News of the brews

September 17, 2006: Burton Bridge Brewery has Staffordshire Knot Brown Ale available during September and October. The 4.8% brew claims to be "similar to a well-known brown ale from the North".

Hydes continues its film-themed special brews with Hidden Treasure (4.5%), which is available throughout September and October. The pumpclip features action hero Indiana Jones.

Wadworth's green hop beer - Malt 'n' Hops (4.5%) will be available again for its 15th season until November.

And Ringwood Huffkin (4.4%) is another old favourite, of course. Fuggles and East Kent Goldings give it its distinct floral aroma.

Wye Valley Brewery has produced its first ever green hop ale, St Michael's Ale. For every pint sold 5p will be donated by the brewery to St Michael's Hospice, Hereford.

The Beer Hall and Sampling Room at Staveley Mill Yard, which is part of Hawkshead Brewery's new premises, is now open to the public. The Beer Hall will work in conjunction with Wilf's Cafe, which is next door.

Burtonwood Brewery is contract brewing a new Eldridge Pope beer, Southern Glory Best Bitter (3.7%). It is said to have a citrus hop aroma and fruity, bitter taste.

Bazens Brewery has started bottling a small range of its beers.

Real cocoa is being used to enhance the flavour that comes from roasted chocolate barley in Dark Star's new Double Chocolate Stout.

Jennings' seasonal autumn offering is Crag Rat (4.3%), a refreshing golden bitter. Crag rat is the nickname in Cumbria for a particularly enthusiastic climber.

Toasted biscuit and mellow citrus flavours, with a subtle hoppy aroma, make Robinson's Lighthouse (4%) a shining example of a golden autumn ale.

At the other end of the colour spectrum, Stonehenge Old Smokey (5%), available until the end of November, is a porter-style brew with roasted malt and a hint of liquorice leading to a bitter finish.