Adnams, the Suffolk brewer, has launched ’Native Britten’, a limited edition beer, to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Suffolk-born composer Benjamin Britten.
‘Native Britten’ is a golden wheat beer with a 4.5% abv. Made solely from ingredients sourced within Suffolk, the beer has been brewed using First Gold hops, local malted barley and wheat and then finished with a touch of honey and thyme. The final product contains notes of banana and citrus and a light herbal aroma, giving it a sweet and dry finish.
The beer will be available in a choice of three different labels designed by COOKCHICK Design Ltd. Founder, Lee Cook, comments, “Whilst researching Britten’s life, one rich visual area was how his inspiration was often drawn from the Suffolk landscape. In an attempt to express the variety in his body of work we developed a range of three designs, inspired by the different land and seascapes which would have surrounded him. The Suffolk land, sea and marshlands were chosen to summarise these landscapes.”
Commenting on the beer, Head Brewer Fergus Fitzgerald said: “Britten is one of the most celebrated British composers of the 20th century. I wasn’t over familiar with his work so I started my research by listening to his music, reading a biography and talking at length with Jonathan Reekie, Chief Executive of Aldeburgh Music. What stood out for me was an exchange between Peter Grimes and Balstrode in Britten’s opera ‘Peter Grimes’:
Peter: “I am native, rooted here”
Balstrode: “Rooted to what?”
Peter: “by familiar fields, marsh and sand…”
These words motivated me to develop a beer using only Suffolk ingredients. Thyme is mentioned in Britten’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ so we incorporated that into the recipe too. This has been a fascinating project which we hope will be popular at the many Britten events taking place throughout his centenary year. It may also bring Britten to the attention of those not previously familiar with his work.”
The limited-edition brew is available in 12 x 500ml bottles and can be found in Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Stores and online at Adnams.co.uk
About Adnams
Adnams, the brewer, distiller and retailer, is an independent values-based business committed to a sustainable future. It has been brewing from its base at Southwold on the Suffolk coast for over 100 years and produces a range of cask and bottled beers, which are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide. The company has an estate of pubs, hotels and chain of Cellar & Kitchen stores.
For more information about Adnams click here
For more information about the Britten centenary celebrations click here