at-britain-s-heritage https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2017/01/25/unesco-take-a-look-at-britain-s-heritage Leading independent brewer Greene King will launch two of its top beers -- IPA and Old Speckled Hen -- in gluten free form in early February. The launch is in response to research that shows 32% of British people eat and drink "free from" products while 2% of the population has a gluten allergy and 1% are coeliac Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:01:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/01/23/top-greene-king-beers-go-gluten-free https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2017/01/23/top-greene-king-beers-go-gluten-free Leading beer writer Pete Brown, writing in the Morning Advertiser, says "it's time to say no to cask". He cites too many pubs serving cask beer in poor condition -- but is this a true picture of the state of beer in pubs with Cask Marque judging beer quality? Mon, 16 Jan 2017 19:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2017/01/16/brown-s-cask-attack-is-wide-of-the-mark https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2017/01/16/brown-s-cask-attack-is-wide-of-the-mark Little Valley Brewery in Yorkshire has worked with the Vegan Society to draw up a list of vegan-friendly beers to help celebrate Veganuary or Vegan January. The beers avoid animal or dairy ingredients as well as isinglass finings made from fish bladders Fri, 30 Dec 2016 18:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/30/yorkshire-brewery-in-boost-for-vegan-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/30/yorkshire-brewery-in-boost-for-vegan-beer The Co-Op group is adding 50 craft beers from local suppliers to its convenience stores across the country as part of its campaign to support and boost small producers of food and drink. Pictured: Rich Anstell of Glamorgan Brewery, one of the chosen suppliers Fri, 30 Dec 2016 17:13:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/30/co-op-to-add-50-craft-beers-to-its-stores https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/30/co-op-to-add-50-craft-beers-to-its-stores The National Theatre's production of Peter Pan for the holiday period will be boosted by a special beer, Tink's Tiny Batch, that will be available in The Understudy pub on the South Bank and the theatre's bars and restaurants. The beer is brewed by Hammerton's in Islington and is based on its N1 American-style pale ale with the addition of Citra hops. Tue, 20 Dec 2016 10:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/20/peter-pan-flies-high-with-magic-pale-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/20/peter-pan-flies-high-with-magic-pale-ale Maigret returns to TV on Christmas day and two more films are planned with Rowan Atkinson playing the famous French detective. Penguin Books is relaunching the whole Maigret series of novels and his creator Georges Simenon, in an interview with the Toronto Star in 1953, explained why a Parisian policeman preferred beer to wine Mon, 19 Dec 2016 11:02:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/12/19/why-inspector-maigret-drinks-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/12/19/why-inspector-maigret-drinks-beer After many months of consulting its 183,000 members, CAMRA's revitalisation team has recommended a softening of the campaign's attitude to modern "craft keg" beers, which should be made available at beer festivals. The proposals, which will be discussed at annual meetings in 2017 and 2018, also call for greater support for tradtional cider and places community pubs at the heart of the campaign's work. Thu, 15 Dec 2016 11:00:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/15/camra-calls-for-new-direction-on-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/15/camra-calls-for-new-direction-on-beer There are now more than 5,000 craft breweries in the United States and their sales go on booming -- up 8% over the past year. IPA now accounts for 25% of craft beer sales -- but golden ales, Pilsners and pale lagers were up 33%. Exports are worth $116m. This growth is against a background of the rise of AB InBev, the world's global brewer, which is two and half times the size of the total US beer market. Tue, 06 Dec 2016 19:15:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/06/us-craft-breweries-pass-5-000-mark https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/12/06/us-craft-breweries-pass-5-000-mark Belgian beer is no longer living in the past. Plans are under way to convert the Bourse -- the Stock Exchange -- in Brussels into the Belgian Beer Palace that will offer visitors interactive displays about the country's vast range of beer. And nearby the Brussels Beer Project says "leave the abbey" and is brewing new styles in collaboration with brewers in other European countries: including Anspach & Hobday (pictured) from London Thu, 01 Dec 2016 09:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/12/01/belgian-beer-looks-to-the-future https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/12/01/belgian-beer-looks-to-the-future Oddbins No 8, the latest in the group's house beers, has a Belgian touch, brewed with a yeast strain that originated in the Trappist Orval monastery. Oak Smoked Blonde is brewed by Anspach & Hobday in Bermondsey, London, and uses smoked wheat along with barley malt. Tue, 22 Nov 2016 11:55:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/11/22/new-oddbins-beer-has-belgian-influence https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/11/22/new-oddbins-beer-has-belgian-influence Beer aficionados will have the opportunity to taste a special IPA at UBREW on 24 November, the result of a collaboration between the community brewer and Roger Protz. The beer is based on Bass recipes from the 19th century and is a new version of an IPA launched at the White Horse, Parson's Green, in 1993 that helped kick-start the IPA revival. Pictured are Protz (left) and brewer Stu Sewell Mon, 14 Nov 2016 09:46:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/11/14/taste-the-ipa-that-launched-the-revival https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/11/14/taste-the-ipa-that-launched-the-revival National brewer Marston's is spending £1 million on rebranding some of its key brands. It says it needs to reach out to new and younger drinkers but will such curious names as Saddle Tank and Pearl Jet achieve the aim? And why is iconic Pedigree pale ale now called amber ale? Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:13:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2016/11/02/marston-s-a-curious-rebranding https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2016/11/02/marston-s-a-curious-rebranding Community brewery UBREW in south London, where home-brewers can design and make their own beers, is now launching its own range of commercial beer with a five-barrel kit. UBREW opened with crowd funding backing in 2015, the brainchild of keen home-brewers Matt Denham and Wilf Horsfall. Their first beers are in bottle format but may be followed by cans and draught. Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/27/ubrew-on-the-move-with-new-beer-range https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/27/ubrew-on-the-move-with-new-beer-range National brewer Marston's has invested in Hayle Farm in Kent to expand production of Sovereign hops. Hops have been grown at the farm for some 400 years and land used to graze sheep has been cleared to grow 30 rows of new hops. Sovereign is used in a number of Marston's beers as a bittering hop and will also be used for trial brews Mon, 24 Oct 2016 09:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/24/marston-s-boost-for-ancient-kent-hop-farm https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/24/marston-s-boost-for-ancient-kent-hop-farm Audit Ale was once consumed in vast quantities at college feasts in Oxford and Cambridge to mark the annual settlement of rents from college land and farms. The style has been revived by Lacons and Westerham breweries and now Titanic and White Horse breweries have collaborated to brew a version of Audit ale that will be aged until next April Tue, 18 Oct 2016 20:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/10/18/audit-ale-taking-account-of-history https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/10/18/audit-ale-taking-account-of-history New research records a 12% increase in the number of UK beer brands as new craft breweries come into operation. But some of the increase is down to global brewers moving into the craft sector and supermarkets buying their discounted brands Mon, 17 Oct 2016 08:43:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/17/big-jump-in-new-beer-brands https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/17/big-jump-in-new-beer-brands Pictured are BrewDog founders James Watt and Martin Dickie, both now known as Elvis. They changed their first names when the Elvis Presley Estate in the U.S. threatened legal action when BrewDog launched a beer called Elvis Juice, an IPA infused with oranges and grapefruit. BrewDog is building a brewery in the U.S. and the two new Elvises are keen to make their mark there with Elvis Juice. Fri, 07 Oct 2016 12:12:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/07/brewdog-all-shook-up-over-elvis https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/10/07/brewdog-all-shook-up-over-elvis Nicholsons 80 pubs are staging Beer Showcase until mid-October, with 139 beers from many cask and craft breweries throughout the country offering their beers. They will be backed by a number of celebrities, including Tony Hadley and Al Murray, the Pub Landlord, while brewers will give talks about the brewing process Fri, 23 Sep 2016 09:30:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/09/23/nicholson-s-autumn-beer-jamboree https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/09/23/nicholson-s-autumn-beer-jamboree The 2017 Cask Report, edited by Sophie Atherton, says more and more consumers are switching to real ale and are demanding greater information about how beer is brewed and the ingredients used. They also want tasting notes displayed in pubs so they can help choose the beers they prefer. To help consumers, Cask Marque, publisher of the Cask Report, is launching the Cask Finder app to give more information to drinkers Wed, 21 Sep 2016 15:24:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/09/21/cask-beer-it-s-the-talk-of-the-town https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/09/21/cask-beer-it-s-the-talk-of-the-town The legendary barley wine Thomas Hardy's Ale, which disappeared when first Eldridge Pope's brewery closed and then O'Hanlon's brewery dropped the beer, has been restored...in Italy. Sandro and Michele Vecchiato of Interbrau bought the brand and it's now brewed for them by Meantime in London. It was launched in Milan but Interbrau plan to make it available in both the UK and the U.S. Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:07:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/09/18/thomas-hardy-s-ale-return-of-the-native https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/09/18/thomas-hardy-s-ale-return-of-the-native An evening of fine vegetarian food at Salon in Brixton was highlighted by beers supplied by the Brewers Association from the United States. The organisation takes beer-and-food matching sufficiently seriously to employ a resident chef, Adam Dulye. Five courses were matched with beers ranging from saison to gose, IPA, Alt and Old Ale Sat, 13 Aug 2016 12:36:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/08/13/us-beer-brightens-brixton-food-scene https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/08/13/us-beer-brightens-brixton-food-scene Vanilla Stout brewed by Bingham's Brewery in Berkshire won the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain award at the Great British Beer Festival on 9 August. It's the first time in the history of the competition that a "Speciality Beer" -- using additions to malt and hops -- has won the top award. Runner up was Old Dairy for its Snow Top, with bronze going to Tring Brewery for Death and Glory. Pictured: Chris Bingham (right) accepting his trophy from CAMRA chairman Colin Valentine. Wed, 10 Aug 2016 05:54:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/08/10/vanilla-stout-scoops-champion-beer-award https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/08/10/vanilla-stout-scoops-champion-beer-award Lewis Hazelwood-Horner will have an exhibition depicting working breweries and London pubs at Mall Galleries in central London on 19 and 24 September. His work is the result of residencies in a number of breweries and the paintings will show all stages of the brewing practice. The paintings also show hop farms in Kent and the breweries involved include Harvey's, Howling Hops, Redemption, Truman and Kernel. Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:58:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/08/04/artist-depicts-london-pubs-and-brewing https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/08/04/artist-depicts-london-pubs-and-brewing The Great British Beer Festival, staged by CAMRA, is one of the world's top festivals and offers some of the best choice. 900 beers will include British cask ales plus brews from the United States and mainland Europe. The festival at London Olympia from 9-13 August will also include the Champion Beer of Britain competition while top experts will present tutored talks every day. Sun, 31 Jul 2016 19:03:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/31/sharpen-your-tastebuds-for-gbbf-delights https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/31/sharpen-your-tastebuds-for-gbbf-delights Greene King has launched a special beer to commemorate football legend Bobby Moore, who captained the England team in 1966 that won the World Cup. The beer is 4.2% to mark the score in the final match against West Germany -- and the ball did cross the line! Thu, 28 Jul 2016 08:39:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/28/beer-salutes-legend-of-1966 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/28/beer-salutes-legend-of-1966 Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn, famous for its oak-aged beers, has placed a bottle of its strong, bottle-conditioned Vintage Ale in a time capsule for drinking in 100 years times. I&G founder Dougal Sharp says the beer will continue to age in bottle and is likely to taste very different when opened -- though he admits he is unlikely to be around for the tasting. Earlier this year, I&G bought the Inveralmond Brewery in Perth to increase production of its beer range Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/26/i-g-lays-down-an-ale-for-posterity https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/26/i-g-lays-down-an-ale-for-posterity Exmoor Gold was meant to be one-off brew but it sparked a beer revolution in Britain 30 years ago. Other brewers rushed to make similar beers and Golden Ale is now a major British beer style. Jonathan Price (pictured) owns Exmoor Ales in Somerset and he was joined by local CAMRA members to celebrate the beer's 30th anniversary. Wed, 13 Jul 2016 08:42:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/13/going-for-gold-exmoor-toasts-30-years https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/13/going-for-gold-exmoor-toasts-30-years Oakham Brewery in Peterborough has swooped on the London pub scene with its award-winning Green Devil IPA. The beer, promoted on cabs, will be delivered fresh and direct from the brewery and will be available in outlets that can sign up to the Oakademy scheme that gives publicans direct access to all the brewery's beers Sun, 03 Jul 2016 12:00:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/03/taxi-oakham-ipa-takes-a-cab-to-london https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/07/03/taxi-oakham-ipa-takes-a-cab-to-london Journalist and beer sommelier Sophie Atherton is the new editor of the annual Cask Report that traces the growth of the real ale sector. The statistics and analysis in the report are vital for brewers, retailers and drinkers in a fast-changing beer scene, with cask expected to grow to 20% of the total draught sector Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:33:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/29/sophie-takes-the-reins-as-cask-beer-booms https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/29/sophie-takes-the-reins-as-cask-beer-booms Three young Americans with a love of craft beer have introduced Berliners to the extravaganzas of IPAs bursting with hop character. David Spengler, Tom Crozier and Matthew Walthall (pictured left to right) arrived in the German capital by different routes but were united by their love of craft beers, IPAs in particular. Now drinkers are pounding the pavement to get to their Vagabund brewpub in the Wedding district to sample the joys of IPA and Imperial IPA Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:32:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/06/27/american-hoppy-ipas-bounce-into-berlin https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/06/27/american-hoppy-ipas-bounce-into-berlin Stone Brewing of California, one of the leading American craft breweries, is opening a brewery, restaurant and beer garden in Berlin on the site of a former gas works. The aim is to transport fresh beer to all parts of Europe rather than importing them from the US. Founder Greg Koch says he chose Berlin because of its blossoming craft beer culture and says most of his beers will meet the demands of the German Beer Purity