When Purity Brewing Company, the award-winning brewery based in Warwickshire, announced a historic licensing partnership with English Heritage, we were intrigued.
Having contacted their PR agency, as we had already covered the news of this unique partnership, a box of six beers arrived at the office and appetites were whetted.
The range comprises a 4% ABV Modern Day GF Best Bitter, a 5% ABV Organic GF Lager and the 0.5% ABV GF Low-Alcohol Pale Ale.
These beers all available to buy in shops and cafés at many of English Heritage’s 400 historic sites, including world-famous English medieval castles, Roman forts and abbeys.
English Best Bitter
We very much enjoyed this well-rounded bitter with hints of mixed berries and a rewarding nutty finish. This is very much a traditional beer that will appeal to both the aficionados and newcomers to the category, alike.
Organic Craft Lager
The straw-gold-coloured craft lager was crisp, light and refreshing, with subtle citrus notes coming through. It was a very smooth, easy-drinking 5% ABV craft lager that is best served ice cold. We were impressed with this lager that we would easily choose in favour of some of the higher profile European lagers.
Everyday Pale Ale
A copper-coloured ale with citrus notes of grapefruit and lime came to the fore delivering a contemporary flavour profile, which was very quaffable. For a low ABV (0,5%) IPA, this would stand up against any full-strength counterpart.
For nominated drivers or those who are simply looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, you are definitely not missing out with this IPA.
The shelf appeal is going to be high with all three heritage beers, as the bottle design feature stylised battle helmets that provide a very visual link to English Heritage.
Along with three highly enjoyable beers, the collaboration is particularly poignant for the Purity team whose late co-founder Jim Minkin, enjoyed a passion for Roman history. Minkin established Purity, in Great Alne, in 2005, with Paul Hasley, on a joint mission to ‘brew great beer without prejudice, with a conscience, consistency and attention to detail.’
Commenting on the partnership, Paul Brazier, head of marketing at Purity, said: “The English Heritage partnership has been born through a shared desire to leave a recognisable mark of quality, sustainability and authenticity on the world.
“Manifesting itself through our English Heritage Collection, celebrating the best of all things that have shaped our green and pleasant land, our beers are as rich and characterful in flavour as our country is in history. This is a great opportunity to tell authentic stories through the eyes of national treasures.
“The unique label designs combine the three core brewing ingredients: whole cone hops, malted barley and pure water with medieval battle-worn helmets from some of English history’s most defining moments, including the invasion of English shores by Saxon and Viking warriors, to the enduring conquests of the infamous Knights Templar.”
English Heritage’s licensing and commercial development manager, Alexandra Bovey, was equally pleased with the collaboration: “We’re so proud to have partnered with Purity, who we knew were a great fit as a responsible brewer caring about sustainable practices and never compromising on quality.
“The product range that is the result of months of joint development work are beautifully designed and we’re so pleased to be bringing this range to both our visitors, members and the wider public.”
Central to the brewer is a strong commitment to supporting the environment. Purity only uses natural ingredients, supports recycling programs and respects the local community and environment. Waste products are recycled through its unique wetland system.
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