Spreading some Cornish Christmas cheer

December 20, 2007: Sharp’s Brewery of Cornwall has stepped up production of its festive beer Nadelik (Christmas in Cornish) in order to get the brew in pubs across the country.

Now in its fourth year, the limited edition Nadelik is brewed only at Christmas and this year will be on sale in the Manchester, Yorkshire and London areas for the first time, following successful sales in South Wales last Christmas.

Sharp's director Joe Keohane said: “The continuing success of this seasonal beer, and rising demand, has led us to increase the brewing schedule and expand distribution lines outside of the South West.

“We are predicting that over 200,000 pints of Nadelik will be consumed across the UK this festive period, from Cornwall to London and the North."

Head brewer Stuart Howe added: “I have spent a long time developing this Christmas beer from specially selected hops, and it is one of my favourites.

“The taste is full and succulent, yet avoids the sticky over-sweetness of some other seasonal ales — but the secret to its success is closely guarded”

CAMRA regional pub of the year for Merseyside, the Turk’s Head in St Helen's, was one of the first outlets to benefit from Sharp’s expanded distribution of Nadelik. Landlord Darryl Arrowsmith said: “Nadelik is one of the fasting selling cask-conditioned beers we’ve ever had.

"Customers have just wanted more of this very drinkable beer; in fact we sold a whole nine-gallon barrel in just a few hours.”

Gary Marshall, proprietor of the Blisland Inn, Cornwall, and past winner of the national CAMRA pub of the year award, said: “We have customers that come from miles around to taste our selection of festive ales and I’m delighted that Nadelik is amongst our range. It has become one of our customer’s favourites, with its fantastic spicy aroma, which makes you feel warm and cheerful.”

Over the past few years all Sharp’s beers have been enjoyed across the UK and the rest of the world, with the brewery exporting to Hong Kong, Australia, Italy and, more recently, Canada.

Joe said: “The Canadians are especially enthusiastic and keen on the Cornish Celtic connection. Perhaps we’ll see Nadelik go international in 2008, so more can enjoy a Cornish Christmas.”

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