All the latest news, views and essential information from Castle Rock Brewery

No:3 Autumn 2014

New beer, new livery See Page 2

www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk Welcome New branding

Welcome for a third time to our Castle Rock Quarter, an aide memoire to what Castle Rock: Always we’ve been up to and As a company we’ve So, earlier on this year, we decided also a great the time was right to evolve our chance for us always taken pride in image, and it is just another part of to let you the Castle Rock journey that you, our know what’s being progressive and customers, are very much involved coming up engendering passion in all with. We believe our new livery is next. strong, vibrant and contemporary that we do, from the while retaining nods to our heritage. This autumn is If you are wondering why we decided certainly drinks and food we serve packed full of to re-craft our look, the simple exciting in our pubs to the beer we answer is that we always want to be initiatives and ideas that our managers, brew. Without abandoning the best at what we do. tenants and brewers have been working on to serve you, to excite you and to titillate the tried and trusted, we Hundreds of breweries have opened since we your taste buds as the nights draw in. redesigned our logo back in 2008, and we strive to be a little bit wanted to make a statement that we are In this issue you’ll find news about our here to stay, and just as prolific and Discover World Beers collector passport better every day. innovative as always. and the inside story on our Traffic Street Specials project from Castle Rock’s brewing alchemist himself. We’ll give you a peek at the recent upgrades at the world-renowned Lincolnshire Poacher, and we travel out to the Eagle in Boston (Lincs) to give you a view into the world of our tenanted pubs.

So with Hallowe’en, Movember, Christmas menus, merchandise gift ideas, brewery tours, takeaway beer deals and more, we think we have everything this side of 2015 covered for you!

The next issue of CRQ is not out until January 2015 so, although it may seem a bit premature at my time of writing, this may be my only proper chance... I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your support in 2014. Who is Red Riding Hood?

Cheers Launching our new image is an ideal time to Colin Wilde Managing Director try some new things on the beer front too.

Castle Rock Brewery In line with our improved designs, Queensbridge Road, Nottingham NG2 1NB at the 2014 Robin Hood Beer & Tel: 0115 985 1615 Cider Festival we will launch a new General enquiries: beer which will sit alongside our six classic beers. [email protected] Sales enquiries: The American-style red ale is called [email protected] “Red Riding Hood.” Brewed with Dark Crystal malt, plus El Dorado and Recruitment: Kohatu hops, the beer is sure to be [email protected] popular amongst beer lovers, with a robust malt body, balanced bitterness Castle Rock and a fruity aroma of apricot and peaches. We wanted fierce and mysterious imagery to accompany the is designed by freerbutler limited beer, and no, we will not be giving away www.freerbutler-gds.co.uk the identity of the hooded figure! 2 Skilfully Crafted Robin Hood There is never a dull moment at Castle Beer & Cider Rock!

Though it is essential to produce Festival 2014 consistently high quality and diverse beers, and to ensure our pubs are proving a friendly environment while serving perfectly-kept drinks, we also care immensely about how we present our products, people and premises.

We hope our new look demonstrates this, and you enjoy everything that is ‘skilfully crafted’ by Castle Rock.

Dates: Thursday October 9th to Sunday October 12th Venue: Nottingham Castle

As with every year, all of us at Castle Rock are hugely excited about one of the biggest events on the brewing calendar: the Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, taking place between the 8th and 11th October at Nottingham Castle.

