News of the brews

October 9, 2006: Enville Ales has launched Simply Simpkiss (4%), previously brewed by the Simpkiss Brewery as Simpkiss Ale. The brewery closed in 1985 but is much remembered by older drinkers in the West Midlands.

Everards' autumn ale is Equinox. Despite being 4.8%, this is a smooth, easy-drinking beer, harvest gold in colour, with sweetness and flavour of mature fruit.

Hook Norton is brewing a new pale ale, Beefy Bitter (4.5%), as a tribute to Ian Botham and his mammoth fund-raising efforts. Ten pence from every pint sold will go to the Leaukaemia Research charity, of which Beefy is president.

Brains is testing a new continental-style chilled beer, Brains 45, through some of its managed houses. The 4.5% brew has its own trendy tall chrome font and will be served extra cold.