Celebrate 20 Years of Iconic Hooky Gold – A modern classic

Hook Norton Brewery Celebrates 20 Years of Iconic Hooky Gold Ale

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hooky Gold, the award-winning golden ale from Hook Norton Brewery, first brewed in 2006 using aromatic American Willamette hops from the Oregon valley.

Hooky Gold (4.1%)
See: Pale, golden
Smell: Citrus, fruit, delicate spice
Taste: Fruity, zesty

A perfect thirst-quencher, Hooky Gold combines traditional English hops—Goldings and Fuggles—with the American Willamette, the king of aroma hops. The result is a distinctive blend of zesty citrus flavours with a gentle touch of spice.

While it was once thought to be the first beer from the brewery to feature American hops, a dive into historic brew books revealed that such experimentation dates back as far as 1914—further proof of Hook Norton’s long-standing innovative spirit!

To mark this milestone, Hook Norton Brewery will be celebrating throughout May and June with a series of “golden moments,” including competitions and special events across its pubs and at the brewery. James Clarke, Managing Director is inviting anyone with a gold medal – any gold medal – 10 metre swim or running the saraha dessert – to bring it along to the brewery and be rewarded with a glass of Hooky Gold – cheers! Full details can be found on the dedicated Hooky Gold website www.hookygold.com along with all the photos and videos you’ll ever need about this modern classic..

Celebrations begin with a special launch event at The Eagle Tavern, Witney, on Thursday 30th April from 6pm to 7pm.

Free samples of Hooky Gold will be available, and brewers will be on hand to share insights into the beer and its story. The event will also support a meaningful cause. Landlord Paul Spinks has undertaken an extraordinary 200-mile cycle ride from Witney, Oxfordshire to his hometown of Hull, Yorkshire, in memory of his wife Fiona, who sadly passed away last year aged just 53. The “Highway to Hull” challenge aims to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

James Clarke, Managing Director of Hook Norton Brewery, said:
“Hooky Gold has become a real modern classic for us over the past 20 years—an ale that perfectly balances tradition with a more contemporary, aromatic hop character. It’s a beer that continues to win people over, whether they’re long-time Hook Norton drinkers or discovering us for the first time. We’re incredibly proud of its story, and even more so to be celebrating this milestone alongside such a meaningful cause. Paul’s ‘Highway to Hull’ challenge is truly inspiring, and we’re honoured to support his efforts to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support while bringing people together over a pint of Hooky Gold.”

Hooky Gold will be available throughout May and June in cask at the brewery, in Hook Norton pubs, and in selected free houses. It is also available year-round in bottle from the brewery shop, local retailers, and online at www.hooky.co.uk.