It is there we are officially revealing our new livery, which includes our new logo and pump clips, and as mentioned, our latest core beer, Red Riding Hood. Castle Rock will once again be Colin Wilde, Managing Director says, “Red showcasing our beers in the main tent Riding Hood began as part of our Notts WLT and also in our very own covered Natural Selection series as ‘Lincoln Red’. The marquee called the Castle Rock Tavern brew was so popular that we wanted to (right next to the bandstand). offer it permanently to our customers, while avoiding any confusion with our friends over The beers available across both areas at Lincoln Green brewery! Red Riding Hood will include: Harvest Pale (3.8%), perfectly links to the red colour of the brew, Sheriff’s Tipple (3.4%), Preservation gives reference to the medieval history of (4.4%) Black Gold (3.8%), Screech Owl Nottingham, and is very visual. We (5.5%), Elsie Mo (4.7%) , Red Riding immediately knew what we wanted with our Hood (4.3%), Hedgehog (3.8%), Carl artwork to capture all these elements.” Froch (4.2%), Most Haunted (4.4%), Midnight Owl (5.5%), Tommy Atkins: A Red Riding Hood will be available from the Call to Arms (4.2%), and some specials beer festival onwards, look out for it at the from the Traffic Street range. Castle Rock Tavern and let us know your verdict! We look forward to seeing you all there! 3 Hot News Events Lots of Earache! Hockley Hustle is The 16th beer in our Nottinghamian range, Digby Pearson, was back for 2014 launched at a special event held at the Maze. The collaboration Day festival the Hockley Hustle is with Earache Records (established by Pearson in 1985) saw a hot back for 2014, and this time, the summer night filled with hardcore and grindcore metal, and Kean’s Head is in on the fun!” finished with many pints of the special brew. Pictured below are Savage Messiah performing at the Maze (copyright Earache Records). On 19th October, the Kean’s Head will be one of 40+ venues, showcasing 400+ acts, where one wristband gets you entry into the entire Hustle. Between 2006-2010, the event raised over £65,000 for charitable causes, and this year is set to be the best yet. Brought to Nottingham by ‘I’m Not From London’, the same team behind the legendary Waterfront Festival, the Hockley Hustle is jam-packed with the best music in the East Midlands. We are sponsoring the event with a specially brewed beer, so you can sup on the Hockley Hustle brew while enjoying the bustle! Tickets are only £10 for the day, with all proceeds donated to charity. Learn more and buy yours now at www.hockleyhustle.co.uk Castle Rock & the Other News Festival Fringe We’ve chosen our latest ‘Employees of the Quarter’, selected for their Saturday 4th October- Sunday 19th October outstanding performance in such a challenging and competitive industry! Congratulations to Dan Gilliland in the brewery for his work on Traffic Known as the ‘triple F’, the CAMRA Festival Fringe Street Specials; to Damian Brandon at the Vat & Fiddle for his continued Fortnight edges the Robin Hood Beer & Cider hard work and support, and to Adam Hands for his enthusiasm and work Festival in weeks of celebration. With a focus on Fine in the Bread & kitchen. Ale & Fine Food, Castle Rock pubs have (of course) met the criteria to be included in the festival. Derby’s 2014 City Charter Beer Festival has once again acclaimed Castle Rock for our delicious brews. Back in July we took home four major The Bread & Bitter, regional and local CAMRA awards: two golds and two silvers! Thank you to the Canalhouse, the Derby CAMRA for your continued support and positive feedback. Kean’s Head, the Lincolnshire Poacher, We wanted to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘Farewell & Good the Poppy & Pint, the Luck’ to Sam Skinner-Watts, who has left his position as manager at the Stratford Haven, the Kean’s Head to begin a new adventure. Sam was the spark behind Vat & Fiddle and the Willowbrook will all be joining in Discover World Beers, with an incredible passion for beer, whisky and food, the festivities. They will be putting on two weeks of and ran a fantastic team at the Kean’s. You’ll be missed by us all Sam, but mouth-watering dishes cooked with real ale and cider, luckily our favourite Lace Market hideaway will now be nurtured by Nick offering taster trays from just £6.50 and pairing their Orton! Meet Nick on page 11. menus with beer so you can experience the ultimate taste sensation. Castle Rock provided the beer to our good friends at Fraser Brown for a Our brewery tap the Vat & Fiddle will have up to 10 real very special golf day. In memory of Claire Lowe, the event raised over ciders or perries available at any one time, offering £5,000 for MacMillan and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. We were honoured taster trays at just £7.50. As the weather cools enjoy to be part of the day. Autumnal stews and soups, cooked using cider, beer or brandy, and served with beer baked bread. Derby CAMRA recently celebrated forty years since it was founded, within the walls of Castle Rock’s Alexandra Hotel in Derby. Back in 1974, our Alongside fine ale and fine food, you can enjoy various former MD Chris Holmes was chairman of Nottingham CAMRA when the events including live music and quiz nights. There will be inaugural meeting took place. so much going on in those two weeks that we can’t possibly list it all here, but we can certainly wet your BREAKING NEWS: taste buds… visit www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/FFF to see the full listing of events. You know when someone tells you they have really exciting news but they can’t tell you what it is? We’re that someone right now. All we can say is We hope to see you down at a Castle Rock pub for the there are plans in the pipeline for a small but exciting project, in close FFF, whether it’s to soak up the many pints consumed at proximity to the brewery, which of course involves beer! the Robin Hood Beer Festival with homemade dishes, or Hopefully by the next edition we can reveal all! to try some incredible beer in a slightly calmer setting! 4 Drinks in Focus Discover World Beers @DiscoverWBeers Follow us to stay in loop with offers, events and news World beer buyer, Wayne Harvey, selects his favourites this quarter from the Discover World Beers range. Orval Victory – DirtWolf Double IPA not only for American brewers but also Orval is a Trappist ale Victory released this beer around worldwide. This beer is based on the but is remarkably this time last year in the U.S. and traditional British style but is given an different to the recently it has made its way to our American twist by the addition of Cascade Dubbels and Tripels shores. It’s a very modern, bold hops. There are flavours of dark fruit, from the likes of IPA brewed with 4 great American caramel and some slight booziness. Anchor Westmalle and hop varieties - Chinook, Citra, say it is ‘to beer what port is to wine’ – fairly Chimay. The beer is Mosaic and Simcoe. All these hop decadent, refined and definitely a sipper. dry-hopped during varieties combine to create conditioning so it has pungent citrus fruit, floral and pine Erdinger - Pikantus a brilliant floral aroma aromas. The beer rocks in at 8.7% Pikantus is a ‘Weizenbock’ that is with a good deal of bitterness. The most so there is a bit of warmth from brewed to be enjoyed during the interesting aspect of Orval is that it is bottle the alcohol but it belies its ABV. colder months. It’s dark, strong conditioned with Brettanomyces – a yeast It’s extremely drinkable and and complex. Expect flavours of strain that over time creates earthy, dry and despite the intense hop bitterness spice (nutmeg, clove), toffee, slightly tart flavours. This beer is perfect for there is a little malt sweetness to raisins, stone fruit and banana. It’s ageing, the dry-hop aroma dials back as it balance it out. slightly sweet but not cloying, the ages with complex Brett characteristics effervescence lifts the beer off your coming to the fore. This essentially means Anchor – Old Foghorn tongue to create quite a smooth Orval is almost a completely different beer by Old Foghorn was the first modern mouth feel. This is a rich beer so it the time it gets to a year old. Check the barley wine to be brewed in the pairs well with equally rich dishes - bottling date on the label to see how old your U.S. all the way back in 1975. It venison, mature cheeses and Orval is! has now come to define the style, Christmas pudding being good examples. Discover World Beers Festival 2014…continues! This summer has been an exciting time for Discover World Beers, with our first-ever festival. Discover World Beers Fest 2014 ran for The DWBFest2014 ‘Passport’, however, four weeks over three venues, with was the most popular and enjoyable part of special menus, discounts, never-before- the festival. Customers were invited to stocked beers and tap takeovers aplenty. ‘explore’ the beer world via a special Missed out on the fun? No need to feel loyalty booklet called the passport, trying disheartened, read on for the best of the various beers from each venue in order to best news… receive a stamp.

