The official beer of Manchester Beer Week, a limited edition, cross-Pennine collaboration between Manchester’s JW Lees and Northern Monk from Leeds, is now available in more than 60 Co-op stores across the region.
Summer Pale Ale not only brings two cities together, it also combines old and new worlds. Founded in 1828, JW Lees is Manchester’s oldest brewery, while Northern Monk is one of the most exciting young breweries in the modern craft beer scene.
Both perspectives shine through in the beer, which uses a large amount of New World hops — Citra and Mosaic from the USA — but is fermented using JW Lees’ distinctive 4,904th-generation yeast. It is pale in colour with a robust bitterness and comes in at 5.1% ABV.
Bottles are available exclusively in the Co-op until the end of Manchester Beer Week, which runs from Friday, June 29, until Sunday, July 8. The beer will also appear on cask and keg at a number of venues across Greater Manchester during the festival, as well as JW Lees pubs.
Manchester Beer Week organiser, Connor Murphy, said: “We’re really pleased with how the beer has turned out and the way it has captured the different approaches of the two breweries.
“The beer scene in the North is strong right now and that’s why we extended the hand of friendship beyond Manchester for this year’s official beer. We hope to emphasise the potential for independent beer to continue growing through a collaborative approach.”
The Co-op is main sponsor of Manchester Beer Week for the second year running, part of the retailer’s commitment to supporting local producers.
Sustainable growth
Simon Dryell, head of local sourcing at the Co-op, said: “We are delighted to partner with Manchester Beer Week. Locally brewed ale is an exciting category where we can see continued sustainable growth as craft ale followers look for something that tastes different, while retaining the passion, history and tradition that goes into brewing quality ales.
“As a community retailer, the Co-op is committed to investing in its local communities, and exploring new ways to showcase, celebrate and support great quality locally produced food and drink.”
The full list of Co-op stores stocking Summer Pale Ale can be found at www.mcrbeerweek.co.