Law Thu, 23 Jun 2016 11:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/23/brewer-leaves-no-stone-unturned-in-berlin https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/23/brewer-leaves-no-stone-unturned-in-berlin Sour beers from the Bavik brewery in Belgium are based on a unique blonde base beer known as the Mother Beer that is used to blend and make an Old Brown and a Cherry Beer. The Aged Pale was never released for public consumption until in the 1990s beer writer Michael Jackson appealed to the De Brabandere family to make it available. It has gone on to win many world awards Tue, 14 Jun 2016 20:05:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/14/unique-belgian-sour-beers-hit-the-uk https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/14/unique-belgian-sour-beers-hit-the-uk Freedom Brewery in Staffordshire, best-known for its lager beers, is launching its first-ever pale ale -- in prototype form. It will ask drinkers to vote, using ballot papers in outlets or via the brewery's website, to comment on the beer and those comments will be used to re-launch the beer in September Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/08/brewery-gives-freedom-to-choose-pale-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/08/brewery-gives-freedom-to-choose-pale-ale Rob Lovatt (pictured left) and Garrett Oliver have collaborated to produce a beer aged in Bourbon barrels and using lees or sediment from Herefordshire cider to allow wild yeasts to create further fermentation. The resulting beer -- with cider, wine and whisky notes -- is called Serpent and is a fascinating collaboration between Thornbridge Brewery in Derbyshire and Brooklyn Brewery in New York City Fri, 03 Jun 2016 19:37:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/03/serpent-bridging-the-beer-and-cider-divide https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/06/03/serpent-bridging-the-beer-and-cider-divide Beer Day Britain is back for the second year running on 15 June. Organised by Jane Peyton, 15 June will see a national celebration of our national drink. There will be special events staged in pubs and breweries as drinkers are encouraged to raise a glass to good old British beer. Jane has even penned an Anthem to Beer that she invites all beer lovers to sing on the day Sat, 21 May 2016 10:29:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/21/wave-the-flag-for-british-beer-on-15-june https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/21/wave-the-flag-for-british-beer-on-15-june The new "safe drinking"guidelines of 14 units per week for both men and women are not only bad science but have no scientific validity at all, says Paul Chase, who has studied alcohol policies for many years. The Chief Medical Officer only listened to bodies with a long track record of opposition to alcohol, including the temperance movement, and ignored evidence that moderate consumption can be beneficial Tue, 17 May 2016 14:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2016/05/17/new-safe-drinking-limits-are-bad-science https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2016/05/17/new-safe-drinking-limits-are-bad-science Little Valley Brewery in Yorkshire has entered the referendum debate with three beers -- In, Out and IDK -- designed to help British beer drinkers make up their minds on which way to vote on 23 June. The brewery helpfully provides a ballot paper as well as beer. Sun, 15 May 2016 10:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/15/beers-give-a-kick-in-the-ballot-box https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/15/beers-give-a-kick-in-the-ballot-box India Pale Ale stole the show at the World Beer Cup in Philadelphia, with 275 entries for American-style IPAs and 181 for Imperial IPAs. In awards to breweries, the mid-size category was won by Brewery Ommegang in Coopers Town, New York State (pictured), which specialises in Belgian-style beers. There were more than 6,600 beers entered from 1,907 breweries in 55 countries Sat, 07 May 2016 11:57:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/ipas-dominate-world-beer-cup https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/ipas-dominate-world-beer-cup Beers that disappeared as long as a century ago in Manchester will be revived by micro-breweries using old recipes from JW Lees and Heginbotham's breweries. The beers will be available during Manchester Beer Week, 10-19 June, and they have been restored with the help of historian Ron Pattinson. The beer week coincides with the charity event Forever Manchester that will have a special pale ale, Ten Boroughs, brewed to help the cause Fri, 06 May 2016 19:05:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/06/festival-brings-back-lost-manchester-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/05/06/festival-brings-back-lost-manchester-beers Restaurants will attract more customers if they serve beer with food, according to the Society of Independent Brewers that speaks for Britain's independent producers. SIBA says one in three people would visit restaurants more often if they served good beer. The organisation is seeking meetings with top restaurateurs to discuss the vast range of beer styles now available in Britain. Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:59:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/04/20/restaurants-need-more-bottle-on-the-table https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/04/20/restaurants-need-more-bottle-on-the-table Naked Ladies, a golden ale brewed by Twickenham Brewery in London, has seen off stiff competition to win a listing in all Majestic Wine stores for its Naked Ladies. The beer was inspired by statues of water nymphs in a local park. The brewery, founded in 2004, was the first new brewery in the area since the 1920s Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:29:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/04/13/twickers-strips-off-to-win-big-beer-award https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/04/13/twickers-strips-off-to-win-big-beer-award Michael Hardman, one of the founders of the Campaign for Real Ale in the 1970s, has returned to the fray to chair CAMRA's Revitalisation Project that will ask its 180,000 members whether it should remain focused on cask beer or become more inclusive by becoming a consumer movement that represent all beer drinkers. Thu, 31 Mar 2016 08:46:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/31/camra-embarks-on-overhaul-for-future https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/31/camra-embarks-on-overhaul-for-future Loch Lomond Brewery in Scotland and Waen in Wales have walked away with the top gold and silver awards at the 2016 competition held at the SIBA Beer X in Sheffield Thu, 17 Mar 2016 10:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/17/scots-and-welsh-triumph-in-siba-awards https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/17/scots-and-welsh-triumph-in-siba-awards Belgian brewer Duvel Moortgat has unveiled its latest Duvel Tripel Hop with Czech Saaz and Styrian Goldings blended with a new hop from the Yakima Valley in Washington State in the U.S. that doesn't yet have a name and is labelled Experimental Hop 291 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:04:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/17/duvel-s-new-tripel-has-mystery-hop https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/17/duvel-s-new-tripel-has-mystery-hop Empress Ale is designed to complement spicy Asian food and is brewed by Langton Brewery in Leicestershire. The Chiltern Brewery has joined forces with a leading tea company to design Earl Grey IPA while Saltaire has added to its specialist XS range with Belgian Red. Mon, 07 Mar 2016 14:52:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/07/new-brews-empress-ale-chiltern-earl-grey-ipa-and-saltaire-xs-belgian-red https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/03/07/new-brews-empress-ale-chiltern-earl-grey-ipa-and-saltaire-xs-belgian-red Two degrees courses at Nottingham University's Brewing Science Department is attracting students from big and small breweries as well as people keen to make brewing a career. Research work on the courses includes analysing the best use of water, yeast and hops. Some of the investment in the courses comes from SABMiller and this could be affected by the takeover by AB InBev Fri, 04 Mar 2016 09:39:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/03/04/beer-gets-the-appliance-of-science https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2016/03/04/beer-gets-the-appliance-of-science A new beer from Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar uses the age-old method of "krausening" for its new 4% lager. The beer is neither filtered nor pasteurised and has a slight natural haze in the glass as a result of a powerful second fermentation in the brewery's cellars before it is kegged. The beer will be launched on 10 March in pubs in London and Manchester Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/02/26/budvar-back-to-basics-with-cloudy-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/02/26/budvar-back-to-basics-with-cloudy-beer Feisty Scottish brewer BrewDog has launched a milk stout, Jet Black Heart, that takes a tilt at Diageo, the global drinks group that owns Guinness. The beer was chosen by BrewDog drinkers from a range of possible new brands and founders James Watt and Martin Dickie have taken the opportunity to hit back at Diageo which three years ago attempted to stop BrewDog winning a top award in the Scottish Bar Operator of the Year awards Thu, 11 Feb 2016 13:27:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/02/11/brewdog-stout-takes-a-dig-at-diageo https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/02/11/brewdog-stout-takes-a-dig-at-diageo Three breweries -- Meantime, Purity and West Berkshire -- are celebrating key moments in their history with special strong ales in 750ml bottles, driven corks and Champagne cradles. Two of the beers -- Purity and West Berkshire -- have been aged in wood while Meantime's IPA was fermented with a Champagne yeast culture Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:33:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/01/14/breweries-celebrate-beery-milestones https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2016/01/14/breweries-celebrate-beery-milestones Charrington IPA, once a major brand in London, disappeared in the wake of the takeover frenzy of the late 20th century. But now master brewer Steve Wellington has brought the beer back at the William Worthington Brewery in Burton-on-Trent and restored it to its original strength. Steve is seen on the left with brewing colleagues Caroline Horrabin and Martin Hodson Wed, 16 Dec 2015 09:04:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/12/16/cockney-classic-ipa-recreated-in-burton https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/12/16/cockney-classic-ipa-recreated-in-burton Glenn Payne, beer ambassador, who died over the weekend of 5/6 December, had a vast knowledge of beer that he shared with fellow beer lovers throughout the world. He was a familiar figure at beer festivals in the United States and judged in beer competitions there. His passion for beer encouraged many to follow in his footsteps and his many friends and colleagues pay tribute to him Thu, 10 Dec 2015 07:56:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/12/10/glenn-payne-memories-of-a-beer-man https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/12/10/glenn-payne-memories-of-a-beer-man Six Degrees Brewery near Aberdeen, which specialises in Belgian-style beer, has produced a Belgian IPA for Oddbins, with Hallertau Mittelfruh hops added six times during the copper boil. The brewery has also produced two lambic-stytle beers for Oddbins, a straight lambic aged for two years in wood, and Framboise with raspberries added. Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:32:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/11/23/belgian-inspired-ipa-heads-to-oddbins https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/11/23/belgian-inspired-ipa-heads-to-oddbins Guinness has sparked controversy and debate following its decision to phase out isinglass finings as a clearing agent in its beer. With as many as 11 million vegetarians in Britain -- Guinness's biggest market -- the brewer is aware of the growing number of people who avoid fish and meat. Now other brewers are looking at alternatives to isinglass -- and the noble hop may be able to help Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:13:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/11/19/guinness-puts-an-end-to-fishy-business https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/11/19/guinness-puts-an-end-to-fishy-business Only a handful of British brewers entered beers for the annual Brussels Beer Challenge. More than 1,200 beers came from 30 countries and such great British stryles as IPA, ESB, Porter and Stout went to brewers far from the British Isles. Brewers in the UK are missing a golden opportunity to grow sales abroad. Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:41:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/11/09/selling-british-beer-short-on-world-stage https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/11/09/selling-british-beer-short-on-world-stage Virgin Trains and Rudgate Brewery have joined forces to launch Hop on Board, a beer designed for passengers using the East Coast route from London to Edinburgh via Leeds, York and Newcastle. Virgin expects to sell 55,000 bottles a year of the beer, which comes with the special Hoptimist beer glass that always appears half full Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/22/hop-on-a-train-for-hops-on-a-train https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/22/hop-on-a-train-for-hops-on-a-train Research by Anglia Ruskin University shows that beer drinkers in mainland Europe prefer stronger drinks than their British counterparts. The most popular exported British beer is Halcyon Imperial IPA (7.4%) brewed by Thornbridge, followed by BrewDog's Jack Hammer IPA (7.2%). The favourite continental brew is Westvleteren 12 brewed by Trappist monks. A further Trappist beer from the monks of Rochefort abbey is also popular Wed, 21 Oct 2015 11:28:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/21/euro-beer-drinkers-prefer-the-strong-stuff https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/21/euro-beer-drinkers-prefer-the-strong-stuff Pubs have been the centre of community life for centuries in Britain and their role as hubs of society will be celebrated in a series of films by Greene King to be aired this month. Each film has been taken by a publican and will show customers drinking, chatting and enjoying pub life. The pubs include the Hawley Arms in London's Camden, used by many famous showbiz people, and the Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, believed to be England's oldest pub Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/19/cask-ale-brewer-to-celebrate-pub-s-key-role https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/19/cask-ale-brewer-to-celebrate-pub-s-key-role With Kent's Green Hop Festival in full swing, five breweries will run special bus trips on Saturday 10 October that will allow beer lovers to sample a special beer range brewed with hops fresh from the harvest. The festival is the brainchild of Eddie Gadd of Gadds' Brewery who is keen to promote English hops that are under threat from imported varieties Sun, 04 Oct 2015 12:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/04/hop-on-a-bus-to-relish-kent-s-harvest-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/10/04/hop-on-a-bus-to-relish-kent-s-harvest-ales Cask Ale Week, the annual celebration of Britain's iconic beer style, runs until 4 October and this year features scores of beers brewed with Maris Otter, craft brewers' favourite malting barley that has won 16 awards in the annual Champion Beer of Britain competition. The celebrations -- backed by beer talks, tastings and Meet the Brewer events -- will be staged in pubs throughout the country Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:51:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/09/28/cask-ale-week-celebrates-iconic-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/09/28/cask-ale-week-celebrates-iconic-beer Cask beer -- real ale -- is on a roll and is offering a lifeline to the pub trade, says Pete Brown in the 2015 edition of the Cask Report. Real ale accounts for 17% of all beer sales and its share of the pub trade is expected to rise to 20% by 2020. The report says cask beer drinkers visit pubs twice as often as other consumers and encourage other people to join them when they go out for a beer Thu, 24 Sep 2015 16:25:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/09/24/booming-cask-beer-is-big-boost-for-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/09/24/booming-cask-beer-is-big-boost-for-pubs With 900 breweries, Italy is enjoying a remarkable beer boom. It's a country without a beer tradition and the inspiration for craft brewers comes from Belgium, Britain and the United States. Fine beers, including from Sardinia (pictured), were on display at a three-day festival in Rome called Fermentazioni while specialist bars in the city add to drinking pleasure Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/09/21/from-the-high-alps-to-sicily-craft-beer-in-italy-is-booming-with-900-small-breweries https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/09/21/from-the-high-alps-to-sicily-craft-beer-in-italy-is-booming-with-900-small-breweries