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13th December 2012

GRAIN BREWERY – A YEAR OF HOPS

Brewery trials a new hop each calendar month for 2013

 Norfolk’s favourite brewery Grain is planning a hop calendar for 2013, experimenting with a different hop in the same beer each month.

Hops have been used in brewing for centuries, and although once banned in Norwich and described as ‘a wicked and pernicious weed’ some centuries ago, times have changed and hops add lots of personality to a beer.

The principle behind the beer, named ‘A Year of Hops’ is for beer lovers to experience the difference in flavour and aroma a selected hop can make. Each month Grain will brew the same beer, following the same malt and bittering hop recipe, but will carefully select a different hop known for its aroma and flavour qualities. This may not seem so different to other beers, but using the same base recipe will demonstrate the personality a different aroma hop can impart on the same beer.

 The hops will come from the four corners of the earth as well as close to home – Topaz from Australia, Simcoe from USA and Spalt from Germany are just some examples.

 

New ales being brewed at Grain

To support the pubs with the new beers, Grain will be taking a ‘hop road show’ to the pubs. This will give beer lovers an opportunity to meet the brewer, and try the different raw hop ingredients including tasting a ‘hop tea’.

                                                                 

Phil Halls, Joint-Founder of Grain Brewery, states:

“It’s no secret that many beer drinkers love hoppy beers. The ‘Year of Hops’ beer and the road show is going to help them really understand the aroma and flavours that are possible, and how they can vary from the type of hop and country that they’re grown in. I’m really looking forward to hearing what people say about the range”.

 

The 12 beer varieties will be available throughout 2013, at Grain’s own public house The Plough in Norwich, along with freehouses throughout East Anglia and the London area.

 

Geoff Wright – co-founder of Grain, pulling a Grain pint at The Plough

 

If you can’t wait until 2013, Grain’s seasonal beer Winter Spice is available on draught and in bottle. A 5% ruby red warming ale, infused with orange and seasonal spices.

 

For more information about Grain, please visit www.grainbrewery.co.uk.

 

-ENDS-

 

For further information please contact:
Leila Stocker

Turtle PR

Email: leila@turtle-pr.com

Tel: +44 (0)7889 231000

 

About Grain Brewery

Situated in the Waveney Valley area of Norfolk, Grain’s backdrop includes a tranquil river and miles of stunning views across the richest farmland in England. The brewery is located on South Farm using a converted dairy as its brewhouse and cellars. Grain sells cask beer to local pubs, and bottles to farm shops, delis, hotels and restaurants, as well as further afield into the neighbouring counties and London. Grain has left behind the usual baggage associated with real ale, and its beers are enjoyed by a younger market of both sexes, as well as appealing to all who love great beer. Grain is not afraid to push the boundaries and break tradition by experimenting with new flavours and foreign beers styles, such as its cloudy Belgian style witbier Blonde Ash, and the gloriously grapefruity ruby red beer Redwood. Grain has won numerous awards – including Best 2012 Drinks Producer in the EDP Norfolk Awards. Grain also won the coveted titles of Champion Beer of Norfolk in 2011 from CAMRA, bronze in the strong bitter category for Champion Beer of Britain and overall champion winner at SIBA’s 2011 East beer competition. Grain is actively involved in Norwich’s City of Ale festival as well as holding its own annual Summer Festival at the brewery with a great range of beers and dancing until dusk. Group tours are also available at the brewery which includes learning about brewing, experiencing the malt and hops whilst tasting a range of beer styles.

www.grainbrewery.