From 20th July to 17th August three of Once full, the passport was redeemed for our Nottingham pubs put on the first ever an exclusive t-shirt & tulip shaped glass. DWB Festival. The Canalhouse, the Kean’s This element, the DWBFest2014 Passport, For those of you that haven’t given it a go, Head and the Lincolnshire Poacher offered we are super-excited to announce, will be pop down to one of the three pubs to world beer lovers four weeks of beer continuing throughout 2014! collect your passport: it’s time to get related offers, events and food. The festival exploring! For those of you who have kicked off with Belgian week, offering Following great feedback from our already completed and redeemed your first speciality dishes like Moules and Stooflvees customers, we’ve decided to extend this passport, take a second hop aboard to alongside beers from the likes of Brazzerie offer until 31st December 2014. achieve the ‘DWBFest2014 Gold Badge’. de la Senne and Dupont. Other focuses Simply complete a second passport and included Scandinavian week, the Brits Do It Ignore the original end date, you’ve got wear your t-shirt when you claim your Best and American beers & burgers galore. months left! badge. 5 In Focus The Eagle On a sunny day in late August, Castle Rock’s Lewis Townsend went to the historic Lincolnshire market town of Boston to visit the group’s most easterly outpost, the Eagle, which sits just a minute’s walk from the railway and bus station on West Street.

I could instantly tell that the pub was Fast forwarding over relaxed and friendly; people were dotted 150 years and many around and the atmosphere was different licensees punctuated by the chatter of customers. brings us to now. The I was greeted by our tenant, Jackie, who pub has a delightful has now been working at the Eagle for airiness to it; bright almost three years and lives on-site. and characterful – full of photos, vintage Immediately obvious is the great bottles of beer and various trinkets and relationship Jackie has with her ornaments. Recently, customers from the pub Al Smith retires customers: the perfect combination of took part in the Boston Dragon Boat race, banter, laughter and mutual respect. raising money for Cancer Research, proving On September 5th 2014, our malt and that The Eagle is a staple community pub as hop store manager, Al Smith, retired The Eagle is a pub steeped in history; well as one that welcomes visitors and after five years with Castle Rock. opening for business in 1855 as “The Eagle newcomers. Hotel” and attracting locals and travellers on Al is a strong character, and worked the Great Northern Railway. A large sepia The more we chat the more it becomes clear extremely hard to ensure traceability of the document in the lounge area states “Though that something is always going on at the malt and hops we use in our beer to help most nineteenth century public houses Eagle. On Thursdays, the notorious Quiz identify disparities and also ensure brewed their own beer, the Eagle Hotel did Night takes place. But this isn’t just a pub consistency in our brews: “’if a job is worth not. A wide choice of ale was available from quiz, this is university challenge style. Jackie doing, it’s worth doing well’” says some 18 common local brewers. Prices keen, explains “it’s the hardest quiz in town. I did it managing director Colin quality good; very different from unskilled the other day and spilled my drink on Wilde “To me that short retail brewers who’s product, usually a dark question 46, because I actually knew the phrase describes Al’s mild, varied considerably from brew to answer!” Between the various pub games approach to his work, and brew”. This notion has clearly not changed and quiz leagues the pub is usually busy at he can hang up his boots for the Eagle, or indeed Castle Rock. tea-time with those popping in for a drink or knowing he’s made a two from work. It’s comforting that the difference at Castle Rock. tradition of going to the pub when you ‘clock I’d like to thank him on off’ is still very much alive. behalf of the company and wish him a long and happy retirement.” The Boston area has a strong CAMRA presence (Fenland), and the Eagle features in Adrian Redgrove, head brewer at the Good Beer Guide 2014 for its well-kept Castle Rock says that Al has been a valued and diverse range of beer. Talking about her member of the brew staff for the last five range, Jackie told me that when she (rarely) years, and adds, “After humble beginnings, gets out to other pubs, she often finds the Al worked his way to the top of his field to beer offerings repetitive and dull: “I like to become Hopmeister Extraordinaire and get beers that no-one else has. Of course, Chief Executive Malt Officer, a role in which there isn’t too much Castle Rock around here he has excelled. He will be sadly missed.” so that’s great.” Al is, as most of us are, a big fan of Just an hour and a half train ride from “proper” beer, so a special ale was brewed Nottingham and Newark alike, make sure to say thanks for all his efforts with Castle to visit the Eagle and find out why it Rock – and we all wish him a wonderful continues to be so popular retirement and are confident he will fill it with lots of travelling, catching up with In the next issue we feature the Victoria Hotel friends and family - and beer of course! 6 Events Things take a Spooky Turn