Maris Otter barley, rescued from oblivion 50 years ago, was celebrated at a special beer festival in Norwich on 17 September. The variety was popular with craft brewers but was dropped by big farmers and maltsters in favour of higher yielding new varieties. But Banhams in Norfolk and Robin Appel in Wiltshire rescued Maris Otter and now it's in great demand with the growing legion of new brewers. Chris Hill of the Eastern Daily Press reports Fri, 18 Sep 2015 17:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/09/18/the-barley-that-came-back-from-the-dead https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/09/18/the-barley-that-came-back-from-the-dead Rumours that Harveys of Lewes was stopping production of its Imperial Stout proved to be false -- especially as the beer won two top prizes in August from CAMRA and the World Beer Awards. Far from axing the beer, head brewer Miles Jenner, seen on the left with hop farmer Stuart Highwood, is installing additional equipment to boost production Tue, 01 Sep 2015 18:04:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/09/01/ignore-the-rumours-russian-champion-stout-goes-from-strength-to-strength https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/09/01/ignore-the-rumours-russian-champion-stout-goes-from-strength-to-strength Bradley Cummings and Gareth Williams have put Newport in Wales on the beer map by storming to victory in the Champion Beer of Britain competition with Cwtch, a biiter whose name means "cuddle" in Welsh. The result was announced at the Great British Beer Festival in London. Bradley (left) and Gareth are seen with CAMRA chairman Colin Valentine Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:08:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/08/11/tiny-now-a-giant-among-breweries https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/08/11/tiny-now-a-giant-among-breweries As the British Guild of Beer Writers prepares to hold its annual reception on the eve of the Great British Beer Festival, guild founder Roger Protz recalls its early days, its associations with the late Michael Jackson and the long struggle to get greater media support for Britain's historic drink Sat, 08 Aug 2015 11:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/08/08/how-writers-boosted-beer-s-image https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/08/08/how-writers-boosted-beer-s-image Dave Bailey, who runs Hardknott Brewery in Cumbria, describes the thought that went into brewing Nuclear Sunset on the 70th anniversary of the dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima in Japan. Dave's brewery is close to Sellafield in Cumbria and he is acutely aware of the strong feelings aroused by proponents and opponents of the nuclear industry Wed, 05 Aug 2015 07:47:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2015/08/05/a-beer-i-brewed-with-grave-misgivings https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2015/08/05/a-beer-i-brewed-with-grave-misgivings The trade session at this year's Great British Beer Festival (pictured) will see a much larger turnout of brewers as CAMRA opens a new facility for smaller producers. Black Sheep Brewery is launching a new keg pale ale, Pathmaker, to attract younger drinkers while Thornbridge Brewery is going into partnership with a top Dutch bar owner. Ilkley Brewery will expand production under new ownership Fri, 31 Jul 2015 11:17:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/31/round-up-gbbf-trade-session-booms-new-black-sheep-beer-thornbridge-heads-to-holland-ilkley-brewery-bought https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/31/round-up-gbbf-trade-session-booms-new-black-sheep-beer-thornbridge-heads-to-holland-ilkley-brewery-bought Discount supermarket chain Lidl has launched 48 new beers from regional breweries, with a price band of £1.17 to £1.69, undercutting those from Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco. While a number of big brewers are featured, drinkers will also find beers from the likes of Kite, Leeds Brewery, Portobello and Tower Wed, 08 Jul 2015 15:10:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/08/beer-range-grows-lidl-by-lidl https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/08/beer-range-grows-lidl-by-lidl Nationwide drinks group Oddbins has launched No 5, the latest in its range of craft beers. It's a Saison, based on the style made famous in French-speaking Wallonia. It's brewed by Rocky Head Brewery, a new micro-plant in south London launched by Steve Daniels, a former Oddbins director Wed, 08 Jul 2015 12:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/08/oddbins-launches-belgian-style-saison https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/08/oddbins-launches-belgian-style-saison American craft beers in cask-conditioned form will be one of the highlights at the 2015 Great Brtish Beer Festival, to be staged at London Olympa from 11-15 August. The festival, which attracts up to 55,000 people, will also feature 900 real ales from around the UK, along with the announcement of the annual Champion Beer of Britain awards Fri, 03 Jul 2015 09:51:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/03/u-s-cask-beers-head-for-olympia-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/03/u-s-cask-beers-head-for-olympia-fest Legendary rock group Queen celebrate 40 years since they recorded Bohemian Rhapsody -- one of the best-selling records of all time -- with a Bohemian Pilsner brewed in the Czech Republic to the spirit of the original beer from Pilsen brewed there in the mid- 19th century. Bohemian Lager will be rocking and stocking shelves in the UK and then worldwide Thu, 02 Jul 2015 18:02:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/02/queen-rock-beer-world-with-bohemian-pils-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/02/queen-rock-beer-world-with-bohemian-pils-1 Rob and Jo Theakston have launched a new hoppy, golden pale ale, Hoptacular, at their brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire. Four hops are used to give the 3.6% beer a big bitter and fruity appeal, with much of the character coming from fermentation in traditional "Yorkshire Squares" Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:14:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/01/you-d-be-baamy-to-miss-black-sheep-s-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/07/01/you-d-be-baamy-to-miss-black-sheep-s-ale Molson Coors has admitted that the bottled version of its best-selling Doom Bar has been brewed for the past two years in Burton-on-Trent. Yet bottle labels announce in bold type ROCK CORNWALL. And an advertisement in Waitrose Weekend, illustrated with a bottle of Doom Bar, says Sharp's creates beer "alive with Cornish energy" at Rock. Other big brands, including Foster's, Kronenbourg and Stella Artois, also stress their places of origin but brew in Britain Mon, 29 Jun 2015 10:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/06/29/doom-bar-between-rock-a-hard-place https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/06/29/doom-bar-between-rock-a-hard-place As celebrations get underway to commemorate the signing of Magna Carta 800 years ago, breweries have produced special beers to mark the occasion. Some use medieval recipes to incorporate such ingredients as rosemary, yarrow and other herbs and spices added at a time when hops were not available or were unknown Sun, 14 Jun 2015 10:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/06/14/magna-carta-ales-a-toast-to-liberty https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/06/14/magna-carta-ales-a-toast-to-liberty Posy Parsons (left) and Claire Russell are bringing full-mash and full-grain brewing to the home with easy to use kits that offer malted barley and hop pellets rather than syrups. They hail from the U.S. and Australia respectively where they fought their way through the fizz to discover good beer and brought their passion to the UK. Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:42:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/06/04/home-brewers-are-cutting-with-the-grain https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/06/04/home-brewers-are-cutting-with-the-grain Nicholson's, the 80-strong chain of historic pubs located throughout the UK, has seen a dramatic increase of 27% in the consumption of golden and pale ales. Nicholson's -- part of the Mitchells & Butlers group -- says many younger drinkers moving from lager find golden and pale ales appealing. But its biggest-selling style is still amber-coloured bitter Thu, 28 May 2015 11:06:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/28/pale-ales-triumph-in-major-pub-group https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/28/pale-ales-triumph-in-major-pub-group Marks & Spencer has launched a new range of bottled beers from leading brewers. While the beers are "own label", the name of each brewery is clearly identified on the labels. Several of the beers feature British malts and hops. Mon, 25 May 2015 12:21:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/25/m-s-launches-new-british-beer-range https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/25/m-s-launches-new-british-beer-range Flying Dog, the American brewery famous for its powerful IPAs and Porter, has scaled down with its Easy IPA at 4.7%. But the brewery inspired by "gonzo journalist" Hunter S Thompson, with labels drawn by thel British satirical artist Ralph Steadman, stays true to its roots with a beer rich in hop and malt character Sun, 17 May 2015 07:39:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/17/flying-dog-session-ipa-says-take-it-easy https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/17/flying-dog-session-ipa-says-take-it-easy An article in Guardian Online by Tony Naylor suggested that Mild ale was in such steep decline that CAMRA's Mild Month promotion was a waste of time. But there's life in the style yet, with many more brewers producing it. Simon Yates of Banks's Brewery (pictured) thinks Mild will be rediscovered -- and his brewery is the biggest producer of Mild in the world Wed, 13 May 2015 09:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/05/13/mild-it-s-not-as-dead-as-the-dodo https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/05/13/mild-it-s-not-as-dead-as-the-dodo The Tre Fontane -- Three Fountains -- abbey in Rome has been officially recognised as the 11th Trappist brewery. The monks' 8.5% ale was launched this month with eucalyptus leaves added to the brew. Tue, 12 May 2015 10:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/12/italian-monks-beer-given-trappist-approval https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/12/italian-monks-beer-given-trappist-approval Beer Sommelier Jane Peyton calls on all beer lovers to join the festivities starting on 15 June to celebrate Britain's national drink. She has chosen that date as it also marks the signing of Magna Carta, which supported English ale Tue, 05 May 2015 11:30:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2015/05/05/it-s-magna-carta-time-for-british-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2015/05/05/it-s-magna-carta-time-for-british-beer Fast-growing independent brewery Hogs Back in Surrey has launched an IPA, Hopping Hog -- its first ale in keg format. It will also be available in cask and bottle. Brewery owner Rupert Thompson says Hopping Hog is a traditional English version of IPA while he acknowledges that American craft brewers have helped revive the style world-wide with their passion for the beer Mon, 04 May 2015 14:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/04/hogs-back-ipa-goes-back-to-english-roots https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/05/04/hogs-back-ipa-goes-back-to-english-roots Deschutes Brewery from Oregon, United States, scooped three Golds in the International Beer and Cider Awards, announced at London's Guildhall. Other winners included Oakham and Marston's from Britain and Clonmel from Ireland. Pictured are the winners outside the Guildhall Thu, 30 Apr 2015 09:06:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/04/30/hat-trick-for-u-s-brewer-in-world-awards https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/04/30/hat-trick-for-u-s-brewer-in-world-awards The brainchild of Steve Hindy (picured), co-founder of Brooklyn Brewery in New York City, a major debate will take place on Wednesday 29 April at Beavertown Brewery in North London. Featured speakers include Roger Protz, John Holl, editor of All About Beer, Jasper Cuppaidge of Camden Town Brewery and Logan Plant of Beavertown Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:42:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/04/23/major-debate-on-future-of-craft-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/04/23/major-debate-on-future-of-craft-beer The Campaign for Real Ale's annual conference this weekend won't debate sexism in the brewing industry. Beer writer Melissa Cole argues CAMRA is dodging the issue and urges all organisers of beer festivals and other consumer events to say "No" to the likes of Top Totty Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2015/04/15/time-for-brewers-to-kill-sexist-images https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2015/04/15/time-for-brewers-to-kill-sexist-images Draught Burton Ale is back -- and it was the great talking point of the Burton beer festival. Three CAMRA members from Derby (left to right) Les Baynton, Dave Evans and John Arguile, encouraged Burton Bridge Brewery to produce a few batches of the beer for the festival but now 16 pubs in Burton and Derby are taking it. The big question is: will Carlsberg agree to hand over the brand name and trademarks so it can be a regular Burton brew again? Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:20:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/29/revived-dba-takes-burton-by-storm https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/29/revived-dba-takes-burton-by-storm Cask Matters, supported by brewers, pub companies and consumer groups, has launched an e-learning scheme to train bar staff in best practice for storing and serving cask beer. The programme is based on a series of short films (clip shown here) that covers all aspects of cellar and bar work. Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:02:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/25/e-learning-gives-big-boost-for-cask-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/25/e-learning-gives-big-boost-for-cask-beer Crisp Malting Group has used British Science Week to take the art of growing grain and turning barley into malt to school children. Young students at Portgordon Primary School in Moray, Scotland, were taken on the journey that leads from barley field to maltings by Richard Lake and Rebecca Gee of Crisps -- and the children were given malted bread at the end of the lessons as a treat. Tue, 24 Mar 2015 16:50:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/24/appliance-of-science-boosts-british-barley https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/24/appliance-of-science-boosts-british-barley The 2015 vintage of the limited edition Duvel Tripel Hop features a new American variety, Equinox, that comes from the same Pacific North-west hop farms that created Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe. Duvel Tripel Hop is a stronger version of the famous Belgian golden ale and has become an annual treat as a result of beer lovers lobbying the Duvel-Moortgat brewery Sat, 21 Mar 2015 11:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/21/new-american-hop-graces-duvel-tripel https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/21/new-american-hop-graces-duvel-tripel Jane Peyton is leading a crusade to make 15 June 2015 Beer Day Britain. It coincides with celebrations to mark the signing of Magna Carta and, Jane argues, is the ideal day to raise a glass of beer to salute the national drink Sat, 21 Mar 2015 09:53:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/03/21/15-june-make-it-beer-day-britain https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/03/21/15-june-make-it-beer-day-britain How well does beer match food? Roger Protz helped devise a beer menu for Lussmann's restaurants in Hertfordshire and he invited fellow writer Melissa Cole to join him for lunch in St Albans to see how the beers measured up to the dishes on the menu Fri, 13 Mar 2015 09:28:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/03/13/a-liquid-lunch-with-melissa-cole https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/03/13/a-liquid-lunch-with-melissa-cole Oddbins has launched a beer-only store in Blackheath, south London, that will stock 300 craft beers, mainly drawn from Britain. Ayo Akintola, managing director of the Oddbins' chain, says Britain is enjoying a "golden ale" of craft brewing and sales of beer in his stores have risen by 37% over the past 12 months. Four of the beers on sale are Oddbins' onw-label brands, produced by leading British brewers Tue, 10 Mar 2015 09:21:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/10/oddbins-new-store-hails-golden-age-of-craft-brewing-with-300-beers-on-offer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/10/oddbins-new-store-hails-golden-age-of-craft-brewing-with-300-beers-on-offer SIBA -- the Society of Independent Brewers -- which represents 800 local and craft brewers, has launched an election manifesto with an appeal to parliamentary candidates to back local breweries and community pubs and to lobby the government to maintain and extend Small Breweries' Relief that enables independent