[vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”40086,40087,40088,40089″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” wrap=”yes”][vc_column_text]A Hertfordshire grower and two brewers have converted a 480lb pumpkin into 3,000 pints of pumpkin beer for Halloween. A promotion of the beer at a local pub will raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

New River Brewery, based in Hoddesdon, has teamed up with Douglas Smith of Sweet Pea Salads, based at Foxholes Farm, Hertford, to produce a seasonal pumpkin beer.

The pumpkin, which weighs more than two baby elephants, was nicknamed Lily and was converted by Hertfordshire-based brewers, Jeremy Alter and John Bourdeaux into a new autumnal special, Pumped Up! in time for Halloween.

Jeremy said: “What better way to mark our 50th brew than to create a really special beer using a locally grown and quite remarkable ingredient!”

New River PumpedCommenting on the fact that New River Brewery’s used grain is recycled as cattle feed at Foxholes Farm, John added: “Putting a pumpkin grown on that land into our beer seems to complete the life circle perfectly. It feels like Cinderella in reverse — turning a pumpkin into ale!”

After the ceremonial cutting of the pumpkin, Lily was taken to the brewery and made into the 4.2% ABV beer which is now available in casks for Halloween and throughout autumn.

The Atlantic Giant variety pumpkin was first roasted and caramelised in an oven, before being added to the brew together with a special mix of spices.

The pumpkin was one of two giant pumpkins grown by Douglas. An even larger one — named Stella — which had to be lifted using the farm’s JCB, was entered into a UK-wide biggest pumpkin competition. It came in sixth place out of 25 with a final weight of 624.1 lb — more than four baby elephants. Stella is now on display at Foxholes Farm.

Douglas said: “The giant pumpkins have been a huge wow factor for kids at the farm, and it makes a change from the more usual salad leaves that I grow to sell.”

To celebrate the release, New River Brewery is donating a cask of Pumped Up! to Hertfordshire publican Peter Tatlow, of the Golden Fleece, Braughing, for a Halloween special promotion from October 28-31. The beers will be sold for £3.50 with all funds raised going to Prostate Cancer UK.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]