Double Stout is first Hooky special of 2010

January 8, 2010: A range of 11 beers under the umbrella title of Brewer's Selection will be released during 2010 by Hook Norton, with the first to hit the bars this month being Double Stout.

The 4.8% ABV dark brew recently won a gold medal in the International Beer Challenger. It is a smooth, full-bodied stout with a refreshing hoppy aftertaste which, said Hook Norton managing director James Clarke, may come from a 100-year-old recipe, but has a taste and flavour that is modern and fashionable.

A blend of dark malts gives Double Stout a character all of its own. “Black malt enriches the colour and teases the palate with an unmistakable toast flavour,” said James. Brown malt gives the beer its satisfying dryness.

Double Stout is available in pubs until the end of February and in bottles all year round.

In March, look out for First Light, a very pale, light brew with a complex hop aroma. And April sees the return of 303AD – brewed to celebrate the death of England’s patron saint, St George.