Cask ale brewed by Punch Partners helped generate 14 per cent growth in the Punch Finest Cask scheme throughout November.
Four Punch Partners won the opportunity to brew their own ale in July in conjunction with Everards Brewery. They created Amberella – a golden amber ale – which was featured in the sixth Finest Cask Rotation from October to November along with a selection of other autumn-themed ales.
The autumn Rotation fell on key calendar dates Halloween and Bonfire Night and featured 16 aptly-named beers such as Pendle Witches Brew and Treason Stout.
Stephen Gould, Managing Director of Everards Brewery said: “I’m delighted to be working in partnership with Punch Taverns as we both recognise the importance of cask ale in pubs today.
“This is second time we have worked in conjunction with Punch to brew a new ale for their Finest Cask scheme. Last year, Punch regional managers successfully created The Beer With No Name and I wanted to give Punch Partners the opportunity to use their creative license. We are pleased with Amberella’s performance and will be giving Punch Partners the opportunity to win a brewing course in 2014.”
As part of Punch Taverns’ continued commitment to provide their Partners with a wide selection of beers and cask ales, Punch offers over 100 cask ales to its Partners through its core supply as well as an additional 100 over the year through Finest Cask Rotations.
Andy Slee, Central Operations and External Affairs Director, said: “Cask Ale is one of the unique selling points for British pubs and as it’s continuing to grow its category share of total beer. We feel that it is one of the most significant business drivers for pubs and amounts to almost 20 per cent of total beer sales.
“We have seen an increase of almost 14 per cent compared to the same autumn Rotation last year. Finest Cask gives our pubs the ability to try new beers and offer their customer’s something seasonal. I’m delighted we can work in partnership with Everards to give our Partners the unique, hands-on experience of brewing their own ale and following Amberella’s success, I look forward to the see what ale is created in summer 2014.”
The current rotation features 17 ales, including Christmas-themed Bah Humbug and Eber Knees Up, and runs until 10th January.
Customers can visit www.finestcask.com to find out what ales feature on the current Rotation, which pubs stock Finest Cask ales and where the nearest beer festivals are being held.