Cockleroaster is first St Austell special of 2010

l The ultimate winter warmer? Marc Bishop, St Austell Brewery's trade marketing manager (centre) celebrates the launch of the new brew with South Devon Chilli Farm's Steve Waters (left) and Jason Nickels.

February 8, 2010: St Austell Brewery's first seasonal ale for 2010 is a chili and chocolate-infused stout called Cockleroaster.

The 4.5% ABV brew is the result of a collaboration with the South Devon Chilli Farm and should spice up these cold winter days.

The first of a planned programme of special beers this year, the rich dark stout is brewed with pale and roasted malt with lashings of dark chocolate, and finely chopped chillis are added at the final stage of the brewing process to add the subtle spicy flavour.

Trialled at December's Celtic Beer Festival, Cockleroaster proved a big hit and was one of the first beers to sell out.

Head brewer, Roger Ryman, said: “We’re really excited about launching Cockleroaster, the first of many interesting and innovative seasonal ales that we’ll be introducing throughout 2010.

“We’re delighted to have been able to team up with another South West producer to create Cockleroaster, which is a delicious ale which brings together two very different flavours that complement each other perfectly. Despite its strength, the ale is quite light in body. Customers should taste the chocolate as the main flavour and get a subtle taste of chilli with the aftertaste.

“I’ll be brewing a beer each month during the year to tantalise the taste buds of ale lovers across the South West, so there’s lots to look forward to coming from St Austell Brewery this year.”

Steve Waters, co-owner of South Devon Chilli Farm, added: “Its been great to team up St Austell Brewery and help create this new and exciting ale. We pride ourselves on growing delicious fresh chillis from our farm in Loddiswell, near Kingsbridge, and so it is great to be working with another South West producer who is equally as passionate about the quality of its products.”

Cockleroaster will be available in select St Austell Brewery pubs across the South West and to free trade customers.