Demand for cask ales from Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery is nudging close to pre-Covid levels, as the brewer secures listings with a number of pub operators for its established cask brands and new additions. The brewer estimates it will have increased its on-trade outlets by around 250 by this summer, compared to the same period last year.
Hogs Back’s flagship cask ale Tongham TEA is being listed in all Mitchells & Butlers’ cask pubs in London. The traditional, award-winning amber ale will also be poured soon within the Star Pubs & Bars estate, and in Greene King pubs for three months over the summer.
Newly-launched Big Squeezy IPA is being listed by Stonegate, who are making it available for the next five weeks to most of their 3,000 cask ale pubs. It will also be on sale until July in around 50 Youngs pubs in Surrey and Greater London. Big Squeezy is an aromatic 3.4% IPA, brewed with real lemons.
At the same time, Surrey Nirvana, Hogs Back’s 4.0% session IPA, brewed with Cascade hops from the brewer’s own hop garden, will be served in selected Youngs pubs and as a guest ale in 200 Fuller Smith & Turner pubs.
Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said: “We’re delighted with this renewed interest in our cask ales from pubs across the south east. Covid of course dented our cask business with pubs and it’s taken some time to bounce back, but we’re certainly seeing demand on the rise again and are feeling optimistic about our cask portfolio.
“We’re particularly pleased that operators are not just stocking our best-seller Tongham TEA, but are prepared to try other cask ales including our seasonals, like Big Squeezy. Serving established regional brands that drinkers will recognise, as well as new beers that refresh the offer on the bar, are both important in building a successful cask business.
“We’re looking forward to growing our cask business with more pubs and bars across our heartland in London and the south east.”
As well as cask ales, Hogs Back brews a number of beers in keg, bottles and cans. A number of its beers include Fuggles or Cascade hops grown on the hop garden next to the brewhouse, which travel just yards from ‘field to firkin’, meaning hops are added to the brew at their freshest.
