When rock ‘n’ roll legends Status Quo turned to the Oxfordshire brewery to launch their very own beer, everyone thought it would be a success – but no one knew it would such a success so quickly. For the beer that bears the name of one of the band’s classic albums, Piledriver, has sold over half a million pints in less than three months.
Francis Rossi said, “We wanted to create something special for the fans to enjoy. Piledriver is it and the fans not only love it, but have also been taking it to an even wider audience via word of mouth. It’s the taste that’s really doing the talking and we’re absolutely delighted that it’s got off to such an amazing start.”
Rick Parfitt added, “Piledriver is renowned as one of those albums where it all went right: the chemistry was perfect and the fun flowed. Thanks to the Wychwood Brewery, Piledriver has obviously been flowing, too!”
Chris Keating, market manager at Wychwood Brewery, said: “It is great working with Status Quo. Beer and rock’n’roll fans around the country clearly love the beer. It has been a massive success with Quo and beer fans alike recognising a classic.”
The 4.3% malty amber ale launched exclusively into J D Wetherspoon pubs in February and has since been available in a wide range of pubs since April – Marston’s owned pubs, Enterprise Inns, Punch Taverns, Town and City pubs and the free trade.
“Sales have been growing steadily across all of these sectors,” Chris added. “And we’ve agreed an exclusive deal with Morrison’s to see Piledriver rolled out right across the UK in every Morrison’s store, including Scotland, from May 25.”
“When we were approached by Quo to brew a beer in partnership with them it was an unequivocal ‘yes’. The band is known by millions of people globally, of all age groups, and their legendary status compliments the legendary nature of our Wychwood beers.”
For Status Quo it’s all part of an extremely busy touring year and one that has also seen the re-release of an expanded version of the classic ‘Piledriver’ album in March (Universal Records).
-ENDS-
Editor’s notes-The beer
Piledriver is a traditional malty amber ale balanced with a bold fruity hop character.
English Pale Ale malt is combined with Dark Crystal and Chocolate malts to provide an amber colour coupled with a biscuity flavour.
English Golding and Cascade hops help further to create a unique aroma and taste.
The ABV is 4.3% and launched in J D Wetherspoon on February 17th. Wider release in the on trade in commenced in April 2014.
The beer is available in 500ml bottles and 9 gallon cask.
For more informationplease contact Danny Bowles at the Marston’s press office on 01926 463341 or via dannyb@thevitalagency.co.uk