producers to pay lower rates of excise duty than national and global giants. Pictured: Mike Benner, SIBA managing director Mon, 09 Mar 2015 10:12:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/09/indie-brewers-launch-election-battle-cry https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/09/indie-brewers-launch-election-battle-cry Greene King is responding to surging sales for cask beer with a major makeover for its flagship IPA, with new pump clips and labels that stress the history of the Suffolk brewery.The brewer has used CAMRA research showing that real ale appeals to 18 to 24 year-olds by giving its beer youthful appeal. It's also improving cellar skills for landlords with a new online training programme called Beer Genius Mon, 09 Mar 2015 08:15:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/09/makeover-for-ipa-in-greene-king-bid-for-younger-drinkers-as-cask-sales-surge https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/09/makeover-for-ipa-in-greene-king-bid-for-younger-drinkers-as-cask-sales-surge "A Restorative Beverage for Invalids and Convalescents", based on 19th-century IPAs, has been launched by Scottish independent BrewDog to replicate the strong and powerfully hopped beers of that time. The inspiration has been the 19th-century pharmacologist Dr Jonathan Pereira who praised the medicinal qualities of the pale ales of his day Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:00:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/04/new-brewdog-ipa-is-on-doctor-s-orders https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/03/04/new-brewdog-ipa-is-on-doctor-s-orders As a new report shows that an additional 1,000 pubs would have closed and the price of a pint would be 16p more if the government hadn't scrapped the Beer Duty Escalator and cut duty in the past two Budgets, the Campaign for Real Ale is urging Chancellor George Osborne to go for a hat trick of duty cuts in the March Budget.. CAMRA Chief Executive Tim Page (pictured) says pubs need support as they encourage responsible drinking Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:06:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/02/23/osborne-urged-to-go-for-duty-hat-trick https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/02/23/osborne-urged-to-go-for-duty-hat-trick The Duck and Drake pub in Leeds offers a range of beers from local breweries served from wooden casks or "woodies". One event was held in association with the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood. In nearby Castleford, the Junction pub is the pacesetter, offering a rolling range of beers served from oak casks. Fri, 20 Feb 2015 15:11:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/02/20/woodies-take-centre-stage-in-leeds https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/02/20/woodies-take-centre-stage-in-leeds Maris Otter, the barley variety favoured by craft brewers, celebrates 50 years in 2015 since it was first grown in Norfolk. It's in great demand even though big farmers and maltsters attempted to phase it out in order to grow more profitable "high yielding" barley. At Crisp's in Norfolk the malt is still produced by the time-honoured "floor malting" method Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:25:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/02/12/say-happy-birthday-to-a-great-barley https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/02/12/say-happy-birthday-to-a-great-barley It's a hat trick of victories for Elland 1872 Porter, which has triumphed at the CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival in Derby. Judged against a range of old ales, stouts, strong mild and barley wines, the porter -- based on an authentic Victorian recipe -- was judged Champion Winter Beer of Britain by a panel of expert judges. Dickie Bird of Elland Brewery is seen accepting the award from festival organiser Gillian Hough Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:05:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/02/11/yorkshire-porter-triumphs-again https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/02/11/yorkshire-porter-triumphs-again Beer price increases could put as much as 12p on the price of a pint as Carlsberg. Heineken and Molson Coors jack up their wholesale prices. Their justification -- that "manufacturing costs" force them to raise prices -- doesn't hold water as the price of both malt and fuel are in free-fall. Tue, 10 Feb 2015 19:33:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/02/10/brewers-price-hike-will-kill-more-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/02/10/brewers-price-hike-will-kill-more-pubs Burton Bridge Brewery is bringing Draught Burton Ale back to its home town when a batch is brewed on 4 March. The beer was axed by Carlsberg in January but now Bruce Wilkinson and Geoff Mumford -- who first brewed DBA at Ind Coope in the 1970s -- will launch the beer at the Burton beer festival on 26 March Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:10:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/02/06/burton-ale-hits-the-comeback-trail https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/02/06/burton-ale-hits-the-comeback-trail Bruges -- Brugge in Flemish -- has long been a beer lovers' treat. But now it has a new Beer Musuem while the main museum, the Historium, has an elegant beer cafe sponsored by Duvel Moortgat (pictured). Brugs Beertje remains one of the world's great beer bars but now there's added delight from Rose Red while Timmermans has opened a beer shop in the city and plans a new brewery to produce the renowned Bourgogne des Flandres ale Mon, 19 Jan 2015 14:08:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/01/19/bruges-paradise-just-got-better https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2015/01/19/bruges-paradise-just-got-better Unloved and unwanted by Carlsberg, the British subsidiary of the Danish brewer has killed Draught Burton Ale. It was a beer that played a pivotal role in the "real ale revolution" in the 1970s and 80s but lost its way in the game of musical chairs played by giant brewers Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:05:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/01/06/dba-gone-for-a-burton https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2015/01/06/dba-gone-for-a-burton Three drinkers in Derby -- John Arguile, Dave Evans and Les Baynton -- have pooled their resources to launch Beer Lovers and plan to recreate old beer styles. They have got off to a flying start with Bass P2 Imperial Stout, produced by former Bass brewer Steve Wellington. Two casks of the beer were drained dry in Derby pubs and now the Beer Lovers are planning their next revival. Derby Telegraph photo shows John Arguile (left) with Steve Wellington and (centre) Ralf Edge, publican at the Alexandra, Derby Sat, 03 Jan 2015 15:42:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/01/03/beer-lovers-bring-back-famous-bass-stout https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2015/01/03/beer-lovers-bring-back-famous-bass-stout Beers ranging from classic English bitter to revivalist IPAs, ancient Audit Ales, ale aged in Scottish whisky casks, strong milds and stouts and a London interpretation of Berliner Weisse stand out from the crowd. But top mark goes to Chiltern Brewery's Flanders Pale Ale, a British-Belgian beer that commemorated the links between the two countries forged during World War One. The beer was brewed by Tom Jenkinson (left) and Dave McGovern (right) with a little help -- and hindrance -- from the writer Wed, 31 Dec 2014 18:47:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/12/31/great-beers-that-left-their-mark-in-2014 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/12/31/great-beers-that-left-their-mark-in-2014 Barack Obama has been awarded life membership of the American Homebrewers Association for brewing beer in the White House -- the first American president to make beer in Washington's seat of power. The AHA says the president has done much to elevate the importance of home-brewing in America's customs and traditions. The home-brewers' body has also honoured Chef Sam Kass at the White House who developed recipes for Honey Ale and Honey Porter Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:51:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/17/american-home-brewers-honour-obama https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/17/american-home-brewers-honour-obama Six beers have been launched by The Shackleton company in Norfolk to commemorate the life and work of the great Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The beers are named after ships and shelters from Shackleton's expeditions in the Edwardian period Sun, 14 Dec 2014 18:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/14/beer-range-honours-great-explorer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/14/beer-range-honours-great-explorer Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight was destroyed in the 16th century by Henry VIII. But a new monastery was built in the 20th century and now the monks have teamed up with Goddards Brewery on the island to brew Quarr Abbey Ale which uses herbs and spices grown by the monks Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:45:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/12/12/island-monks-restore-abbey-ale-habit https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/12/12/island-monks-restore-abbey-ale-habit There are now more than 3,000 breweries in the United States and 1.5 new breweries are opening every day, according to year-end figures from the Brewers Association. Craft beer is recording record sales and beer is reaching out to women drinkers and Hispanics Thu, 11 Dec 2014 18:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/11/american-craft-beer-goes-on-booming-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/11/american-craft-beer-goes-on-booming-1 Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey is growing its own hops for use in such leading beers as TEA and Hogstar lager. Braving the cold, staff from the brewery, led by owner Rupert Thompson, planted a further 1,200 new plants, including Fuggles and White Bine, with Cascade, a hop from the United States. Hogs Back plans a "green hop" beer next autumn, using hop straight from the harvest Sat, 06 Dec 2014 10:55:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/06/it-s-a-hoppy-christmas-at-hogs-back https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/06/it-s-a-hoppy-christmas-at-hogs-back Jessica Boak and Ray Bailey won the prestigious Michael Jackson Beer Writer of the Year Award for their book Beer Britannia at the annual awards dinner on 4 December hosted by the British Guild of Beer Writers. Other awards went to Tim Webb, Mark Dredge, Nigel Huddlestone and Alastair Gilmour, with Pip Sprake picking up the new award for Young Beer Writer of the Year. Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:35:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/05/writers-honoured-in-top-beer-awards https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/05/writers-honoured-in-top-beer-awards With Christmas on the horizon, brewers are gearing up for the festive season with a range of ales that will keep the cold out and the warmth in. Bateman's Rosey Nosey is building record sales while Adnams has an exclusive beer for Marks & Spencer. Lock the reindeer in the stable and get ready to glow Thu, 04 Dec 2014 13:29:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/12/04/yule-get-sleighed-with-these-xmas-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/12/04/yule-get-sleighed-with-these-xmas-beers Beers from Goose Island, one of the pioneering craft breweries in the United States, are now available on draught and in bottle in Britain, distributed by Greene King. The three beers are India Pale Ale, Honkers Ale and 312 Urban Wheat Ale. Drinkers will have to judge whether the beers have changed since the brewery was bought by American giant Anheuser-Busch Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/02/take-a-gander-as-chicago-s-goose-lands https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/12/02/take-a-gander-as-chicago-s-goose-lands Jane Peyton (pictured) has a mission to bring the glory of malt to drinkers' attention. With so much emphasis on hops, people forget that beer needs grain as it essential raw material. She has joined forces with writer Susannah Forbes to brew a special ale at Brewster's Brewery that will be unveiled in London next week Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:41:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/11/25/cutting-with-the-grain-to-make-great-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/11/25/cutting-with-the-grain-to-make-great-beer British hop farmers have been given a major boost by supermarket giant Tesco with Single Hopped Kentish Ale. Brewed by Shepherd Neame in Faversham, it's the first beer to carry the logo of the British Hop Association run by Ali Capper (left) who grows hops with her husband Richard at Stocks Farm in Worcestershire. She hops the new beer will encourage more British brewers to use home-grown rather than imported hops Sat, 15 Nov 2014 12:22:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/11/15/supermarket-boost-for-british-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/11/15/supermarket-boost-for-british-hops Brewers from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Brittany joined forces with Roger Ryman, head brewer at St Austell Brewery in Cornwall, to brew a special Celtic IPA that reflects the rich tradition of brewing throughout the Celtic regions. The beer will be unveiled at the Celtic Beer Festival on 22 November at St Austell Brewery Wed, 12 Nov 2014 09:28:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/11/12/celtic-brewers-celebrate-their-rich-heritage https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/11/12/celtic-brewers-celebrate-their-rich-heritage Jane Peyton calls on the government to promote our national drink by making it available at parliamentary and embassy dinners and events. The French, she says, wouldn't serve imported wine at official functions yet all too often British government event serve wine rather than home-grown beer. Sign her petition! Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:39:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2014/10/30/time-to-put-beer-on-the-top-table https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2014/10/30/time-to-put-beer-on-the-top-table Beer found in a shipwreck off the Finnish coast has been dated back to 1842 and has been recreated by brewing scientists at the University of Leuven in Belgium. Research shows the beer was made by spontaneous fermentation and probably came from a Belgian lambic brewery Sun, 26 Oct 2014 19:37:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/10/26/shipwreck-beer-brought-back-to-life https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/10/26/shipwreck-beer-brought-back-to-life Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, Surrey, has joined forces with renowned chocolatier Montezuma to produce a lager with a dash of real chocolate. The beer flies in the face of the convention that chocolate, with its fat content, can't be added during the brewing process. The beer is lagered for five weeks and offers both malt, hops and chocolate -- just in time for National Chocolate Week Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:39:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/10/11/surrey-hog-bristles-with-chocolate-delight https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/10/11/surrey-hog-bristles-with-chocolate-delight Cyclops, the beer accreditation scheme, is getting greater recognition and support from both beer drinkers and publicans. Drinkers say they would try more cask beers if some indication of aroma and flavour was displayed on pump clips. Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:34:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/25/beer-drinkers-say-eye-eye-to-cyclops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/25/beer-drinkers-say-eye-eye-to-cyclops The 2014 Cask Ale Report, compiled by Pete Brown, says real ale is the beer of the moment, with new breweries opening on almost a daily basis and pubs offering a vast range of beers. But perceptions need to change, the report adds, as many publicans still believe cask beer is drunk by "beardie weirdies". And publicans are criticised for selling cask ale too cheaply -- almost £1 a pint less than craft keg. Thu, 25 Sep 2014 08:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/25/cask-ale-forging-ahead-says-brown-report https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/25/cask-ale-forging-ahead-says-brown-report Edinburgh-based Innis & Gunn aims to heal the referendum divisions in Scotland with a new oak-aged beer, Rare Oak Pale Ale, that uses oak hewn from forests in the Scottish Borders. Sweet Gale is added to hops to give a spicy and refreshing flavour Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:38:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2014/09/23/new-scots-ale-to-delight-unite-uk https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2014/09/23/new-scots-ale-to-delight-unite-uk Eddie Gadd at Ramsgate Brewery will take a special beer brewed with the first hops of the harvest to a Belgian beer festival hosted by ground-breaking craft brewery De Molen. Back in Kent, all the county's brewers will parade Green Hop beers at a festival in Canterbury Mon, 22 Sep 2014 09:07:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/22/kent-green-hop-beer-heads-to-belgium https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/22/kent-green-hop-beer-heads-to-belgium So what is "craft beer"? Georgie Denny and Deborah Finding of design research agency The Big Picture find out how drinkers define -- and choose the beer of the moment, such as BrewDog with its redesigned labels Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:53:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2014/09/15/craft-the-word-on-every-drinker-s-lips https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2014/09/15/craft-the-word-on-every-drinker-s-lips Beers from a Hatfield brewery in Hertfordshire that closed in 1920 have been recreated by the 3 Brewers and will feature at the St Albans beer festival this month. Pryor Reid was a major brewer and the biggest employer in Hatfield but closed following the death of the chairman's son in WWI. Now Petar Zivkovic (seen left) with Mark Fanner and Petar's brother Nick have recreated a mild and a porter using Pryor Reid's recipes Sun, 14 Sep 2014 11:49:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/14/victorian-beers-come-back-from-the-grave https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/14/victorian-beers-come-back-from-the-grave Rooster's head brewer Oliver Fozard made a dawn dash from North Yorkshire to Worcestershire to pick up the first Phoenix hops of the harvest from Stocks Farm then hurried back to the brewery to make a Fresh Hop beer. He believes it's the first time a beer using harvest-fresh hops has been made in the north of England. Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:36:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/10/up-with-the-lark-for-first-hops-of-harvest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/10/up-with-the-lark-for-first-hops-of-harvest Guinness has dug deep into its archives to revive two versions of Porter from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Dublin Porter was the drink of the working man in the Irish capital -- immortalised in the writings of Flann O'Brien and J P Donleavy -- while West Indies Porter is typical of the strong beers exported to all parts of the British Empire Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:56:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/09/guinness-brings-dublin-porter-back-to-life https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/09/guinness-brings-dublin-porter-back-to-life A rare beer fount for Budweiser Budvar, dating from the communist period in Czechoslovakia, still serves the iconic lager beer at the renowned Babbity Bowster bar in Glasgow. It was installed in 1989 at the time of the Velvet Revolution and as a result of its historic connections there have been many attempts to buy it. But the owners of Babbity Bowster says they have no intention of letting it go. But they did consent to allow Budvar to refurbish the treasured fount Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:02:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/05/rare-budvar-pump-graces-glasgow-pub https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/05/rare-budvar-pump-graces-glasgow-pub Belhaven in Dunbar has joined the growing list of Scottish brewers ageing beer with the aid of whisky. Speyside Oak Aged Blonde Ale is matured with oak chips steeped in Speyside malt whisky Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:45:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/03/chips-are-down-for-new-scots-whisky-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/03/chips-are-down-for-new-scots-whisky-beer Fast-growing Scottish brewer and bar owner BrewDog is tackling binge drinking and the cult of the lager lout with a true Pilsner beer that will restore the style to its proper place in the pantheon of brewing. This.Is.Lager, says co-founder James Watt, is taking the beer back to its root and challenging mass-marketed global brands. But Charlie McVeigh, founder of the Draft House pub chain, has hit back at BrewDog and its attack on commercial lagers. He sells draught unpasteurised Czech Pilsner Urquell Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:20:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/02/keep-taking-the-pils-says-brewdog https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/09/02/keep-taking-the-pils-says-brewdog British hops, faced by the threat of extinction, are making a sturdy come back, thanks to the work of Ali Capper (pictured), who farms with her husband Richard in Worcestershire. She has rejuvenated the British Hop Association and working with hop expert Dr Peter Darby has introduced a new variety, Endeavour, which has the citrus notes demanded by many craft brewers Sat, 30 Aug 2014 12:13:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/08/30/britain-s-hops-are-bouncing-back https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/08/30/britain-s-hops-are-bouncing-back Batemans of Wainfleet and Thwaites of Blackburn, two leading family brewers, have walked away with a host of top awards in international beer competitions, proving that innovation can reap a rich reward. Pictured: Jaclyn and Stuart Bateman, the fourth generation to run the Lincolnshire brewery. Hawkshead in Cumbria is sending a pale ale made with New Zealand hops by its Kiwi head brewer to a beer festival Down Under Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:41:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/22/batemans-and-thwaites-win-top-awards-as-hawkshead-sends-kiwi-beer-down-under https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/22/batemans-and-thwaites-win-top-awards-as-hawkshead-sends-kiwi-beer-down-under Kirrily Waldhorn, Australia's Beer Diva, will host a beer event with Roger Protz on 22 September at the Token House pub in London's Moorgate. Down Under, Kirrily holds beer events in such celebrated venues as Sydney Opera House and appears regularly on radio and TV Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/20/top-aussie-beer-host-set-for-london-event https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/20/top-aussie-beer-host-set-for-london-event Research shows that more people will switch to cask beer if they''re given information about the beers. CAMRA is urging brewers to use pump clips attached to handpumps on bars to give short tasting notes about their beers Fri, 15 Aug 2014 20:40:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/15/pumping-up-interest-for-cask-beer-drinkers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/15/pumping-up-interest-for-cask-beer-drinkers A tasting of three lager beers in Stockholm has come up with the conclusion that all lagers taste the same -- and this is good news, the organisers claim, as drinkers are not looking for wide variations in taste. But why choose just three beers and leave out some of the great Czech and German beers that do offer a wide variety of character. As Budweiser Budvar (brewhouse pictured left) proves, long ageing of beer leads to rich taste Thu, 14 Aug 2014 13:34:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2014/08/14/all-lagers-the-same-adjust-your-tastebuds https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2014/08/14/all-lagers-the-same-adjust-your-tastebuds Shepherd Neame, England's oldest brewery, based in the heart of the Kent hop fields in Faversham, has added a keg stout to its range of specialist "Steam Brewery" range. The beer reflects the history of the area, when the coastal town of Whitstable was famous for its oysters in the 19th century Wed, 13 Aug 2014 11:33:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/13/all-steamed-up-for-new-oyster-stout https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/13/all-steamed-up-for-new-oyster-stout Yorkshire brewer Timothy Taylor, which has won the Champion Beer of Britain award four times with Landlord Best Bitter, scored a stunning victory at the Great British Beer Festival with its Best Bitter, renamed Boltmaker to celebrate a traditional trade in Keighley. Pictured (left to right) marketing director Grant Simpson, managing director Charles Dent and head brewer Peter Eels Tue, 12 Aug 2014 16:38:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/12/bolt-from-the-blue-tim-taylor-wins-gold https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/08/12/bolt-from-the-blue-tim-taylor-wins-gold Centuries ago British brewers guarded their recipes like state secrets. Now work at Shepherd Neame in Kent has broken beer codes to reveal the pale, IPA and stout brewed in the 19th century while at Brakspear in Henley the brewer used a form of shorthand to stop rivals stealing his recipes. Left, three of the old beers recreated by Shepherd Neame Sat, 09 Aug 2014 09:30:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/08/09/beer-and-the-secrets-in-the-cellar https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/08/09/beer-and-the-secrets-in-the-cellar Wine expert and Champagne guru Christian Holthausen says beer is more complex than wine due to the use of a wide range of ingredients and can be a better companion at the dining table Fri, 25 Jul 2014 19:44:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/07/25/wine-guru-says-beer-can-be-best-with-food https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/07/25/wine-guru-says-beer-can-be-best-with-food Stuidents at Heriot-Watt University's School of Brewing have devised a classic India Pale Ale using all English hops. The beer has been brewed at Stewart's Brewing at Loanhead, which specialises in classic traditional beers. Pictured are students (left to right) Amaey Mundkur, Doug Rowe, Jonathan Hammond, Ben Thompson and Craig Thomas Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/07/07/students-brew-classic-ipa-with-uk-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/07/07/students-brew-classic-ipa-with-uk-hops Home brewers and a commercial brewery have combined forces to create a special Magna Carta Ale that will help celebrate the 800th anniversary of the signing of the "Great Charter" in 2015. London Amateur Brewers were offered the chance to create medieval recipes by Windsor & Eton Brewery and the chosen beer was created by osteopath Man Birdi, pictured with his daughter Jani at the brewery with the four founding members. Thu, 03 Jul 2014 10:20:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/07/03/medieval-beer-marks-magna-carta-signing https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/07/03/medieval-beer-marks-magna-carta-signing Beer from a new brewery in Hertfordshire has become a cult drink in the restaurants run by Andrei Lussmann. 3 Brewers' Classic English Ale is so popular with diners that Andrei and his head chef Richard Cramer are planning beer-and-food matching menus. Pictured: Mark Fanner, left, of 3 Brewers, with Andrei Lussmann, and Richard Bull who supplies the restaurants with apple juice from local orchards Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:10:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/27/beer-finds-favour-in-top-restaurants https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/27/beer-finds-favour-in-top-restaurants Cyclops, the brewing industry's model for beer tasting, was launched to increase the appreciation of cask ale. But now the system has been redesigned to encompass lager and modern 'craft keg' as well Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:09:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/24/cyclops-casts-beady-eye-on-lager-keg https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/24/cyclops-casts-beady-eye-on-lager-keg Marston's, one of Britain's leading brewing groups, says sales of Premium Bottled Ales are growing at such a pace that the sector will be worth £1 billion a year by 2010. Innovation in the sector appeals to drinkers, according to Marston's, with gold and blond beers attracting most attention. But the main driver is Hobgoblin, which grew sales by 20% over the past 12 months Sun, 22 Jun 2014 09:31:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/22/big-brewer-says-bottle-sales-set-to-soar https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/22/big-brewer-says-bottle-sales-set-to-soar North-west supermarket group Booths has commissioned special beers from craft brewers in the region for an in-store festival of beer and cider this summer. Customers will be able to try samples of the beers before buying. The range includes a black IPA and a lemongrass beer. Pictured: checking casks at Hawkshead Brewery Thu, 19 Jun 2014 09:07:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/19/craft-beers-head-for-booths-summer-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/19/craft-beers-head-for-booths-summer-fest American home-brewers have voted in their annual poll Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing the best beer in the United States. The poll is conducted by Zymurgy magazine and it's the sixth year running that Russian River has walked off with the top prize Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/18/best-beers-in-the-u-s-are-unveiled https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/18/best-beers-in-the-u-s-are-unveiled Organisers of Norwich City of Ale -- the annual event that unites drinkers, pubs and breweries -- met members of the Parliamentary Beer Group on 9 June to share their experiences and suggest that other British cities could follow Norwich's lead. Organisers Dawn Leeder and Phil Cutter are seen with Andrew Griffiths MP, chair of the Beer Group Tue, 10 Jun 2014 20:33:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/10/mps-praise-norwich-stars-of-city-of-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/10/mps-praise-norwich-stars-of-city-of-ale Two of Yorkshire's top pub chefs, James Mackenzie (left) of the Pipe & Glass and Andrew Pern of the Star, have pooled their love of beer and food to launch a honey beer specially designed to match their dishes. And in Acton in London an old coaching inn has had a brewery installed where the beers are used as companions for food Sat, 07 Jun 2014 19:59:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/07/top-chefs-launch-own-beer-to-match-food https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/07/top-chefs-launch-own-beer-to-match-food Two leading artisan breweries -- Saltaire in Yorkshire and Dark Star in Sussex -- have produced a collaboration beer, Le IPA, to greet the Tour de France as cyclists wheel their way through Yorkshire en route to France Sat, 07 Jun 2014 09:08:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/07/beer-gets-on-its-bike-to-welcome-le-tour https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/07/beer-gets-on-its-bike-to-welcome-le-tour David Bruce, famous founder of the Firkins, is now in the chair at West Berkshire Brewery and has brought back Dogbolter, his legendary strong ale from Firkin days Fri, 06 Jun 2014 09:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/06/bruce-brings-old-ale-out-of-the-dog-kennel https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/06/06/bruce-brings-old-ale-out-of-the-dog-kennel Chiltern Brewery near Aylesbury has created a special strong Flanders Ale that reaches out to all sides involved in the First World War. The style is pale ale that was popular in both Britain and Belgium and it uses both Belgian hops and malt from Germany. Pictured: brewers Tom Jenkinson (left) and Dave McGovern (right) with "assistant brewer" Roger Protz Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/05/20/flanders-ale-salutes-tommies-belgians https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/05/20/flanders-ale-salutes-tommies-belgians Ali Capper of the British Hop Association is urging craft brewers in Britain to switch to home-grown varieties as the price of "fashionable" American hops soars with the growth of new brewers in the U.S. Mon, 19 May 2014 13:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/19/as-u-s-hops-soar-in-price-craft-brewers-are-urged-to-use-home-grown-varieties https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/19/as-u-s-hops-soar-in-price-craft-brewers-are-urged-to-use-home-grown-varieties Windsor & Eton Brewery has launched a competition for amateur brewers to develop a special Magna Carta beer to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the signing of the "Great Charter" in June 2015. The brewery has invited members of the London Amatuer Brewers to design beers and the winner will be invited to brew on the W&E plant. A special label has been designed by artist Graham Clarke, seen (left) in his studio with the brewery's marketing director Bob Morrison Mon, 19 May 2014 11:35:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/19/magna-carta-will-be-a-beer-for-the-people https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/19/magna-carta-will-be-a-beer-for-the-people Innis & Gunn, the Edinburgh-based innovators of wood-aged beer, have gone on a Grand Tour of the country's five whisky-producing regions. They have aged an amber ale style known as "a Wee Heavy" in oak barrels garnered from major distillers. Tue, 13 May 2014 16:53:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2014/05/13/brewers-do-whisky-s-grand-tour https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2014/05/13/brewers-do-whisky-s-grand-tour High Street drinks retailer Oddbins has launched its own range of beers brewed by Compass, a craft brewery in Oxfordshire. The range includes a German-style Kolsch beer brewed with smoked malt. Oddbins also wants to appoint a Beer Taster who will advise on more beers for the group to stock -- the job is unpaid but Oddbins promises plenty of free beer! Thu, 08 May 2014 11:35:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/08/high-street-indie-launches-own-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/08/high-street-indie-launches-own-beer Sales of craft beer in Portland, Oregon, have overtaken those from industry giants AB InBev and MillerCoors. Craft beer now enjoys a 45.8% market share compared to the giants' 40.6%. It's the first American city to record a leading market share for independent brewers Tue, 06 May 2014 10:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/06/craft-is-king-in-american-city https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/05/06/craft-is-king-in-american-city The fourth City of Ale will be a festival of good beer and good pubs from 22 May to 1 June. Brewers throughout East Anglia and pubs in the city will join forces to promote the region's great range of fine ales. City of Ale is the brainchild of Dawn Leeder and Phil Cutter, seen in the Compleat Angler, one of many pubs in the city supporting the festival. Thu, 01 May 2014 11:29:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/05/01/norwich-gears-up-for-beer-bonanza https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/05/01/norwich-gears-up-for-beer-bonanza The Campaign for Real Ale's annual conference called for action against giant pubcos to be stepped up and criticised the slowness of Business Secretary Vince Cable to publish his proposals that will tackle the tactics of Enterprise and Punch. National chairman Colin Valentine (pictured) stressed the importance of the scrapping of the beer duty escalator and two cuts in duty. Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:40:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/04/28/call-for-tough-action-on-pubco-reform https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/04/28/call-for-tough-action-on-pubco-reform Beer drinkers can be attracted to certain brands if they like the colours of the labels. An experiment at the Edinburgh Science Festival with Barney's Beer, a local micro-brewery, found that tasters preferred one of two beers from Barney's -- even though the beer in both bottles was identical. The tasters even identified different malt and hop notes in the beer they preferred. Pictured: Andrew Barnett of Barney's Brewery. Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:50:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/04/12/love-the-label-how-colour-boosts-sales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/04/12/love-the-label-how-colour-boosts-sales After 10 days of fermentation and seven days of conditioning, my Irish Extra Stout, made with the BruBox system, is ready to taste. Will it be heaven or hell? Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:54:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/04/09/my-home-brew-it-s-time-for-the-taste-test https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/04/09/my-home-brew-it-s-time-for-the-taste-test England's hop farmers are under siege as more and more breweries switch to imported varieties. Growers such as Ali Capper (pictured) are leading the fightback by developing new varieties with modern aromas and flavours Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:57:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/04/03/hopping-for-the-best-to-save-beer-flavour https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/04/03/hopping-for-the-best-to-save-beer-flavour After many failed attempts at brewing my own beer, I accept a challenge to make a stout from a -- hopefully -- risk-free BruBox. A progress report on the first stage and a little trouble with temperature... Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:12:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/03/29/home-brewing-made-easy-i-hope-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/03/29/home-brewing-made-easy-i-hope-1 CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner, who has masterminded the public role of the campaign for 10 years, is leaving to become managing director of the Society of Independent Brewers. At its annual conference this month, SIBA overhauled its structure and Benner will play a key role in its political and commercial activities. He is seen (right) with new SIBA chairman Guy Sheppard Mon, 24 Mar 2014 10:46:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/24/benner-quits-camra-for-top-siba-role https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/24/benner-quits-camra-for-top-siba-role Genevieve Upton (pictured) one of Marston's Brewmasters, has helped develop a new range of Revisionist beers that combine flavours from both traditional styles and new world ones with more modern flavours. Genevieve is keen to produce beers that will accompany food Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/22/old-world-meets-new-in-marston-s-range https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/22/old-world-meets-new-in-marston-s-range A bottle of beer thought to date from 1910 has been found at the site of St Piran's Oratory in the sands at Perranporth in Cornwall. The beer is a Walter Hicks' ale brewed at St Austell Brewery and was probably left by a worker engaged in encasing the oratory in concrete to protect it from sea and sand. Brewery archivist Chris Knight (pictured) says there's a drop of beer left in the bottle and it may be possible to identify the actual brew Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:30:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/20/digging-up-history-in-a-cornish-beer-bottle https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/20/digging-up-history-in-a-cornish-beer-bottle A penny off the price of a pint, announced today by Chancellor George Osborne has been hailed by both consumers and brewers as another shot in the arm for the fast-growing brewing industry and will help struggling pubs Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:10:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/19/brewers-and-drinkers-hail-budget-beer-cut https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/19/brewers-and-drinkers-hail-budget-beer-cut De Rooden Hoed -- the Red Hat -- dates from the 18th century and is a former coaching inn alongside Antwerp cathedral. Today it offers fine dining, with each course carefully and meticulously matched by a great Belgian beer, including the local De Koninck ale that's celebrated in style on the restaurant wall Sun, 16 Mar 2014 17:14:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/03/16/hang-your-hat-at-an-antwerp-cafe-where-fine-food-is-matched-with-belgian-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/03/16/hang-your-hat-at-an-antwerp-cafe-where-fine-food-is-matched-with-belgian-beer Innovative Edinburgh brewer Innis & Gunn, run by Dougal Sharp (left) has launched a special Irish Whiskey Cask Stout for St Patrick's Day. And it has joined forces with bartender David Ashton-Hyde of the Hinds Head at Bray, owned by Heston Blumenthal, to produce Smokin' Gunn based on the Rauch or smoked beers from Bamberg in Germany Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/10/wood-aged-stout-to-wow-st-patrick-s-day https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/10/wood-aged-stout-to-wow-st-patrick-s-day Marston's has unveiled a new online campaign for Pedigree, the world-famous Burton-brewed pale ale, and at the same time is reaching out younger drinkers with a "New World" version of the beer, using modern hop varieties from Down Under Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/07/pedigree-stresses-its-roots-but-looks-to-the-future-with-blonde-version-of-iconic-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/07/pedigree-stresses-its-roots-but-looks-to-the-future-with-blonde-version-of-iconic-ale Independent brewers are enjoying a big growth in sales and demand, according to the annual report by SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers. Sales were up 7.9% in 2013, which means 3.3 million extra pints of local beer were consumed compared to 2012. Pictured: Keith Bott, chairman of SIBA, who also runs the Titanic Brewery in Stoke-on-Trent Sat, 01 Mar 2014 09:23:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/01/boom-time-for-micros-as-siba-records-big-growth-in-drinkers-demand-for-local-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/03/01/boom-time-for-micros-as-siba-records-big-growth-in-drinkers-demand-for-local-beers At the Publican's Morning Advertiser Beer Innovation Summit held in Burton-on-Trent on 26 February, Roger Protz said such beer styles as India Pale Ale were the vogue as drinkers were looking for malt and hop character in beer and were moving away from bland global brands Wed, 26 Feb 2014 23:20:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2014/02/26/beer-the-future-is-flavour https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2014/02/26/beer-the-future-is-flavour CAMRA's National Winter Ales Festival was held in the historic Roundhouse at Derby's Pride Park. The Roundhouse dates from 1839 and has been restored at a cost of £46 million as a conference venue Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:46:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/02/21/images-of-derby-camra-beer-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/02/21/images-of-derby-camra-beer-fest Dunham Porter from the Dunham Massey Brewery in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, was named Champion Winter Beer of Britain at CAMRA's National Winter Ales festival held in the Roundhouse in Derby. Pictured: beer festival organiser Gillian Hough Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:06:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/02/19/north-west-porter-steals-the-derby-show https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/02/19/north-west-porter-steals-the-derby-show Marston's top brewer Richard Westwood (pictured) is planning to turn several of the group's beers into bottle-conditioned versions thanks to the brewery's new bottling plant in Burton-on-Trent. And Old Empire IPA is high on the agenda with Owd Rodger a possible contender Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:05:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/02/06/more-live-beers-planned-in-burton https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/02/06/more-live-beers-planned-in-burton A Guardian trip to Antwerp offers "dinner with wine". Visitors would be best advised to sample some of the great beers of Belgium in specialist bars and restaurants such as Bier Central Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:38:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/02/05/antwerp-it-s-city-of-beer-not-wine https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2014/02/05/antwerp-it-s-city-of-beer-not-wine Burton MP Andrew Griffiths said at the opening of a new £7m bottling line at Marston's that Chancellor George Osborne had told him his Treasury team is looking at the possibility of a further cut in duty in this year's Budget Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:27:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/02/01/osborne-looking-at-duty-cut--burton-mp https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/02/01/osborne-looking-at-duty-cut--burton-mp Ale is enjoying a great revival with record sales over the Christmas period. With standard lager in sharp decline, the future for ale in cask, bottle and keg seems secure. Marston's will feature a special range -- the Revisionist Cask Beer Series (pictured left) -- throughout 2014 while Greene King's new specialist plant is reaping a rich reward Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:56:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/01/27/it-s-boom-time-for-ale-as-lager-sales-dive https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/01/27/it-s-boom-time-for-ale-as-lager-sales-dive CAMRA's winter beer festival moves to Derby Roundhouse (left), an icon of the steam age; Tim Martin calls for cut in VAT on pub food and drink to 5%; SIBA announces conference and beer festival in Sheffield; Moorhouse's to launch new range of seasonal beers for 2014 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/01/24/round-up-winter-ales-fest-wetherspoon-s-boss-on-vat-cut-siba-fest-new-beers-from-moorhouse-s-of-burnley-for-2014 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/01/24/round-up-winter-ales-fest-wetherspoon-s-boss-on-vat-cut-siba-fest-new-beers-from-moorhouse-s-of-burnley-for-2014 Hawkshead Brewery in Cumbria, founded by Alex Brodie (pictured) has launched a new range of bottled beers, including an American-style IPA, a dry stout and a powerful export ale that has been aged in American Bourbon casks named Jack and Jim -- guess the distilleries! Sun, 19 Jan 2014 19:22:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/01/19/hawkshead-beers-head-for-the-wood https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2014/01/19/hawkshead-beers-head-for-the-wood Tesco reports it has sold more than 1.5 million bottles of ales this week -- three times more than in the same pre-Christmas week in 2011. It says demand continues to grow as younger people switch to ale. But this great British success story is largely ignored by the media. The BBC programme 12 Drinks of Christmas, presented by Alexander Armstrong and Giles Coren (pictured) completely ignored Britain's national drink Sat, 21 Dec 2013 15:16:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2013/12/21/beers-sales-are-booming--so-why-the-media-blackout-for-great-british-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2013/12/21/beers-sales-are-booming--so-why-the-media-blackout-for-great-british-ale Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall of River Cottage fame has teamed up with Skinner's Brewery in Cornwall to launch EPA -- English Pale Ale -- that will be served with food at the group's restaurants and canteens. The beer is made with all English ingredients, including a UK version of the famous American hop, Cascade. Hugh is seen on the left with Steve Skinner, founder of the brewery Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:54:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/12/06/river-cottage-launches-pale-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/12/06/river-cottage-launches-pale-ale Will Hawkes, who writes for the Independent, was named the Michael Jackson Beer Writer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers on 5 December. Roger Protz won a gold award for his writing on beer and pubs in the Publican's Morning Advertiser. Other winners included Birmingham-based writer Marverine Cole (left in picture) Fri, 06 Dec 2013 11:10:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/12/06/hawkes-hailed-as-top-beer-writer-protz-wins-gold-for-work-on-beer-and-pubs https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/12/06/hawkes-hailed-as-top-beer-writer-protz-wins-gold-for-work-on-beer-and-pubs After intense lobbying, Marston's has restored Brakspear Triple to bottle-conditioned format. As with the great Trappist ales of Belgium (Chimay beers pictured) ageing in bottle gives beer greater depth of flavour Sat, 30 Nov 2013 12:40:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/11/30/a-spoonful-of-yeast-makes-beer-age-well https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/11/30/a-spoonful-of-yeast-makes-beer-age-well Brewers are gearing up for the Christmas period with some rich and warming ales. They include a stout brewed from a secret 19th century recipe at Shepherd Neame and a recreation by Westerham Brewery of two beers from the Black Eagle Brewery in Kent. Black Eagle supplied troops in World War Two with beer pumped into fuel tanks of Spitfires. Image courtesy of Eric B Morgan and Edward Shacklady Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:27:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/11/27/seasonal-joy-from-brewers-includes-some-historic-recipes-from-19th-20th-centuries https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/11/27/seasonal-joy-from-brewers-includes-some-historic-recipes-from-19th-20th-centuries In a poll conducted by Cask Marque, Marston's Old Empire has been voted drinkers favourite cask beer. Perhaps the Burton brewery will now make the draught version more widely available as most of the production goes into bottle Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:06:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/11/18/old-empire-strikes-back https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/11/18/old-empire-strikes-back Beer writers and campaigners Christine Cryne, Jeff Evans and Roger Protz will star at the BBC's food and drink bonanza at Birmingham's NEC from 27 November to 1 December. Jeff and Roger will present bottled and draught beers from their books while Christine will match beers with desserts suitable for Christmas Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:44:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/11/14/beer-stars-head-for-bbc-s-food-bonanza https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/11/14/beer-stars-head-for-bbc-s-food-bonanza In the first of a new series, the remarkable success story of Innis & Gunn with its beer aged in bourbon barrels that's now a world-wide phenomenon. Dougal Sharp (pictured) has added several new styles, including beer aged in rum and Irish whiskey casks, and is now adding draught beers to his portfolio Wed, 13 Nov 2013 10:14:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2013/11/13/dougal-sharp-the-man-who-kick-started-oak-aged-beer-revolution-celebrates-10-years-of-success