Rolling out a new barrell

The Liberation Brewery has launched a new cask ale to be enjoyed by island beer drinkers as autumn turns into winter.

Rouge is the third and latest seasonal beer to be introduced to the Channel Islands this year. Described as more robust flavoured ale (4.5% ABV) it uses a blend of three malts - amber, chocolate and pale ale - with the addition of a new variety of hop, Summit. Seasonal beers are becoming increasingly popular in the British Isles as sales of cask beer continue to rise, bucking the decline in the pub trade in the UK. They are so called as they are brewed to be best enjoyed at the appropriate time of year as an ideal accompaniment to seasonal produce.

The introduction of Rouge to pumps in selected island pubs has been welcomed by the drinkers who know more than any others what makes a good pint, Camra Guernsey.

The Chairman, Steve Hartman, said as Liberation Ale was a favourite of his he was looking forward to the chance to try something different.

"I am sure that our members will be more than happy to see yet another Channel Islands-produced real ale available in Guernsey. Liberation Ale and the first two seasonal ales have gone down very well with local beer drinkers so the more the merrier and the more variation the better," he said.

Following on from the success of the award-winning Liberation Ale, the Chief Brewer, Paul Hurley, and his team at the Liberation Brewery in Longueville, decided to this year produce four new seasonal cask beers inspired by the Channel Islands’ Norman French heritage. Rouge was showcased at this year’s CAMRA Great British Beer Festival held in London in August along with Liberation Ale and the other seasonal beers – Ambrée, Blonde and Noire.

The Chief Executive of the Liberation Group, Mark Crowther, said they were delighted to increase the cask offering in the islands and real ale aficionados could look forward to more to come.

"The popularity and critical acclaim our beers have received in both Bailiwicks and at festivals in the UK proves that the Liberation Brewery can hold its own against the best of British craft brewers. The Guernsey branch of CAMRA has done a fantastic job over the years in promoting the appreciation of cask ale in the Islands. In just over two years Paul Hurley and his team have produced a range of real ales that have filled a gap in the local market while also helping to bring about the long-awaited revitalisation of cask beer in Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Herm and Sark," he said.

Rouge will be available from Captain’s, Rocquettes, White hart, Deerhound, Ship and Crown, Houmet, Fleur De Jardin, Bella Luce, Cornerstone and the Drunken Duck; and in Alderney from: Belle Vue, Diver’s Inn and the Coronation Inn.