Greene King, the UK’s leading managed pub company and brewer will be launching its limited-edition cask beers for February, Scrumdown and Opening Session, which are centred around the annual international rugby union games and a nod to World War 1 history, as part of its Fresh Cask Release calendar for 2023.
Some may remember the seasonal special Scrumdown, a 4.1% amber ale, however this year the pump clip has been redesigned to give it an updated look. The fresh, fragrant and easy drinking ale will be available to enjoy through all of February and March, a perfect accompaniment for guests enjoying the live rugby in the pub.
Making its debut onto the bar for the first time will be Opening Session, a 3.8% pale ale, which includes subtle tropical fruit characters. The name for the pale ale was inspired by the World War 1 legislation, that limited pub openings to sessions for munition workers, leading to this refreshing pint that draws on an interesting piece of British pub history.
The two exclusive cask ales form part of the wider Fresh Cask Releases calendar, a portfolio of 18 limited-edition cask beers available at specific times throughout the year ahead, which has been created by the talented brewing team at Greene King.
Jack Palmer, Head Brewer, joined Greene King last year and has been a key individual in the selection for the calendar, including February’s Scrumdown and Opening Session.
Jack Palmer said: “We are so excited to launch these seasonal cask beers to our customers, as part of the new Fresh Cask Releases calendar. We pride ourselves on the quality, design and stories behind these beers that means each and every beer is unique. Greene King has over 200 years of history, so it’s important that we celebrate our heritage.
“Creating exciting styles and flavours in cask ale is a passion for us, as we continue to provide our customers with something new throughout the year to broaden guest appeal and engage new drinkers. We look forward to sharing more on what’s to come for the year.”
Greene King will also be supporting customers with a welcome pack for the Fresh Cask Releases calendar, including the full year layout, tasting notes and access to online training support. Bespoke point of sale for selected releases throughout the year will also be available to attract guests’ attention and curiosity in the pub and inspire purchase.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact pressoffice@greeneking.co.uk.
About Greene King
- Greene King was founded in 1799 and is headquartered in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. It currently employs around 39,000 people across its five divisions: Local Pubs; Destination Food Brands; Premium, Urban and Venture Brands; Pub Partners; and Brewing & Brands.
- It operates c.2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland, of which c.1,600 are retail pubs, restaurants and hotels in the Locals, Destination and Premium, Urban and Venture divisions, and c.1,000 are tenanted and leased pubs in its Pub Partners division. Its leading retail brands and formats include Hungry Horse, Farmhouse Inns and Chef & Brewer.
- The Brewing & Brands division covers the brewing sides of the business, with quality ale brands brewed at the Greene King brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. The industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best.
Press release from Greene King.
For further information, please contact pressoffice@greeneking.co.uk.