Music inspires Greene King guest ales

The Greene King brewing company has revealed its calendar for guest ales in 2013 including six new brews, many of which have music-themed names.

Yardbird (4.0% abv), Twisted Wheel (4.0% abv), and Hurdy Gurdy (4.1% abv) will all be available in three-month periods throughout the year, with Yardbird currently on sale until the end of March.

US jazz legend Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker is the inspiration behind Yardbird, which is an American-style IPA that is “full of hops and has been crafted to deliver a lasting fruity flavour”.

Twisted Wheel is a nod to the 50th anniversary of the famous Manchester northern soul venue of the same name which gained notoriety as the country’s first Mod club. Branded with a roundel design and union flag, this light ale will be available between April and June and includes “a twist of ginger and a zip of spice”.

Hurdy Gurdy – a mellow, cloudy, wheat ale – follows throughout July, August and September.

Dom South, Greene King’s marketing director, said: “Hosting guest ales alongside permanent cask brands is a great way of generating interest and choice. That’s why we’re always looking to innovate with different tastes and new ideas to support pubs in keeping drinkers coming back for more. These new brews key into popular seasonal and cultural trends and provide great alternatives to our regular favourites.”

Also included in the Bury-St-Edmunds-based brewer’s line-up for 2013 are: Caritas in April, Bohemian in June and Revolver in August, which has been brewed in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles.

The calendar also includes Abbot Reserve in December, Ale Fresco in May and the porter 1799 in October.