News and brews in brief

January 20, 2007: James Young, deputy chairman of Young's, is to retire from the company on March 31. He was involved in merging of the firm's brewing operations with Charles Wells to form Wells & Young's last year and the successful conclusion of that change brought about his decision to stand down.

Abbeydale Brewery's special for January is chocolate stout (4.5%). Look for the very tempting chocolatey pump clip!

Caledonian Deuchars business managers Gavin Hamilton and Ryan Watson — known affectionately, respectively, as Hamster and Rhino — are not just guardians of a great Scottish ale, they're also pretty handy on a cricket field too. The pair are currently representing Scotland in the International Triangular Series and will soon be taking part in the Cricket World Cup.

Bateman's is going sports mad in February with two special brews. England Expects (4%) will be supporting the frankly hopeless cause that is the English cricket team as they bid for glory — alright then, treble figure totals — in the Cricket World Cup. Meanwhile Hooker (4.5%) marks the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament. Hooker is a hoppy, citrussy brew, while England Expects is more amber in colour and a bit maltier.

Beers from the Keltek Brewery, at Redruth, Cornwall, are now being distributed by Jolly's. The brewer has also launched Natural Magik (4.6%), an unfined beer that is, therefore, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Hopback has created Taiphoon (4.2%) to celebrate the Chinese New Year next month. With hints of lemongrass and coriander it is designed as a good match with a Chnese meal.

Red Rock Brewery now have a licence to selldirect to the public — bottles and polypins can be ordered.

Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries has now officially changed its name to Marston's.