Fuller's launches spring beer fest

March 2, 2005: Fuller's is highlighting three special brews in its first ever spring beer festival. During the event, both estate and free trade customers will have a chance to try London Porter (5.4%), India Pale Ale (4.8%) and Hock (3.5%).

First on the bar will be London Porter. Most recently an export bottled beer, it has proved to be very popular whenever it is made available in cask. This rich, smooth, dark beer will be available between March 7 and 25.

From March 28 participating pubs will be serving India Pale Ale. Fuller's India Pale Ale - a very pleasant beer with a distinctive after-taste - was last seen at the bar in February 2004.

Finally, and continuing the theme from the 2004 Autumn Beer Festival where Mr Harry returned after a 10-year absence, Hock is back by popular request for the first time since 1993. Absent in any form since that time, Hock is a dark mild ale, packed with caramel and nutty flavours. A classic old ale, its name comes from an old English word for harvest. English Hock beer predates the German wine of the same name by a few centuries.

300 pubs have already pre-ordered their beers and a full list of participating pubs can be viewed on the Fuller's website at www.fullers.co.uk

Fuller's beer and brands director, John Roberts, said: "Our beer festivals are a real treat for drinkers and the spring 2005 line-up is no exception. Our core brands, including London Pride and ESB, have a very loyal fan base and every now and again we like to treat them with some exceptional special beers.

"Rotating these beers in quick succession has proved to be a real winner - our volumes were up 50 per cent during last autumn's festival against the inaugural festival in 2003, and we hope to achieve great things this spring."