Liquid Highway is a new beer helping to raise money for the upkeep of the Thames Path. It was created for the Thames Path National Trail by Tom Gee, proprietor of the Red Lion at Cricklade and the Hop Kettle Brewery in Cricklade, both in Gloucestershire.
Tom said: “The relationship was the perfect fit for ourselves and the National Trail. I am the first to admit the considerable benefit that the Thames Path brings to my business
through walkers and tourists. We have five bedrooms on site and a large garden both of which fill nicely in the summer with people walking part or all of the Thames Path.
“The financial benefits of a well kept path are tangible and I was excited to not only be partnered with such a prestigious Trail but also to be able to offer something back to ensure its long standing upkeep.”
Tom and his team have created an all English golden ale at a sessionable 4.5% using traditionally floor malted barley from Warminster Maltings along with traditional hops including East Kent Goldings and Target combined with a relatively contemporary English hop Jester.
The finished beer is a light, golden, easy drinking beer with hints of citrus and marmalade. The beer works as well carbonated in keg and bottle as traditionally conditioned in cask but also brings different emphasis dependant on its packaging.
The name of Liquid Highway was chosen as it evokes the traditional, drawing on the importance of the river in the past as a trading and transport route but also the word “Highway” brings a more modern feel too enabling it to cross demographics easily.
The design of the label(s) draws on sections of the river with important hubs highlighted along the way and ‘etched’ background images showing iconic parts of the path and its surroundings.
Three labels were produced meaning that when the bottles were shown side by side, including in the custom gift packs, the entire length of the Thames was mapped out forming this instantly recognisable and iconic image.
Fund Raising
For every cask, keg, bottle and gift pack purchased, Hop Kettle Brewing Co. make a substantial donation from the profits which goes directly to ensuring that the Thames Path remains the historic and rewarding National Trail that it is for the tourists and businesses alike.
Help play your part in supporting this amazing trail by contacting Hop Kettle Brewery to arrange your order.
For any other information regarding Liquid Highway please contact Tom Gee on 07887557249 or by email on tom@hopkettle.co.uk