News: October 2009

The Co-operative is re-introducing a limited-edition guest beer to its own-brand premium bottled ale range this autumn.

Following a successful debut last year, Harvest Ale (4.8% ABV) – produced by Freeminer brewery in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire – is making a comeback at the promotional price of £1.69 (down from £1.89) per 500ml bottle.

The beer slots into The Co-operative’s ‘Grown by Us’ range and is made using Quench barley grown by The Co-operative Farms at Down Ampney, Cirencester. The barley has been malted in the traditional way at Warminster Maltings and then combined in the brewer’s copper with Worcestershire Sovereign hops, exclusively grown in the Teme Valley for Freeminer.

According to the brewery, the result is a beer with all the characteristics expected of a classic British ale, including a distinctive bitter flavour layered with comforting caramel notes from the crystal malts and an autumnal hint of smoke, with an elusive spiciness from the hops to finish.

Harvest Ale will be available in selected Co-operative stores from 8 October and joins the award-winning range of Co-operative own-brand beers – Gold Miner, Honey Ale and Organic Ale – all of which are brewed by Freeminer.