https://protzonbeer.co.uk/wood-aged-beer/2013/11/13/dougal-sharp-the-man-who-kick-started-oak-aged-beer-revolution-celebrates-10-years-of-success A new beer from Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar -- Pardal -- has arrived in British pubs and supermarkets. The name means "panther" and the beer has been developed by consumers who joined tasting panels at the brewery. The drinkers said they wanted a beer of modest strength but with good hop character. Mon, 28 Oct 2013 10:41:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/28/czech-panther-leaps-in-to-britain https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/28/czech-panther-leaps-in-to-britain Thornbridge, Thwaites and Box Steam breweries have launched a range of beers for the autumn season. They include an imperial stout that's the result of a collaborative brew between Jessica Heidrich of St Eriks Bryggeri in Sweden and Rob Lovatt, head brewer at Thornbridge (pictured). Thwaites' beers include two that are heavily hopped with American varieties while Box Steam has launched a strong Porter to mark the final steam loco commissioned by British Rail Sat, 19 Oct 2013 12:48:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/19/as-the-leaves-fall-breweries-launch-a-warming-range-of-autumn-xmas-ales https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/19/as-the-leaves-fall-breweries-launch-a-warming-range-of-autumn-xmas-ales Moorhouse's of Burnley is building on the reputation of beers that draw on the history of the witches who once roamed the Pendle Hills. A special beer for Halloween will have drinkers reaching for their broomsticks to fly to the pub Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/17/witches-to-cast-a-halloween-ale-spell https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/17/witches-to-cast-a-halloween-ale-spell The Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar has won a significant trademark battle with arch rival AB InBev -- owners of American Budweiser, with the Italian Supreme Court ruling that the American beer cannot be under the full name Jiri Bocek, Budvar's manager (pictured), has declared the ruling "a great victory" while its legal expert says it could have wider implications for consumers Wed, 09 Oct 2013 14:15:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/09/budvar-hails-historic-trademark-victory-as-italian-court-slams-global-giant-ab-inbev https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/09/budvar-hails-historic-trademark-victory-as-italian-court-slams-global-giant-ab-inbev Fuller's Vintage Ale 2013 is now on sale. Head Brewer John Keeling has used winter barley and new English hops and recommends that drinkers should lay a few bottles to age and mature. Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:17:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/02/the-waiting-is-over-chiswick-vintage-ale-hits-the-shelves-for-some-autumnal-delight https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/10/02/the-waiting-is-over-chiswick-vintage-ale-hits-the-shelves-for-some-autumnal-delight The latest edition of the annual Cask Report, written by Pete Brown, says sales of real ale continue to grow and now appeal to a far wider section of drinkers. But there's some criticism of pubs that change their range of beers too fast -- drinkers want continuity Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/09/27/cask-reaches-out-to-young-audience-no-longer-a-flat-cap-drink-says-new-report https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/09/27/cask-reaches-out-to-young-audience-no-longer-a-flat-cap-drink-says-new-report Teo Musso (third from left with his brewery team), started with a beer tent in Piedmont and now has bistros in key Italian cities. He is offering drinkers a range of beers that are in sharp contrast to mainstream "industrial lagers". A new Baladin bistro has opened in Milan and is attracting a large audience Tue, 24 Sep 2013 07:09:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/09/24/teo-musso-the-rebel-with-a-cause-who-has-changed-the-face-of-brewing-in-italy https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/09/24/teo-musso-the-rebel-with-a-cause-who-has-changed-the-face-of-brewing-in-italy On the Hereford-Worcester border, hop farmer Ali Capper, with her husband Richard, is attempting to raise the profile of British hops. They argue that the 23 varieties of hops grown in Britain offer brewers all the aromas and flavours they need to make distinctive beer Wed, 18 Sep 2013 07:33:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/09/18/picking-a-fight-ali-capper-leads-the-battle-to-boost-the-fortunes-of-home-grown-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/09/18/picking-a-fight-ali-capper-leads-the-battle-to-boost-the-fortunes-of-home-grown-hops A beer based on a genuine Victorian recipe can't stop winning awards. Elland 1872 Porter was named Champion Winter Beer of Britain in January and crowned that achievement by walking off with the title of Champion Beer of Britain in August. The brewery's Dickie Bird (left) and brewer Michael Wynnyczuk (right) are seen with Dave Saunders, who discovered the recipe, at London Olympia. Photo: Harmit Kambo Sun, 08 Sep 2013 06:16:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/09/08/from-elland-and-back-classic-porter-picks-up-two-top-awards-in-beer-competitions https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/09/08/from-elland-and-back-classic-porter-picks-up-two-top-awards-in-beer-competitions Brewers in Cornwall have formed an an alliance to boost their sales beyond the West Country. One members of the new alliance, Penzance Brewing, has won two awards -- one for its pub, the Star Inn at Crowlas, the second for its golden ale, Trink. Peter Elvin, brewer and pub owners, is seen with Emma Blewett, a member of the bar team at the Star. And Bristolians will be oompahing for joy when a Bavarian Beer House opens in the city Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:57:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/26/news-from-the-west-cornish-brewers-awards-for-star-inn-bristol-goes-bavarian https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/26/news-from-the-west-cornish-brewers-awards-for-star-inn-bristol-goes-bavarian A special Baltic Porter has been brewed by Carlsberg in Copenhagen to mark the 100th anniversary of the donation of the Little Mermaid statue to the city by the brewery's founder Carl Jacobsen. The beer will remain in drinkable condition for a further 100 years. The archive photo shows Jacobson in white suit handing over the statue to its sculptor Edvard Eriksen Mon, 26 Aug 2013 06:11:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/26/baltic-porter-celebrates-the-little-mermaid-and-will-remain-drinkable-for-100-years https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/26/baltic-porter-celebrates-the-little-mermaid-and-will-remain-drinkable-for-100-years There are now more than 500 small craft breweries in Italy and several were on display at the Great British Beer Festival in London. They were promoted by leading beer writers Luca Giaccone (left) and Lorenzo Dabove, better known as Kuaska, and a long-standing champion of Italian craft beer Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:51:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/08/22/time-to-take-the-grand-tour-of-italy-as-craft-beer-booms-from-como-to-naples https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/08/22/time-to-take-the-grand-tour-of-italy-as-craft-beer-booms-from-como-to-naples Elland 1872 Porter from West Yorkshire, based on an authentic 19th-century recipe, has won the prestigious title of Champion Beer of Britain on the opening day of the Great British Beer Festival at London Olympia. Pictured are brewer Michael Wynnyczuk (left) and owner Dickie Bird Tue, 13 Aug 2013 11:05:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/13/yorkshire-porter-storms-to-gbbf-victory https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/13/yorkshire-porter-storms-to-gbbf-victory Fuller's of Chiswick, West London, will have a special treat for visitors to the Great British Beer Festival next week -- the 2013 Vintage Ale in cask-conditioned form. The beer is usually only sold in bottle-conditioned form and drinkers at the festival at London Olympia will be able to check the unique aromas and flavours from the cask Fri, 09 Aug 2013 08:12:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/09/prize-vintage-ale-from-the-cask-at-beer-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/09/prize-vintage-ale-from-the-cask-at-beer-fest Leading Cornish family brewer St Austell has brought some Belgian influence to bear on a new beer brewed in the Lambic fashion with wild yeasts and the addition of local cherries. Photo shows St Austell beer sommelier Marc Bishop selecting cherries with Jessica Jeans at Bohetherick Farm Mon, 05 Aug 2013 08:12:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/05/up-the-kriek-in-cornwall-with-cherry-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/05/up-the-kriek-in-cornwall-with-cherry-beer Visitors to the Great British Beer Festival at London Olympia next week can grab the chance to hear talks and tastings from top beer writers on such topics as the Champion Beer of Britain, world beers, beers with nuts (yes, really!) and bottled beers Mon, 05 Aug 2013 07:01:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/05/top-talks-tastings-at-great-british-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/08/05/top-talks-tastings-at-great-british-fest Bateman's Brewery in Lincolnshire has launched a new 617 ale to commemorate the famous Dambusters raid on Germany in WWII. Funds from the sale of the beer will go to help disabled people through the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:17:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/31/bouncing-beer-celebrates-the-dambusters https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/31/bouncing-beer-celebrates-the-dambusters Two major regional brewers will be launching beers at the Great British Beer Festival at London Olympia in August. Wells & Young's Bombardier Bus (pictured) will be in attendance and the historic Courage Russian Imperial Stout will be available in cask form. And Brains of Cardiff will weigh in with a beer made with the addition of bacon! Tue, 30 Jul 2013 10:58:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/30/bombardier-and-brains-head-for-olympia https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/30/bombardier-and-brains-head-for-olympia Once it was Champion Beer of Britain at 5.8%. That was reduced over the years to 5.6%. But now Ringwood Old Thumper -- owned by Marston's -- has been slimmed down to 5.1%. That's a big drop in duty for the brewer -- but will drinkers see the price of a pint go down? Tue, 23 Jul 2013 07:29:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/23/poor-old-thumper-loses-his-bite https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/23/poor-old-thumper-loses-his-bite A new hop called Endeavour -- named in honour of beer-loving Inspector Morse -- has been grown in a bid to offer British brewers the citrus fruit aroma and flavour they demand for modern pale ales. A beer called Endeavour has just been launched by Marston's: seen at the launch are (foreground) Peter Darby and Simon Yates, with Paul Corbett of hop merchants Farams and hop growers Ali and Richard Capper Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:24:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/22/morse-rides-to-the-rescue-of-english-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/22/morse-rides-to-the-rescue-of-english-hops The 36th Great British Beer Festival returns to London Olympia on 13-17 August, with 400 British cask beers and a great choice from many other countries. The opening day will see the unveiling of this year's Champion Beer of Britain while leading beer writers will stage a series of talks and tastings Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:44:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/15/beer-fest-will-scale-olympian-heights https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/15/beer-fest-will-scale-olympian-heights Hogs Back, the Tongham, Surrey, brewery is recording a dramatic rise in sales for both its cask and bottled beers. And a new cloudy cider has found favour with drinkers of the traditional natural style. Chairman Rupert Thompson (right) praises the work of his brewing team Fri, 05 Jul 2013 15:14:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/05/have-a-hair-of-the-hog-as-surrey-brewery-sees-sales-bristle-by-a-rip-snorting-30 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/05/have-a-hair-of-the-hog-as-surrey-brewery-sees-sales-bristle-by-a-rip-snorting-30 One year after it was launched, monks at Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire are celebrating the success of their Abbey strong ale, brewed in the Belgian Trappist tradition. Father Terence, prior of the abbey, is seen with a birthday cake made in the shape of the beer bottle Wed, 03 Jul 2013 17:27:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/03/it-s-abbey-birthday-to-yorkshire-monks-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/07/03/it-s-abbey-birthday-to-yorkshire-monks-ale Cornish brewer Sharp's has announced that Doom Bar is now the No 1 cask beer in the UK. As the brewery at Rock -- now owned by global giant Molson Coors -- prepares to mark its 20th anniversary, Doom Bar is recording sales growth of 45% a year. Image shows staff at the brewery celebrating the news Fri, 21 Jun 2013 22:09:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/06/21/cornish-doom-bar-is-now-top-of-the-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/06/21/cornish-doom-bar-is-now-top-of-the-hops State by state, there's now a library of guide books to point beer tourists in the direction of the craft beers produced by more than 2,000 breweries in the United States. Julie Johnson of All About Beer magazine reviews the titles available and the punishing hard work that goes into researching and writing them. The article first appeared in All About Beer, July 2013 edition, and is reprinted by kind permission: www.allaboutbeer.com. The magazine will be available on news stands in July Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:09:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2013/06/15/beers-across-america-guiding-lights-to-help-find-the-finest-pints-and-craft-breweries https://protzonbeer.co.uk/reviews/2013/06/15/beers-across-america-guiding-lights-to-help-find-the-finest-pints-and-craft-breweries Grain merchants, maltsters and a small craft brewery in Norfolk have combined forces to make a special bottled beer that will be circulated to barley farmers throughout Britain to encourage them to plant Maris Otter Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:24:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/06/08/special-beer-boosts-britain-s-best-barley https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/06/08/special-beer-boosts-britain-s-best-barley St Austell Brewery has linked up with the Eden Project to launch a beer using the ancient plant alecost. Sommelier Nigel Sadler publishes a small book on how to match beer and food. Estrella Damm to spend £3.5m on UK promotion Sat, 08 Jun 2013 09:35:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/06/08/news-roundup-old-cornish-recipe-for-new-eden-ale-beer-sommelier-links-beer-and-food-spanish-beer-in-big-uk-sales-push https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/06/08/news-roundup-old-cornish-recipe-for-new-eden-ale-beer-sommelier-links-beer-and-food-spanish-beer-in-big-uk-sales-push 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/18/sheps-takes-a-shine-to-brilliant-ale https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/14/fuller-s-mines-for-belgian-monks-gold https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/05/13/top-rock-group-enter-their-own-beer https://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 https://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 https://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 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/04/sun-kissed-malt-boosts-new-pub-brewery https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/05/04/sun-kissed-malt-boosts-new-pub-brewery 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/30/big-beer-events-in-may https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/30/big-beer-events-in-may 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/26/mcewan-s-sees-red-in-scotland https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/25/top-of-the-pile-judges-name-the-best-beers-of-the-world-at-major-ceremony-in-london https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/23/big-campaign-launched-to-boost-uk-hops https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/22/top-american-pale-ale-sets-sail-for-britain https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/22/top-american-pale-ale-sets-sail-for-britain 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/04/13/unravelling-the-mystery-of-the-hop-a-master-class-by-marston-s-top-brewer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/04/13/unravelling-the-mystery-of-the-hop-a-master-class-by-marston-s-top-brewer 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/greene-king-s-new-ipas-win-top-awards https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/greene-king-s-new-ipas-win-top-awards 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/10/take-black-sheep-with-your-popcorn