Archive for February, 2010

  • Independent Brewers Resilient

    23.02.2010 / Category: News

    There is good news from one sector of the industry at least..

    SIBA (The Society of Independent Brewers) is reporting a growth in sales of some 4% even in spite of the recession. Although the overall beer market in the UK declined by some 4.2% in 2009, local brewer’s volume sales were actually up by 3.75%. This was helped by 12% more pubs now sourcing their beers from independent breweries.

    SIBA’s chief executive Julian Grocock said: “Over 60% of our members were founded after 2000, so the current recession is the most severe they have traded through. That the vast majority managed a sales uplift last year and are anticipating the same in 2010 speaks volumes about the resilience and resourcefulness of the UK’s quality independent brewers. The UK’s local brewing industry, though rooted in tradition, is a relatively young one. Most of our members are younger than SIBA itself, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Our success through the past few, exceptionally tough years, however, surely demonstrates that local ales are no passing fad, but a permanent asset that can offer a much-needed boost to the nation’s troubled pub trade.”

    You can get more information directly from SIBA

  • World’s Strongest Beer

    16.02.2010 / Category: News

    Scottish micro-brewers Brewdog have reclaimed the title of the world’s strongest beer with it’s new 41% IPA ‘Sink the Bismark’. The addition comes in at £40 per bottle and is only available online. It’s strength comes from the fact that itis a quadruple IPA – four times as many hops and frozen four times.

    The title was held briefly by the Germans when brewer Schorschbrau released the 40% ‘Schorschbock’. Previous to that Brewdog held the title with teh 32% ‘Tactical Nuclear Penguin’.

    Brewdog MD James Watt said : “Beer has a terrible reputation in Britain, it’s ignorant to assume that a beer can’t be enjoyed responsibly like a nice dram or a glass of fine wine. A beer like Sink the Bismarck should be enjoyed in spirit sized measures. It is important that you be careful with this beer and show it the same amount of sceptical, tentative respect you would show an international chess superstar, clown or gypsy.”

    You can get more info on Sink the Bismark at Brewdog.com

  • New £5m H&W Brewery

    10.02.2010 / Category: News

    Independent Dorset brewers Hall & Woodhouse have announced a new £5 Million brewery development.

    The brewery will be built in Blandford St Mary and construction is scheduled to begin in October.

    Hall & Woodhouse Vice-Chairman, Mark Woodhouse commented : “Hall & Woodhouse has been brewing Badger ales for over 225 years and this exciting new development ensures we will be doing so for many more generations to come. I believe an investment of this magnitude also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to brewing and to the continued growth of our premium bottled and cask ales. It also ensures that we continue brewing the high quality and innovative flavoured ales for which we have such an enviable reputation.”

    Hall & Woodhouse Website

  • Stolen Jagermeister

    09.02.2010 / Category: News

    50 pallets of Jagermeister have been stolen from a lorry in Lincolnshire and local trade are being urged to report any information to drinks company Cellar Trends.

    The theft occurred on the A1 close to Foston, and the pallets contained packs of 500ml Jagermeister bottles. These bottles should be recognisable as they are not the size which is in general distribution.

    It has been reported that some of the stolen stock has already been offered to retailers in the Greenford area.

    Anyone with information, or who has been offered 500ml bottles of Jagermeister are asked to contact Cellar Trends on 01283 217703, or contact PC Meldrum of Lincolnshire Police on 01476 402222.

  • Beer Festivals

    04.02.2010 / Category: Site Updates

    A helpful new feature has been added to the main pubs.org.uk website.

    Pubs LogoYou can now browse details of Beer Festivals from across the UK.
    Registered members can comment on beer or cider festivals they have visited, and festival representatives are able to add and edit their details for free.

    Extra features and tweaks will be added over the coming weeks and we expect it to become a welcome tool for the many beer festival organisers around the country.

    You can find the new festival section here : Beer Festivals