It might be considered a very ‘Americanised’ tradition these days but at Castle Rock we use any excuse to have a party, hang up our high-vis dungarees/office attire/staff wear and hit the dance floor

Okay, okay, we don’t often hit the dance Most Haunted at RHBCF 2013, we’ve spirit, and considering Hallowe’en falls on a floor, we’re pub lovers of course, but we brought it back again as a seasonal special. Friday this year, there’s no reason to not like to have a good time. That’s why this Perfectly matched for fruity puddings such come down and celebrate with Castle Rock. year we are throwing ourselves into all as blackberry and apple crumble, as well as things Hallowe’en. pumpkin pies, the ale also cooks well in Visit our website at homemade dishes such as game casserole www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/halloween Last year we introduced our delectable and seasonal pie. It’s all very Autumnal, to find out what your favourite CRB local is ‘Most Haunted’, a dark and mysterious which means no Hallowe’en event is up to. Be warned, there could be fancy porter at 4.4% ABV, with aromas of complete without a pint of Most Haunted in dress, eerie music, creepy quizzes, ghoulish chocolate and spice, particularly nutmeg hand! treats, chilling cocktails and great beer in and pumpkin, with a rich and smooth abundance (alongside, of course, pumpkin finish. After festival-goers drank us dry of Our pubs will be getting in the spooky carving competitions and trick or treat)! Meet the brewer of Traffic Street Specials Meet Dan Gilliland, brewer at Castle Rock and the man behind the Traffic Street Specials range “We’ve already brewed three beers, but industry to wake up and pay attention. Much the TSS range is still embryonic. These of the market in which we operate yearns for beers are designed to shake things up a bit new, exciting developments and won’t accept from the traditional long-standing styles, stagnation. It has a feeling of a rebel alliance and I feel privileged to have been given the backed by small furry creatures bringing the exciting opportunity to get involved; empire to its knees. That is why this Castle Rock’s brief for this project was emerging scene is often referred to as a pretty much “do what you want – as long revolution. Castle Rock Brewery, while one of as you mix it up!”.” the largest breweries in Nottingham, is still a small fish in a big pond in a craft beer sense. The changes in the industry mean it’s an exciting time for beer geeks, and it’s great to The range started out with #1 Stereotype - be producing something more experimental, a strong hoppy American style IPA stacked influenced by all the amazing beers we’ve with 80 IBUs. This was followed by #2 seen from the USA. This has essentially Concrete Jungle - a herbal infused , inspired a worldwide shake up of what I used and Double Barrel – a dandelion and burdock to think of as tried, tested, decided flavoured red ale, brewed with German malt. and approved beer styles. I’m really looking forward to the next beer - A few years ago, I started brewing at a full-bodied and full-flavoured imperial home and then occasionally on a which will crack 10% ABV and will be friend’s six-barrel plant. I loved the launched at the Robin Hood Beer Festival in process and unlocking the secrets of October. From there on it’s onwards to as brewing. I take a great deal of pleasure many exciting possibilities as we can imagine. in gathering more and more information about anything to do with beer. You can follow the Traffic Street Specials on Twitter and keep up to date with the One of the best things about this scene progress of the range is its powerfully ability to stir the @Traffic_Street 7 In Focus The Lincolnshire Poacher In 2012, 23-year-old Ollie Eddison was promoted to Manager of the Lincolnshire Poacher in Nottingham. Over two years on, we chat to Ollie about taking on a pub with such a strong reputation, and coping with the pub’s refurbishment this summer. Ollie was working at the Bread & Bitter A pub with a strong heritage and reputation when Castle Rock offered him a once-in-a- would be a challenge to an experienced lifetime opportunity - to manage his own manager. Ollie is our youngest ever manager pub. since Andy Hambleton who ran the Swan in the Rushes at 20. He admits the prospect Steve Bramley, then operations director, was terrifying…” “It was hell. I wasn’t recalls, “Although relatively new to the confident in what I was doing and felt disori- company, Ollie had a huge passion for beer in entated. But as soon as I got chatting to the all its forms and enough ‘bonhomie’ for two regulars I felt better.” When we ask what the landlords! I knew he would be perfect at the biggest learning curve was, he stalls a few The walled-in garden is undoubtedly an oasis Poacher.” times before explaining. “Realising I was the in the city. With wooden booths, sheltered boss, the doorman, the one that everyone decking, and even beach huts to hang out in, The Poacher, previously the Old Grey Nags comes to when there’s an issue. But it’s the space has become usable, characterful, Head which was closed by Shipstone’s, was great, I love it. There are a lot of personalities and perfect for any time of year. then re-opened by Castle Rock and George in this place.” Bateman & Sons. With a sturdy position in Ollie grins. “I appreciate it’s a massive change Nottingham’s real ale drinking scene, the Probably the biggest change to take place at but it’s definitely a good one. I can’t wait for Poacher is renowned for its quality and varied the Poacher since Ollie’s arrival is the recent the winter so we can deck the place in lights, choice of ale. This element remains as robust refurbishment. The front half of the pub huddle inside the beach huts and watch the as ever; where customers are welcomed by a remains much the same because, as Ollie snow fall.” single line of 13 hand pulls, and a mind- words it, “It’s the Poacher isn’t it?” blowing offering of 70 whiskies. Okay, so he’s still a bit of a kid, but we Retaining what everyone loves about the pub can envision it too… was paramount in the refurbishment, and the character is still there in abundance. The dramatic change comes when you walk through to the conservatory, where tiles have been replaced with smart wooden flooring, and wooden tables and chairs swapped for tartan reupholstered seating. It’s light, comfy, and the perfect place to get a view of the new garden.

