GAVIN AITCHISON raises a glass to the launch of a new cask ale with a history going back 200 years.

WITH the New Year comes a new beer – but one that maintains a tradition dating back two centuries.

Black Sheep Brewery, one of the most ubiquitous names in Yorkshire’s pub scene, is launching in cask form a beer that has hitherto been available only in bottle. It excelled there, being named the world’s best premium bitter at the 2009 World Beer Awards, so if it bears up well to the change, then pub-goers are in for a treat.

Yorkshire Square Ale was first brewed in 1999, in honour of the Yorkshire Square fermenting system. This brewing technique, dating back several centuries, involves a two-storey apparatus that allows the yeast to be separated from the beer in the brewing process. Black Sheep still use the method today, although their ‘squares’ are, in fact, circular.

York Press: The brewery's Yorkshire Square fermenters. Picture: Tim Elsworth.

The brewery's Yorkshire Square fermenters. Picture: Tim Elsworth.

The cask version of Yorkshire Square Ale will have an ABV of 4.1 per cent, and is made with Maris Otter malt, mostly Goldings hops – and Demerara sugar, which Black Sheep say sustains another historical tradition.

In the 19th century, they say, Yorkshire breweries fuelled demand for Demerara, as beer was taxed on its malt content and the sugar allowed brewers to cut their tax bills, while still producing robust and flavoursome beers.

York Press: (15354553)

Jo Theakston at Black Sheep

Black Sheep are clearly enthusiastic about this ale, the publicity bumph hailing its traditions and that 2009 award.

Jo Theakston, the brewery’s sales and marketing director, says: “Releasing Yorkshire Square Ale as a cask beer throughout January is a special treat for drinkers and it is also very exciting for us. It’s a great reason for fans of great beer to enjoy this one-off, world champion, premium ale from the pump.

“This is the first time we have made Yorkshire Square Ale widely available in pubs and it is specially adapted to offer a premium session ale that will appeal to drinkers and landlords alike.

“The pub is a great British institution, and beer lovers should make a New Year’s resolution to support these fantastic places more in 2015. With special opportunities such as Yorkshire Square Ale on tap, what better incentive could there be?”

Yorkshire Square Ale will be widely available throughout January. The distinctive pump-clip includes artwork by Yorkshire artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

 

York Press:

• IF BLACK Sheep’s newest launch is not enough to tempt you to the pub, then a new online campaign might do instead. 'Tryanuary' is an alternative to national attempts to deter drinking this month. Rather than promoting total abstinence, it urges participants to drink responsibly but slightly more adventurously than they might otherwise do.

The general sentiment is to seek out local bars, beers and bottle shops you haven’t previously tried, share your findings with others, and keep supporting charity at the same time, a message that should find many ready and willing supporters. A number of breweries, and local beer business Yorkshire Ales are already getting involved. You can find out more on the official website or follow the twitter hashtag #tryanuary

 

  • THE Blacksmiths Arms at Naburn is closing on Monday for a major refurbishment. The kitchen is being redesigned to make more space for the new carvery menu, which will be available every day alongside the regular menu.

Anyone who has enjoyed the splendid Sunday carvery here in recent years will recognise the monumental significance of this news, and will be champing at the bit to know when the pub will reopen. The end of January is the estimate, so if you buy a left-over advent calendar in the sales you can start the countdown now.

York Press:

Maria and Ian Taylor of The Blacksmiths Arms in Naburn