GK to release two cask ales for spring

The brewer is bringing back Spring Break to its Fresh Cask Releases calendar this year, which will be available for March and April to order for the bar.

Greene King said: “The full-bodied 4.4% ale includes the perfect balance of citrus flavours and delicious malt characters.

“This is a refreshing beer and ideal to have on offer during the Easter period because it adds some urgency for guests that will only have a limited time to enjoy it.”

Future Brewers programme​

Spring Break was first launched in 2022 and was created through a partnership with Greene King and the National Brewing Apprentice Programme, called Future Brewers, which offered students the chance to be involved with the process of creating the beer.  

Meanwhile, a new addition to the calendar in 2023 – Hopping Special – will also be returning as a limited-edition ale, available to stock from mid-March until mid-May.

The brewery said: “The 4.2% ABV amber ale is hoppy by name and hoppy by nature because it incorporates the process of late hopping into its brewing method to really enhance the fruity flavours.

“Proud of its brewing heritage, Greene King took inspiration for the name of Hopping Special from the train service put on for the hop picking families in the 19th to 20th century.”

Tap into seasonality​

Greene King, which brews its beers in Bury St Edmunds, advised licensees that to engage with guests and their preferences, it is worth having a rotating beer that can tap into seasonality because, as the weather changes, so does the types of beers that guests want to enjoy.

The business saw overall beer sales grow by 4% in spring last year because more people started visiting the pub as the sun started to come out, with golden cask ale growing by an impressive 11%.

Greene King head brewer Jack Palmer said: “It is great to see Spring Break and Hopping Special appearing as our seasonals for spring because we know they are well liked by drinkers.

“These beers offer lots of flavour and refreshment, which is perfect for the time of year. Both cask ales are limited brews for 2024 and they won’t be around for long, so they are definitely worth ordering in a firkin or pin.” 

Spring Break and Hopping Special form part of the wider Fresh Cask Releases calendar, a portfolio of 13 limited-edition cask beers available at specific times throughout the year.