Woodforde’s Brewery has added a lager, called Conquest (4.5% ABV) to its line-up, in response to market trends and changing drinkers’ tastes.
Woodforde’s head brewer, Neil Bain, said: “Conquest is a clean, crisp, premium lager, with a glorious citrus finish and a full palate, which we’re confident will make people want to come back for more.
“It’s bold and bursting with modern hop varieties, making it our own take on a pub favourite, but with a contemporary twist — light, refreshing and thirst-quenching.”
The beer has a blend of lager malt, caramalt, Maris Otter extra pale, and wheat malt, while the hops are Hallertau Magnum (bittering), Cascade and Amarillo (aroma), and Cascade and Nelson Sauvin (hopback).
James Armitage, Woodforde’s commercial and marketing director, said: “This is a real milestone for us because Conquest is the first lager to be brewed under our own name.
“We brew British lager for Marks & Spencer, which is part of its own-label beer range. It’s proved hugely popular, and is selling well. That success, coupled with the fact Woodforde’s always seeks to respond to customer demand and prevailing industry trends, prompted us to create our very own lager.
“Like all premium lagers, Conquest had to be refreshing and thirst quenching, and Neil has achieved that, while at the same time packing it full of flavour.”
James added: “Until now, people probably know us best for traditional-style beers and ales, but we’re now in a dynamic, fast-changing beer market, in which drinkers are continually seeking out new brews, and felt the time was right to explore new territory with our own innovative new lager.”
• As part of an initial launch period, Conquest will be available on draught in specially selected pubs across East Anglia, with publicans able to order it in 30-litre kegs. There are plans to roll out Conquest in cans in 2019.
