New cask ale releases from Wainwright and Black Sheep

Wainwright, which is part of the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) portfolio, has launched Wainwright Amber.

Brewed with 100% English malt, the 4% ABV amber ale is said to be a “fantastically refreshing” beer with an amber colour and a scent hinting of spice that also offers a “clean, creamy drinking experience, with a malty and lightly fruity flavour delivering gentle bitterness”.

Wainwright Amber, named in honour of Lancastrian fell walker, author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright, follows on the heels of the brewer’s award-winning Wainwright Gold variant.

The beer will be advertised through new glassware, PoS decor and equipment through the on-trade.

Attracting modern drinkers

“Wainwright has succeeded at attracting modern drinkers who value quality and have a taste authenticity,” said Miranda Osborne, director of marketing for ales at CMBC. “We’re making a big push on Wainwright Amber, which we strongly believe is the right beer to capture the moment and inject excitement and energy back into the category.

“In cask, amber ale accounts for 72% of the market. Wainwright has the highest rate of sale and delivers the greatest cash margin for outlets. With Wainwright Amber, we’re delivering an easy-drinking, must-have ale that adds value to venues of all kinds, from high-street bars to food-led rural pubs.”

Wainwright Amber was made available to the on-trade on Monday 6 June in 50-litre kegs and 9-gallon casks.

Meanwhile, Black Sheep Brewery has released a limited-edition cask beer for its seasonal calendar called Adventurer.

Adventurer is the brewer’s first West Coast IPA on cask, which is made with new world hops from the US and was also launched in pubs on Monday 6 June.

At 5.2% ABV, Adventurer is said to provide beer lovers with “flavours of ripe, tropical fruit blended with a bed of rich malt and finished with a lip-smacking bitterness”.

A cask beer for everyone

Black Sheep Brewery head of sales and marketing Jonny Kirkham said: “Despite the broad variety of brilliant flavour combinations available in pubs across the country, the cask beer industry has experienced a steady decline in popularity in recent times.

“Following the launch of Adventurer, as well as the other beers included in our seasonal range, we hope those who have never tried cask before will give it a real go and discover that there really is a cask beer out there for everyone.

“Adventurer is one of our juiciest pints on tap, perfect for those wanting to dip their toe in and try their first cask beer.

To mark the brewery’s 30th anniversary this year, Adventurer is one of 11 beers in the 2022 Seasonal Cask Beer Range – its biggest seasonal calendar to date.