Nicholson’s Pubs will be celebrating the festive season with its own specially developed and produced selection of seven exclusive Christmas Ales in collaboration with some of the UK’s key top brewers, which were launched at a special ‘tasting’ hosted by British Craft Guild of Beer Writers member and author Melissa Cole last week.
Moreover, each beer was introduced by one of the commissioning Nicholson’s pub managers, as well as an expert from the brewery – a double act that combined information with entertainment!
Collaboration that works
The company’s experienced Cask Masters have specially crafted their own ales, brewed in collaboration with Moorhouse, Oxfordshire, Andwells, Broughton, Sambrooks, Vale and Brentwood breweries and available across over 80 pubs nationwide throughout December 2012.
And – if 2011 is any guide – demand will be strong, with at least some of the beers selling out before 25 December.
Matching food and ale
Nicholson’s matches guest ales with food dishes on its menu, and these Christmas Ales consistently attracted comments about the dishes that they would ‘complement’ – from the event guests as much as from the ‘experts’.
There’s no doubt that beer is increasingly recognised for its ability to successfully accompany and enhance food, in the same way as wine, and that customers over the coming weeks will enjoy the opportunity to ‘pair’ these ales with food.
The Christmas Ales range
- Ding Dong (4.5% ABV – Andwell) – A warm chestnut beer with a rich marmalade aroma. Top score with the H&C News team!
- The Only Way Is Santa (5.2% ABV- Brentwood) – A rich ruby beer with a smooth malt character, Willamette hops give this beer spicy, blackcurrant aromas and flavours. (Locally sourced) plums and cinnamon have been added to complement the beer’s character with a delectably rich flavour and a gentle spice. An excellent accompaniment with lamb shank or tagine, or – of course – crumbles, and Christmas Pudding!
- Santa’s Oatmeal Stout SOS (4.8% ABV – Broughton) – Bursting with oatmeal and chocolate aromas, this dark brown ale uses a blend of five malts and oats, delivering a mouthful of smooth roasted flavours and a lingering rich taste.
- Elves Bells (4.0% ABV – Moorhouse) – A deep chestnut brown coloured ale, brewed with Maris Otter malted barley and crystal malt to give hints of sweet malt, biscuit and caramel tones. Balanced by the use of cascade hops to give floral and spice notes on the nose, there is a pleasant full bitterness in the aftertaste. Another favourite with the H&C News team and, at 4.0%, could be savoured over a session.
- Meads Must (4.7% ABV – Oxfordshire) – A superb dark ruby red ale with a hint of honey and quince. The sweet tones of this beer make it an ideal accompaniment for puddings and cheese.
- London Winter Ale (4.6% ABV – Sambrookes) – A deep red ale which takes its spicy aroma from a blend of English hops. With a rich sweet and tangy taste this beer is an ideal accompaniment to steak, venison, game and Christmas Pudding.
- Five Gold Rings (4.8% ABV – Vale) – A dark mahogany coloured brew with an aroma of roasted malt, the taste of fruit and subtle spice flavours are followed by a long , warm and slightly bitter finish. Oxtail stew, and lamb shoulder were both mentioned as good matches, whilst mild cheeses such as Wensleydale would also work well with this one.
Nicholson’s offers an historic and distinctive collection of pubs across the UK, with warm and inviting hospitality through its authentic British pub atmosphere.
Guest ales are expertly matched with dishes from the food menu, or alternatively, experience Nicholson’s equal passion for fine wine with its impressive cellars containing classics and vintages from the old and new world.
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