28th November 2006
Hook Norton customers strike Gold with new beer Hooky finds rich vein with new beer for 2007
Hooky Gold, first produced as a limited edition seasonal beer at the beginning of 2006, has proved so popular with CAMRA members and other beer drinkers that it is coming back as a permanent draught beer on the bar in 2007.
Hooky Gold, at 4.1 per cent ABV, joins Hooky Dark, Hooky Bitter and Old Hooky as one of Hook Norton’s four regular draught beers which will all be on sale in pubs throughout the year.
Hooky Gold is a pale, crisp beer; Maris Otter malt gives it a bold, clear confidence, while the traditional English Fuggles and Goldings and American Willamette hops give it the best of the old and the new worlds.
Grown in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, the Willamette has moderate bitterness with a spicy, noble aroma and even a hint of soft fruit. Derived from the Fuggles hop it is a now a variety in its own right.
The traditional English Goldings are low in alpha acids but high in essential oils and give it a moreish bitterness, while the Fuggles are probably unsurpassed at providing flavour to beer.
"Hooky's new beer marries English tradition with American pizzazz. It took real teamwork to produce Hooky Gold as our sales team helped select the hops," said Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke.
Hooky Gold replaces 303AD, which will join the list of Hooky’s seasonal brews and will be on sale throughout March and April.
For information on Hook Norton contact:
Managing Director James Clarke on 01608 737210.
Hook Norton Brewery – Original Ales 2007
HOOKY DARK 3.2% ABV A dark chestnut - coloured ale, full of roast malt flavours, and complemented with superb dry-hop aromas from East Kent Goldings.
HOOKY BITTER 3.6% ABV A subtly balanced, golden bitter, hoppy to the nose, malty on the palate - the classic session beer, eminently drinkable.
HOOKY GOLD 4.1% ABV A pale, light beer, citrus fruitiness balanced by a refreshing, clean and light taste.
OLD HOOKY 4.6% ABV A beautifully balanced beer, fruity by nature, with a well-rounded body and the suggestive echo of Crystal Malt.
Hook Norton Brewery Seasonal Ales 2007
January
DOUBLE STOUT 4.8% ABV A blend of malts gives Double Stout a character all of it's own. Black malt enriches the colour and teases the palate with an unmistakable 'toast' flavour. Brown malt gives it the dryness.
March and April
303AD 4.0% ABV English Malt and English Hops combine to make a very English beer. Dry and crisp with a hint of citrus, 303AD being the year of St George is the Beer of St George.
May and June
COTSWOLD LION 4.2% ABV The beer is a pale fruity ale, with a citrus lime aroma, and hopped only with Fuggles. After a successful launch in 2006, Lion is back for a seasonal slot. It is the first single hop varietal beer to be brewed by Hook Norton.
July and August
HAYMAKER 5.0% ABV A strong pale ale of distinctive taste. Plenty of Goldings hops during the brewing give it a certain something extra - like sunshine dancing on the tongue.
September and October
FLAGSHIP 5.3% ABV Originally brewed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, Flagship is an India Pale ale style of beer – strong in alcohol, and very hoppy. Admiral hops contribute to a full fruity mouth feel, and a sweet fruity aroma.
November and December
TWELVE DAYS 5.5% ABV A strong, dark brown beer, offering a dominantly malty palate with nutty overtones. The finish is lyrically sweet that speaks for its strength. A fine partner to the cheese board.