Cricket Commentator David Lloyd, known as ‘Bumble’, is a regular of the Poacher. Ollie gloats ‘Bumble loves the place. He came in last Friday for some booze and we hung out.’ Ollie also notes that ‘David seems to know quite a lot about ale too.’ Both are pictured (right)

Garden Launch Party, Monday 6th October from 7pm 8 Up & Coming Brews There is always something exciting available alongside our core range of classics. Whether it be our monthly beer in support of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, quarterly beer to celebrate Nottingham’s great heroes and heroines, specials to commemorate the First World War, or our one-off, seasonal and Traffic Street Special ranges. OCTOBER

3.8% abv 4.2% abv 4.4% abv 4.3% abv 5.5% abv Bonfire bitter with a Dark ‘lager style’ Dark and mysterious American-style red ale Rich, warming reddish tint given by cask ale. porter; essential brewed with dark winter ale with a adding caramel to Dedicated to for any Hallowe'en crystal malt, plus distinctive hop & the copper Nottingham’s World event. El Dorado and Kohatu caramel finish. Champion boxer. hops.A robust malt body, balanced bitterness and a fruity aroma of apricot and peaches.

NOVEMBER

4.4% abv 4.2% abv 4.0% abv 4.2% abv 5.5% abv Black stout with Dark ‘lager style’ Amber beer with A very well-balanced Rich, warming aromas of roasted cask ale. gentle bitterness, beer; smooth to winter ale with a malt and chocolate; Dedicated to which gives way to a drink with wide distinctive hop & roasted start leading Nottingham’s World long zesty finish. customer appeal. caramel finish. to coffee leaving a Champion boxer. Dedicated to men’s lingering toasty note health.

DECEMBER

5.2% abv 4.2% abv 4.5% abv 4.2% abv 5.5% abv Dark, strong & fruity Dark ‘lager style’ Chocolate orange stout A very well-balanced Rich, warming winter pudding ale cask ale. beer; smooth to ale with a distinctive Dedicated to drink with wide hop & caramel finish. Nottingham’s World customer appeal. Champion boxer. Also look out for... 4.4% abv Light brown fireside bitter with festive fruit flavours. 9 Drinks in Focus Commemorative Street Party We kicked off five years of dedicated fundraising in commemoration of the Great War with a colourful, carnival feast. The Peace Celebration Street Party, held on our new grounds beside the brewery, raised £742.07 for charity. Back in June, we launched the Liv, who is the project leader Commemoration Collection, a new and for the Commemoration limited-edition range of twelve beers to be Collection and related events, brewed between June 2014 and June said; “The atmosphere was 2019, to honour the Centenary of the First just as we’d hoped, friendly, World War. An estimated 20p from each fun and peaceful. Now we pint will be donated to charity, so next have seen the potential with time you are at the bar, take a moment to our new grounds, we’ve remember and absorb that the beer not decided to book in another only tastes good, it does good too! street party for 2015!

The range however is not just significant “Next time it will be bigger historically, but important in the present and and better, but for now, for the future of two great charities. Beer we’re over the moon. Our sales and related events will see five years of thanks go to everyone who fundraising, with donations being made to volunteered, performed, and the Royal British Legion and Amnesty supported the charities. Especially to Ben Above: Royal British International UK. The two charities, along Brettell and the team at the Maze, and to the Legion chat to with guests and real ale enthusiasts, joined wonderful charities.” partygoers Castle Rock on Saturday 9th August, where the Street Party kept the This event is the first of many various “Christmas Truce’, Vintage Party-goers rain at bay (for one day fundraising activities, big and small, that will the 3rd beer from only…) be taking place over the next five years. Keep the Commemoration an eye on the ‘What’s On’ page of our Collection, is The afternoon was filled website to join us at our next fundraiser. available in December. with festivities, real ale, remembrance and music. Carlton Brass We believe no other brewer supports the Band graced partygoers LocAle local brewing scene more than Castle Rock with classics like ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and First World War classic Totally Brewed ‘Pack up your Troubles’. Comedy act The The CAMRA LocAle Scheme promotes diverse range developing over time. Raymond and Mr pubs stocking locally brewed real ale. Robert Witt, an ex-landscape gardener set Timpkins Revue had the crowd in a heap of Castle Rock is committed to supporting up Totally Brewed after 6 years of home- giggles (including our MD Colin Wilde) with a the scheme, offering diversity in our brewing. With an MA in microbiology and a show of cheeky slapstick, and renowned guest beer range and giving small trained beer taster, Rob describes his beers Nottingham DJ ‘Swingbox’ filled the breweries a route to the consumer as ‘modern, hop forward and not shy on the afternoon with an eclectic array of swing and market. . ingredients’. Rob is also a father to, at the electronica. Nottingham born-and-bred Alexa time of writing, a 7-week-old Hawksworth calmed the crowd with dreamy If you’ve been spending time in boy named Enzo Hendrix, melodies and dragged Castle Rock’s Liv Castle Rock pubs this summer, making him all the more an Auckland on stage to sing. it’s unlikely you’ve missed the inspiring brewer. waves created by ‘Totally More fun and frolics came from Stunt Girl Brewed’. With Elin Callow, Castle Rock’s Productions, who buzzed about the crowd in eclectic, colourful pump clip Customer Service & multi-coloured fancy dress, entertaining artwork, they are certainly Procurement Manager children and adults alike, and Creature some of the most eye- explains, ‘We featured them as Caboodle, a pet display specialising in exotic catching designs on our bars our May NewBrew, and the animals. this year. Throw into the mix pubs have been ordering ever some bold and comical names since as part of the LocAle Always however, was the reminder of what such as ‘Punch in the Face IPA’, scheme. I think they will the Street Party was about, from the ‘Captain Hop Beard’ and (our definitely be a contender for approachable and informative stalls of the favourite) ‘Papa Jangles Voodoo Stout’, and taking home a trophy at the Castle Rock charities, to the ‘writing wall’ where there are few who can resist trying a pint. Beer of the Year Awards 2014-2015.’ messages, poems and letters were written Totally Brewed beer has become immensely Watch this space, we think and displayed. popular, with artfully-crafted flavours and a Totally Brewed are set for big things! 10 The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner Whether you like to wrap yourself in twinkly lights and tinsel, scrooge your way through all things Christmas, or spend hours dedicated to (avoiding) the high street, there’s no denying the one thing we LOVE about this time of year. Yep, it’s all about stuffing yourself like a turkey and washing it down with a beverage! Each of our pubs offers a unique Christmas menu, in a unique venue. Castle Rock pubs are once again offering delicious Chrismas menus, and getting well and truly into the festive spirit, with a variety of events such as quizzes, live Welcome Nick music, carol singing and more. You can view the pubs’ menus, opening and Jordan hours and Christmas & New Year plans at We thought we’d take this chance to www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/christmas introduce you to our newest (and at 23 our youngest) Manager, Nick Orton.

