Sting in the ale

August 21, 2005: Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse has introduced a new premium bottled ale in conjunction with River Cottage TV presenter and real food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Made from nettles harvested at River Cottage HQ, the new ale is called Stinger and was available for the first time at the Great British Beer Festival earlier this month.

Hugh visited the Badger stand at the GBBF to sample the ale and said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with the Badger team. They’re a great family company, steeped in tradition and with a proper way of doing things, but at the same time not afraid to be innovative. Stinger is the result of a very enjoyable series of experiments guided by the redoubtable [Hall & Woodhouse head brewer] Dr Tim Morris.

“I’m delighted with the results. I think we have a delicious and refreshing beer with character and real depth; properly hoppy with that little tingle of stinger from the nettles. It’s good summer drinking, and seems to be slipping down a treat with the barbecued mackerel.

“Of course it’s also great to have another opportunity to support Rural Revival, who will be getting a share of the proceeds of every sale. They’re doing some excellent work supporting rural community projects all around Britain.”

Dr Morris, who helped to create the recipe for the ale, added: “Stinger is made from fresh organic Dorset nettles from the River Cottage estate, added to the copper. It has a grassy herbal aroma with subtle gooseberry and lemon citrus notes that build up towards the end of the glass. It is finished with a slightly spicy aftertaste that lingers beautifully.”

Nettles were once a standard tonic beer for spring and summer use in England, being regarded as a remedy for gout and rheumatic pains, as well as an refreshing drink in its own right.

“Both Hall & Woodhouse and River Cottage have become Dorset institutions, with a similar view on the importance and quality of local ingredients and it made sense for both to link in the creation of this fantastic new beer,” said Rick Payne, Hall & Woodhouse brands marketing manager.