Pub Company Punch Taverns is working with seven new brewers in their Finest Cask scheme this spring.
The Spring Rotation, which was launched in March with 16 aptly-named beers with lighter colours and ABVs, features seven new brewers including Island Brewery and Conwy Brewery.
One new brewer working with Punch on the current rotation is Peerless Brewing Co Ltd who have listed their golden ale, Peerless Pale, for the first time.
Head brewer, Steve Briscoe, explains why he wanted to work with Punch on their Finest Cask scheme: “I’m delighted to be working in partnership with Punch Taverns as we both recognise the importance of cask ale in pubs today. We’re based in Birkenhead and The Peerless Pale was voted the best ale in the North West by SIBA Gold in 2013. We wanted to increase its distribution nationwide and see if it was as popular across the country,” he said.
“We brew eight beers and this is the first time we have worked in conjunction with the Punch Finest Cask scheme. We believe it is an excellent initiative as it gives customers the chance to try something different from smaller brewers and it allows brewers to operate on a larger scale and gain national exposure with a good steading in the ale market. I believe the Peerless Pale is doing really well and will look to tender for future rotations.”
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.
John Healy, Commercial Director for Punch Taverns, said: “Cask Ale is one of the unique selling points for British pubs and we feel that it is one of the most significant business drivers for our pubs.
“Cask ale drinkers are looking for something new and different that they can’t get anywhere else. The Finest Cask scheme allows our pubs to offer their customers different beers from different parts of the country, acting as a point of difference and setting our pubs apart from the local competition.”
The current rotation runs until 25th April and the following rotation will feature internationally-themed ales, including three new brewers, to tie in with the summer season and the World Cup competition, such as ‘Piddle in the Goal’ by Wyre Piddle.
“We try to work with new brewers on every rotation and are always looking for new brewers to work in partnership with. Whilst the big brewers can support our partners with point of sale kits, smaller brewers can give our pubs the opportunity to offer regional variety,” John added.
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.
Punch is a leading pub company in the UK with approximately 4,000 leased and tenanted pubs nationwide.