Formerly Assistant Manager at the The Kean’s Head Christmas Menu Lincolnshire Poacher, Nick has recently taken over the Kean’s Head in the Lace Take a look at this delicious menu (above), and call 0115 947 4052 to book your Christmas Market. With an amazing team, Party at the Kean’s Head, Lace Market, Nottingham. especially Head Chef Jordan Spencer, the Kean’s Head is all set for festive fun. Visit www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/christmas for more information about our other pubs. Pair your Christmas dinner with a festive beer

Castle Rock is also bringing you a range of November-February), a distinctively hoppy ‘Christmas Truce’, an indulgent chocolate festive and seasonal beers to enjoy. and refreshing malt beer. Our cheeky fireside orange stout, will be available in December, bitter ‘First Mo-El’ is back by popular with 20p per pint donated to charity. ‘Mistletoe’, our December brew for the demand, and two very special brews are in Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, is a dark, the pipeline: For more information about these beers, strong and fruity pudding ale. Traffic Street Specials will bring you a see the panel on the right of Page 9 of this For pale ale lovers. try ‘Snowhite’ (available unique take on Christmas brews, and issue of Castle Rock Quarter. 11 Editor’s Picks Full listings on our website - Upcoming Events updated daily October 2014 November 2014 December 2014

13th-19th October 3rd-9th November 2nd December National Curry Week Sausage Week Bread & Bitter Birthday Many of our pubs will be offering special Who doesn’t love a hotdog, a bratwurst, a Celebrate the Bread’s birthday with Meet curry menus and dining offers. chorizo or even a Snorker?! the Brewer, double stamps on loyalty cards, At the Fox & Crown enjoy a curry with a The Canalhouse do Sausage week with a Movember shave off and live music pint for just £9.95, twist, offering a range of unique sausages for Bread & Bitter, 5pm, free and at the Poppy & Pint your curry will be you to enjoy. At the Fox & Crown, wolf matched with an IPA for maximum flavour down sausage & mash with a pint for just 21st December and enjoyment. £9.95, and the Kean’s Head commission Kid’s Christmas Party The Kean’s Head will once again be sharing Barnsdales to make sausages using their Party food, games and a visit from Father their amazing homemade dishes with a Thali local beer. Smoked Porter & Stilton anyone? Christmas Platter at only £12. Golden Eagle, 2pm, £5 “Lest We Forget” 14th October 9th November 21st December North Italian Wine Tasting Remembrance Sunday Christmas Carol Service Roger Halfpenny of Big Wines brings you an Take the time to remember with a special Performed by St John’s Church, Owlerton evening of North Italian Wine Tasting paired 2 and 3 course menu, with a free bottle of New Barrack Tavern, 9pm, free with Italian dishes. wine for parties of 4 or more. Poppy & Pint Stratford Haven, from Midday Visit our website to view the full listing of 7:30pm, £25 events this quarter, including Halloween “Lest We Forget” parties, Movember challenge and what not to 16th-19th October 10th November miss this New Year’s Eve! LocAle Weekend Poppy Appeal Quiz For full details of Festive Season events visit As part of Festival Fringe Fortnight, the Bread Raising funds for the Legion’s annual Poppy www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/christmas brings you a LocAle weekend showcasing the Appeal.Join the Bread for a charity quiz with best of beer brewed locally, kicking things off prizes including beer, food & cash! Regulars with live music on Thursday night. The Bread & Bitter 6pm Bread & Bitter Mondays 5pm, free • Curry & Quiz night at the Bread & Bitter, from 5pm 18th October • Pie & Harvest Pale Night at the Kean’s Head, New Barrack Birthday from 5pm The New Barrack celebrates its 11th year • Curry Night at the Stratford Haven, from 5pm under the Castle Rock banner, and will be Tuesdays joined by 7-piece blues and soul band (with a • Curry & Quiz night at the Poppy & Pint, from 5pm twinge of funk) ‘Highway Child’. Join in the • Pie Night at the Stratford Haven from 5pm • Quiz Night at the Willowbrook from 8.30pm birthday fun for free! • Quiz Night (with free chips!) at the Vat & Fiddle New Barrack Tavern from 7.30pm 6pm Wednesdays • Curry Night at the Swan in the Rushes, 5pm 23rd October • Live Music from the Old Nick Trading Company at the The Swan Challenge Lincolnshire Poacher, from 9pm The Guinness Book of Records Day will raise Thursdays money for local charity • Curry Night at the Vat & Fiddle from 5pm Students come along, take part & try to • Acoustic Sessions from 6.30pm at the Canalhouse break world records at up to 6 stations Sundays Swan in the Rushes • Loyalty Card Madness, with stamps on all drinks, at the 2pm, £1 Golden Eagle Last Friday of each month 30th October • Pie Day & Night at the Fox & Crown, and Halloween at the Vat Open Mic Night at the Swan in the Rushes Come down the brewery tap for goulish Match Day BBQs drinks & devilish burgers Poppy & Pint • The Vat & Fiddle, just 1 minute from Nottingham Bloody Mary relish and mouldy cheese? 