Black Sheep Brewery is set to create a scrum at pubs and bars with the launch of its first seasonal ale of its 25th anniversary year that will toast an exciting season of international rugby.
Ram Tackle, a 4.1% ABV ruby ale with its ‘pack’ of eight different English hops, will be available in pubs throughout February, to coincide with the launch of the Six Nations.
In addition to the Six Nations tournament, which takes place throughout February and March, Ram Tackle has been brewed to celebrate the British & Irish Lions summer tour of New Zealand.
Ram Tackle’s launch follows the North Yorkshire-based brewery’s previous rugby-inspired brews, including Blind Side and Ruckin’ Disaster, which were launched ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and England’s subsequent dismal campaign.
Jo Theakston, Sales and Marketing Director at Black Sheep Brewery, said: “2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Black Sheep Brewery as we gear up for our 25th anniversary celebrations, and rugby in the UK with the Six Nations and Lions tour to look forward to, so it was only fitting that we created another rugby-inspired brew.
“Customers will be scrumming down at the bar throughout the Six Nations, and it is great to be a part of the celebrations by offering Ram Tackle as one of the world’s most prestigious sporting tournaments kicks off. We are expecting a winning performance from Ram Tackle.”
Jo added: “The England national team has developed into a dominant force in international rugby, following the disastrous World Cup on home soil, so hopefully the boys can continue their impressive run and give us all something to cheer about this spring!”
ENDS
NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BLACK SHEEP BREWERY
Photo caption: Phil Douglas, Head Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery
Editor’s Notes:
The Black Sheep Brewery in Masham made its first beer in 1992 after being built up by Paul Theakston, whose family had brewed in the area for six generations.
In a world of ever increasing bland, mass-produced beer Paul saw an opportunity to return to what his family had done best since 1827, making real beer in the time-honoured fashion.
An old maltings building, once part of Lightfoot’s Brewery became the Brewery’s home. This landmark building, which stands high over the banks of the Ure, had fallen in to disrepair as years of neglect as a semi-redundant grainstore had taken its toll. Paul assembled a small team around him to fight the rats and build a traditional country brewery.
The Black Sheep Brewery name derived from Masham’s association with sheep, but ‘Sheep Brewery’ didn’t quite sound right, so with a little creativity from Paul’s wife the Black Sheep Brewery was born, a name that sat well with the area, spoke volumes about the maverick attitude to the multi-nationals seeking to dominate the brewing industry and captured the essence of the family struggle that led to our birth.
Black Sheep Ale at 4.4% ABV, now in an eco-friendly lightweight bottle, continues to maintain its presence among the top ten premium bottled ale brands, and is available nationwide from virtually all the major supermarket retailers. It is a classic premium bitter and as with all Black Sheep beers, full of character derived from the best possible brewing materials, plenty of time and patience in the brewing and our very special Yorkshire Square fermenters.
In 2014, Black Sheep Best Bitter, – Yorkshire’s best-selling cask ale – underwent a facelift to broaden its appeal among drinkers, evolving the look, while retaining all of the great taste that has made it an iconic brand.
