West Sussex based Hepworth & Company Brewery has launched its first own-brand low alcohol beer, just in time for a Dry(ish) January.
Spartan is a British Style pale ale which uses a complex grist of speciality malts that limit the fermentation to 0.5% ABV, resulting in a rounded body that would normally be expected in a full-strength beer.
Spartan is modelled on Hepworth’s successful Traditional Sussex Bitter, itself a low strength quaffable beer at 3.5% which uses not just British hops, but local Sussex grown hops.
Hepworth & Company Brewery used five different hops in Spartan, also sourced both locally in Sussex and from around the UK. They were added at different stages of the brew to build up a full hop character without being overpowering.
The latest addition from Hepworth & Company is also gluten free and vegan friendly. Spartan also contains agave syrup not only for richer taste but to lower the calorie level to just 21 calories per 100ml.
Whilst Hepworth & Company Brewery has brewed and developed other low alcohol beers for its successful white-label contracts, this is the first time the company has produced its own offering of this kind.
Head Brewer and Managing Director, Andy Hepworth, said: “Low alcohol beers have improved greatly over recent years. However, many of the ales use big, brash American hops to make up for the lack of other characters in these beers. This frequently makes a beer that has great flavour but just that one alone.
“We wanted to create a low alcohol beer that is genuinely quaffable, and we have spent time developing Spartan to ensure the taste of it measures up. A beer that you can join in the British custom of ‘rounds’ with others and not just nurse one drink through the evening. It’s perfect for many occasions, whether you’re looking to upgrade a soft drink choice or looking to cut down on alcohol, you’ll still get the refreshing reassurance of a great Hepworth beer, without compromise on flavour.”
Hepworth & Company has a range of 13 beers and lagers, the majority of which are gluten free and suitable for vegans, thanks to the brewing process on certain beers used that removes gluten naturally. Many of the company’s beers are stocked in national retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose and Morrison’s.
Hepworth & Company is also leading the way when it comes to sustainability in brewing, with its site in the heart of West Sussex being the proud pioneer of a beer sourced heat pump.
Spartan is available to purchase from www.hepworth.com or Hepworth’s Visitor Centre in 12x500ml bottles. Current stockists include Real English Drinks (RED), Taurus Wines and Crafty Pint. Prices available on request.
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About Hepworth
Hepworth & Company is an award-winning brewery, creating craft and contemporary beers for both on and off trade as well as white labelling services. Hepworth & Company attributes its success to its three philosophies of traditional brewing methods, local sourcing of the main ingredients of the beer to the highest standard, and tremendous craftsmanship that results in the perfect pint.
Hepworth & Company has a range of 14 beers and lagers, the majority of which are gluten free and suitable for vegans, thanks to the brewing process on certain beers used that removes gluten naturally. It is also looking to diversify into low alcohol beers and flavoured beers in 2021.
Hepworth & Company is also leading the way when it comes to sustainability in brewing, with its site in the heart of West Sussex being the proud pioneer of a beer sourced heat pump.
Other companies such as Marks & Spencer have come to Hepworth & Company thanks to its renowned expertise to create beers for them.
The brewery also has a visitor centre which stocks a variety of Sussex produced goodies, including gins, wines, jams, jellies, and chutneys. Hepworth & Company has also recently opened a pop-up version of the store in Horsham for the festive period.
Press release from Louisa Clack PR on behalf of Hepworth & Company
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