30th November train station, fires up the BBQ for all Notts County and mmm! St. Andrew’s Day Nottingham Forest home games, from 11.30am-2.30pm Vat & Fiddle, Celebrating in Scottish style, the Poacher Ladies Night 6pm, free offers Haggis (plus a Scottish veggie dish) • Two courses & a cocktail only £9.95 Visit our website What’s On page and deals on their selection of 70 whiskies On the last Wednesday of each month for full Halloween Listings The Lincolnshire Poacher Willowbrook (book on 0115 987 8596) 12 www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event Drinks in Focus October is Cider and Perry month CAMRA Cider and Perry month takes place every October to celebrate and recognise the production, history and skills associated with real cider and perry making. The trend for real cider is growing in line element of oxidation, allows the cider to interesting products, and this year is no with that of real ale. There are over 300 breathe. There are many flavours inspired exception. We’ll be working extra hard to cider makers operational throughout the by this process and it depends on the cask bring our customers a diverse, exciting and UK, 50% more than in 2005, and many stock and the intention of the Cidermaker. flavourful range of real cider and perry. As cider makers are reporting a high increase At its best, after an extended period of Fringe Festival Fortnight falls between 4th in demand for their products. Jez Hand, time, the cider can develop a rounded, full- and the 19th October, they’ll be plenty of Assistant Manager of the Canalhouse bodied flavour, with a soft feel. However, opportunities to enjoy a cider matched with (which stocks up to 13 real ciders at any the time spent in the wood also increases your meal, special dishes cooked with cider one time) and Castle Rock’s ‘Cider Guru’, the potential for other, more questionable and, for those wanting to learn more, taster offers insight into the time-honoured characteristics.” trays on offer so you can experience the full tradition of cider making. range.” “Castle Rock will be showcasing over 100 “Cidermakers have matured cider in traditional cider and perries throughout its For a full list of ciders available wooden vessels for centuries. The natural pubs during October. We have always been throughout the month, please visit our properties of the wood, combined with an dedicated to showcasing new and website. Black Gold’s a winner Castle Rock at CAMRA GBBF 2014 merchandise 20% OFF MERCHANDISE We’ve got a selection of Castle Rock merchandise up for grabs, with a generous 20% discount!

On 12th August 2014, a few folks from Announced at 3:30pm by Iron Maiden There’s plenty to choose Castle Rock Brewery took the annual frontman, Bruce Dickinson, we were excep- pilgrimage to Olympia in London for the tionally proud to hear that Black Gold had won from, so drop into the Great British Beer Festival. Bronze in the Mild category. Vat & Fiddle to ‘buy it Representing the brewery were managing That now means four different Castle Rock now’ or place director Colin Wilde, chairman Geoff Newton, beers have won at a national level, including head brewer Adrian Redgrove, brewer Dan an order in Harvest Pale’s Supreme Champion Beer of Gilliland, world beer buyer Wayne Harvey, Britain of 2010. your commercial & IT support manager Lewis Townsend, and hop & malt store manager Al Black Gold is a well-balanced dark . At Castle Rock Smith. 3.8%, the beer has a slight sweetness, which is counteracted by a distinct hop aroma and local. Upon arrival, the first task was to test Black bitterness, and is available permanently at many Gold, which was on Bar B15, to check the beer Castle Rock pubs. was up-to-scratch (which of course it was!) The group then dispersed to explore, trying various Congratulations to Adrian and his All-new designs beers and taking in the atmosphere at one of hard-working brewing team for another coming soon... the biggest events in the brewing calendar. wonderful accolade! 13 My favourite Castle Rock beer We love to hear your feedback about our beers, and even more so when there is a story behind it! We’re on a quest over the next few issues to find out what our customers’ favourite Castle Rock tipples are – and why! TOP COMMENTS Elsie Mo Thanks for all your tweets, retweets, follows, likes, and Name: Richard Whitbread lovely comments. Keep them coming! Local: Several Castle Rock pubs