https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/09/oak-aged-pioneer-breaks-new-ground-with-lager-based-on-bavarian-style-of-helles https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/09/oak-aged-pioneer-breaks-new-ground-with-lager-based-on-bavarian-style-of-helles 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/04/08/god-s-own-county-goes-beer-crazy https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/06/smoked-beer-in-bourbon-wows-the-judges https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/u-s-craft-beer-heads-for-the-big-apple https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/old-world-meets-new-world-with-ipa-that-s-brewed-on-both-sides-of-the-pond https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/04/03/old-world-meets-new-world-with-ipa-that-s-brewed-on-both-sides-of-the-pond 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/28/marston-s-unveils-single-hop-beer-range-for-2013-building-on-2012-s-big-success https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/28/marston-s-unveils-single-hop-beer-range-for-2013-building-on-2012-s-big-success 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/27/all-spruced-up-with-nordic-beer https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/27/all-spruced-up-with-nordic-beer 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/20/camra-siba-cheer-as-escalator-axed https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/hare-is-hopping-back-for-easter-as-brewery-goes-on-visitor-trail https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/hare-is-hopping-back-for-easter-as-brewery-goes-on-visitor-trail 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/news-roundup-chiltern-the-u-s-labour-and-duty-turkey-pub-ossett-s-top-award-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/19/news-roundup-chiltern-the-u-s-labour-and-duty-turkey-pub-ossett-s-top-award-1 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/16/siba-winners-announced-at-national-beerx https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/16/siba-winners-announced-at-national-beerx 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/11/old-cornish-stout-to-celebrate-st-patrick-s https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/11/old-cornish-stout-to-celebrate-st-patrick-s 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/04/top-brewer-says-cask-ale-is-top-of-the-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/03/04/top-brewer-says-cask-ale-is-top-of-the-hops 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/28/craft-beer-goes-on-booming-in-britain https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/28/craft-beer-goes-on-booming-in-britain 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/27/drinkers-sue-bud-over-watered-down-beer https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/27/top-tabloid-says-axe-the-escalator https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/22/festival-to-showcase-london-beer-revival https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/20/big-cash-boost-for-norwich-real-ale-festival https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/19/ciao-tomaso-legendary-english-strong-beer-is-on-the-way-back-from-italy https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/02/18/american-and-english-craft-breweries-scale-new-peaks-of-beery-delight https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/18/record-turnout-in-world-beer-awards https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/14/it-s-the-great-beer-rip-off-now-you-pay-more-for-a-weaker-pint-of-smooth https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/14/it-s-the-great-beer-rip-off-now-you-pay-more-for-a-weaker-pint-of-smooth 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/02/11/it-s-black-and-green-for-st-pat-s-day https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/02/07/in-bruges-for-beer-bars-and-a-brewery https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/02/07/in-bruges-for-beer-bars-and-a-brewery 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/28/historic-herb-is-top-of-the-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/28/historic-herb-is-top-of-the-hops 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/23/yorkshire-brewer-triumphs-at-winter-fest https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/23/yorkshire-brewer-triumphs-at-winter-fest 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/21/manning-winter-pumps-in-manchester https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/20/not-feeling-bitter-brewing-a-beer-for-women-who-are-not-mad-about-hops https://protzonbeer.co.uk/columns/2013/01/20/not-feeling-bitter-brewing-a-beer-for-women-who-are-not-mad-about-hops 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2013/01/09/beer-on-the-menu-at-award-winning-restaurants https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/08/news-roundup-woodforde-s-cask-marque-hawkshead-moorhouse https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2013/01/08/news-roundup-woodforde-s-cask-marque-hawkshead-moorhouse 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/12/yule-tide-over-with-great-festive-beers https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/08/michelin-star-chef-sings-praises-of-beer https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/08/top-beer-writers-honoured-in-guild-awards https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/12/03/marston-s-on-the-hop-for-new-range-of-ales https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/26/news-roundup-brewery-festive-events-special-accreditation-for-innis-gunn https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/26/news-roundup-brewery-festive-events-special-accreditation-for-innis-gunn 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/21/fuller-s-launch-limited-edition-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/21/fuller-s-launch-limited-edition-ale 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/11/17/beer-and-whisky-from-the-mists-of-time-a-marriage-made-in-the-scottish-highlands https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/11/17/beer-and-whisky-from-the-mists-of-time-a-marriage-made-in-the-scottish-highlands 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/03/roundup-beer-sommelier-on-tv-craft-beer-fest-brewpubs-planned-more-pubs-in-michelin-guide https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/11/03/roundup-beer-sommelier-on-tv-craft-beer-fest-brewpubs-planned-more-pubs-in-michelin-guide 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/27/brewery-code-breakers-in-kent-bring-back-iconic-beers-from-the-victorian-period https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/24/x-marks-the-spot-for-historic-beer https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/23/mps-to-debate-beer-tax-as-sales-slump https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/23/mps-to-debate-beer-tax-as-sales-slump 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/15/american-brewers-go-for-gold-in-denver https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/10/time-to-stand-up-for-english-hops https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/10/09/batemans-triumph-in-sainsbury-s-beer-hunt https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/09/never-stumped-for-a-good-pint https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/10/09/never-stumped-for-a-good-pint 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/29/american-pale-ale-on-top-of-beer-world https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/28/cask-beer-bounces-back-on-nation-s-bars https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/28/cask-beer-bounces-back-on-nation-s-bars 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/23/a-harvest-of-green-hop-beers-will-celebrate-the-new-crop-from-kent-s-historic-orchards https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/20/axe-the-tax-petition-is-over-the-finishing-line-as-100-000-sign-up-for-key-debate https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/19/world-s-first-golden-lager-to-celebrate-anniversary-in-style-in-pilsen-square https://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 https://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 https://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 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/09/02/chiltern-ruby-ale-salutes-40-years-of-camra-s-unique-good-beer-guide https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/28/vintage-fuller-s-dives-into-history-books-and-gets-a-taste-for-french-brandy https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/21/rebel-beer-stirs-up-norfolk https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/19/glasgow-gets-ready-for-beer-bonanza https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/19/glasgow-gets-ready-for-beer-bonanza 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/10/the-joy-of-beer-at-gbbf-video https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/10/gbbf-round-up-new-beers-and-images-from-caledonian-hogs-back-and-chiltern https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/07/cumbrian-beer-scales-the-olympian-heights https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/07/big-boom-in-london-brewers https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/05/oak-aged-beer-an-interview-with-dougal-sharp-of-innis-gunn https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/05/oak-aged-beer-an-interview-with-dougal-sharp-of-innis-gunn 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/08/02/oak-aged-legend-heads-for-olympia https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/30/big-surge-in-fruit-beer-sales-up-80 https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/27/jaipur-ipa-wins-major-top-50-billing-and-butcombe-reaches-finals-of-industry-awards https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/22/go-for-gold-at-london-s-beer-olympics https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/21/aylesbury-ipa-breaks-its-duck https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/20/big-push-by-brewsters-to-win-more-women-to-the-pleasures-of-beer-but-easy-on-hops https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/15/american-beers-with-colonial-history-hit-british-bars-and-specialist-retailers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/07/15/american-beers-with-colonial-history-hit-british-bars-and-specialist-retailers 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/07/hop-on-a-bus-with-special-festival-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/07/hop-on-a-bus-with-special-festival-ale 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/01/beer-artist-van-dyck-recreates-the-historic-beer-of-antwerp-that-was-killed-off-by-lager https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/07/01/beer-artist-van-dyck-recreates-the-historic-beer-of-antwerp-that-was-killed-off-by-lager 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/23/future-of-brewing-under-the-spotlight https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/23/future-of-brewing-under-the-spotlight 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/06/16/fuller-s-gets-bitter-with-u-s-style-beer https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/14/belgium-comes-to-cornwall-with-sharp-s-new-range-of-connoisseurs-bottled-beers https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/11/brunel-beers-steam-ahead https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/07/new-livery-for-historic-burton-ipa https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/06/07/new-livery-for-historic-burton-ipa 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/30/norwich-celebrates-the-great-beer-revival https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/29/american-summer-seasonals-hit-british-bars https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/27/yorkshire-monks-restore-the-abbey-habit https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/27/yorkshire-monks-restore-the-abbey-habit 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/20/taylor-s-landlord-notches-up-60-years https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/17/dave-wickett-the-man-who-brought-back-beer-and-pride-to-sheffield-s-steel-city https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/05/17/dave-wickett-the-man-who-brought-back-beer-and-pride-to-sheffield-s-steel-city 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/11/royal-out-the-barrel-jubilee-beers-hit-the-pumps-in-time-for-big-june-celebrations https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/11/royal-out-the-barrel-jubilee-beers-hit-the-pumps-in-time-for-big-june-celebrations Cumbrian brewery launches three beers in 'well-hopped collection' using hop varieties from several countries Fri, 04 May 2012 14:23:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/04/hawkshead-heads-for-hoppy-heights https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/05/04/hawkshead-heads-for-hoppy-heights 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/04/20/pedigree-hits-60-happy-birthday-to-classic-burton-ale https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/18/acorn-rolls-out-a-royal-ale-and-marston-s-bottles-sovereign https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/18/acorn-rolls-out-a-royal-ale-and-marston-s-bottles-sovereign 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/13/going-dutch-at-olympics-heineken-has-sole-rights https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/13/going-dutch-at-olympics-heineken-has-sole-rights 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/04/czech-brewer-bought-by-carling-giant https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/04/czech-brewer-bought-by-carling-giant Derbyshire independent wins top trophy in prestigious Publican search for Britain's best micro-brewery Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:55:00 BST https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/04/02/thornbridge-triumphs-in-top-awards https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/28/let-slip-the-dogs-of-brew-war https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/28/seaside-success-for-adnams-cask-beers https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/27/big-surge-for-american-craft-beer https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/23/greene-king-goes-for-gold-with-new-ipa-promotion https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/osborne-escalator-will-jack-up-price-of-pint-by-5-10-pence https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/osborne-escalator-will-jack-up-price-of-pint-by-5-10-pence 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/17/brewing-up-a-storm-in-the-shadow-of-vesuvius https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/17/brewing-up-a-storm-in-the-shadow-of-vesuvius 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/14/scottish-oak-aged-beer-gets-an-irish-twist https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/10/beer-news-round-up https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/08/ipa-sets-sail-from-aylesbury https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/03/03/global-lagers-get-a-frosty-reception https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/03/call-a-cab-and-head-for-a-supermarket-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/03/03/call-a-cab-and-head-for-a-supermarket-1 Acorn opens brewery tap; Wye Valley revives historic pub; Marston's record bottled ale sales Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:06:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/26/news-round-up-1 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/26/news-round-up-1 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/02/23/marston-s-boost-for-hops-1 https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/17/french-trappists-restore-brewing-tradition https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/14/royal-beer-that-never-saw-the-light-of-day https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/02/14/royal-beer-that-never-saw-the-light-of-day 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/30/heather-ale-gets-the-whisky-treatment https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/30/heather-ale-gets-the-whisky-treatment Beer from Dunbar will hit Greene Kings pubs nationwide Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:15:00 GMT https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/24/belhaven-stout-gets-national-roll-out https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/24/belhaven-stout-gets-national-roll-out 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/12/scrum-down-for-rugby-beers https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/12/scrum-down-for-rugby-beers 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/07/real-budvar-gets-a-boost https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/07/real-budvar-gets-a-boost 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2012/01/04/supermarkets-record-ale-sales https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/03/oakham-bottles-dark-ale https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2012/01/03/oakham-bottles-dark-ale 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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/news/2011/12/29/tesco-stunned-by-ale-demand https://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 https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/29/getting-the-abbey-habit https://protzonbeer.co.uk/features/2011/12/29/getting-the-abbey-habit