Brimstage Brewery to launch a new tipple to mark 400 years of Raby pub, the Wheatsheaf Inn

Mar 9 2011 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

BRIMSTAGE Brewery is launching a new tipple to celebrate 400 years of Raby pub, the Wheatsheaf Inn.

The award-winning drinks creator is aiming to have new brew, 400 Not Out in the pumps of the well-loved pub by Easter.

Brimstage Brewery’s Neil Young says he didn’t hesitate when asked by the Wheatsheaf’s Phil Davies to think up a new combination to mark the occasion.

And Wheatsheaf regulars have had a major say in how the tipple will taste.Neil says they have been consulted every step of the way and he’s now close to pulling the first glass of what promises to be a dark and well-bodied pint.

Neil said: “We have been supplying the Wheatsheaf Inn since we started brewing and I am a regular customer myself, so I welcomed the opportunity when I was asked to produce an anniversary ale.”

It should be available by the Easter weekend and is made using Fuggles and Goldings hops to create a traditional bitter.

Phil has also launched a charity called the 400 Foundation, to coincide with the inn’s birthday, which he hopes will raise funds for a number of local causes.

He said: “The local community has supported the pub for the last 400 years so I wanted to do something in return, which is how the idea for the foundation came about.”

And it’s no surprise the pub remains so popular.

Housed in a 16th century thatched building, it was named the 2010 Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Wirral Pub of the Year and is listed in CAMRA’s national Good Beer guide, so 400 Not Out will be a welcome addition to an already lively pump selection.

Phil said: “We are delighted Brimstage Brewery is supporting us.

“Their Trapper’s Hat beer is our most popular ale and 20p from the sale of each pint of 400 Not Out will go towards the charity.”

Brimstage Brewery opened four years ago and produces five real ales including Sandpiper Light Ale, Rhode Island Red Bitter, Scarecrow Bitter, Oyster Catcher Stout and Trapper’s Hat Bitter.

Its beers have reached the finals of CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain competition for the last two years.