“Just writing to say how much I enjoy Favourite Beer: Elsie Mo your beers and to say what an excellent pub the Swan in the Rushes (Loughborough) is. “My favourite beer has to be Elsie Mo. She is a There are so many themed / chain perfect blonde, bright and bubbly with attitude. pubs selling mediocre beers that it is very refreshing to find an unassuming, And has a cheeky aftertaste. CHEERS!” friendly down to earth pub with excellently kept ales and good, reasonably priced food. If you’re a fan of Elsie, and we know many of you are, keep an eye out Elsie Mo is an excellent beer and very on the streets of Nottingham and beyond! Our CRB vans are about to consistent. The staff, owners and get a rather eye-catching makeover, and those spotting Elsie out on the brewery deserve congratulations for road will be in on a chance to win tasty goodies. keeping up a dying tradition. Keep it up and thank you.” Follow Elsie on @Elsiemocrb Dave Johnson, local to the “I recommend Castle Rock Brewery’s Elsie Mo - satisfying with some Swan in the Rushes great fruity notes - currently my favourite!” (@OssianH_)

There’s always something happening in the Castle Rock estate, and you can get even more Follow us! involved, learn of upcoming events and benefit from offers just by following our social media feeds! Simply search for the below accounts on Facebook or Twitter and click “Like”, “Follow” or “Add Friend”

Alexandra Hotel @Alex_Pub_Derby The Rook and Gaskill @RookGaskillYork Bread Bitter @breadandbitter Stratford Haven @stratfordhaven Canal House @canalhousebar Swan Rushes @swanrushes The Derby Tup @TheDerbyTup Vat and Fiddle @VatandFiddle The Eagle @TheEagleBoston The Wetmore Whistle @wetmorewhistle1 The Maze @themazenotts The Willowbrook @WillowbrookCRB The Fox & Crown, Newark @TheFoxandCrown Castle Rock Brewery @CRBrewery The Golden Eagle Free House @GoldenEaglePub The Hop Loft @TheHopLoft Our beers talk too! Kean’s Head @keanshead Lincolnshire Poacher @lincpoacher Elsie Mo @Elsiemocrb New Barrack Tavern @NewBarrack Sheriff Tipple @SheriffTipple The Newshouse @NewshouseNotts Screech Owl @ScreechOwlCRB Poppy & Pint @PoppyandPint @Traffic_Street 14 15 ALEXANDRA HOTEL 203 Siddals Road, Derby DE1 2QE Castle Rock Pubs Tel: 01332 293993 e-mail: [email protected]

BREAD AND BITTER CANALHOUSE CASTLE ROCK TAP 153-155 Woodthorpe Dr, Mapperley, NG3 5JL 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH ROOM & KITCHEN Tel: 0115 960 7541 Tel: 0115 955 5060 First Floor Departure Lounge, East Midlands Airport e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

DERBY TUP EAGLE FOREST TAVERN/MAZE 387 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield S41 8LS 144 West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8RE 257 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FT Tel: 01246 454316 Tel: 01205 361116 Tel: 0115 947 5650 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] email: [email protected] • web: www.themazerocks.com

FOX AND CROWN GOLDEN EAGLE HOP LOFT 4-6 Appletongate, Newark, Notts NG24 1JY 21 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8BD 21 The Rushes, Loughborough, LE11 5BE Tel: 01636 605820 Tel: 01522 521058 Tel: 01509 217014 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

KEAN’S HEAD LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER NEW BARRACK TAVERN 46 St. Mary’s Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA 161-163 Mansfield Road, Nott’m NG1 3FR 601 Penistone Road, Sheffield S6 2GA Tel: 0115 947 4052 Tel: 0115 941 1584 Tel: 0114 234 9148 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

NEWSHOUSE POPPY AND PINT ROOK AND GASKILL 123 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7HB Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, Notts NG2 5DX 12 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3WP Tel: 0115 952 3061 Tel: 0115 981 9995 Tel: 01904 655450 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

STRATFORD HAVEN SWAN IN THE RUSHES VAT AND FIDDLE (The Brewery Tap) 2 Stratford Rd, W. Bridgford, Nott’m NG2 6BA 21 The Rushes, Loughborough LE11 5BE 12-14 Queensbridge Rd, Nottingham NG2 1NB Tel: 0115 982 5981 Tel: 01509 217014 Tel: 0115 985 0611 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

(Hands On VICTORIA HOTEL Pub Company) WETMORE WHISTLE WILLOWBROOK Dovecote Lane, Beeston, Nott’m NG9 1JG 93 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 1SH 13 Main Rd, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 3HQ Tel: 0115 925 4049 Tel: 01283 541064 Tel: 0115 987 8596 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Core Castle Rock Beers

3.4% 3.8% 3.8% 4.3% 4.4% 4.7% 5.5% Brewed to be a A national award- A well balanced, award- American-style red ale A full-bodied premium Blonde and beautiful A national champion. traditional session ale winning golden beer. winning dark mild with brewed with dark bitter of typical East single malt golden ale Strong India Pale Ale. with a malty bitter American hops give a some bitterness. crystal malt, plus Midlands character. refreshing on the Lots of everything so taste. refreshingly crisp, citrus Full-bodied but not El Dorado and Kohatu Perfect bitter-sweet palate. proceed with caution. finish. overly sweet. hops. balance. See you in 2015...when even more will be revealed The seasonal beers Snowhite & Midnight Owl are available from January to March: PLUS we’re re-launching our Natural Selection…