Cambridge Uni’s commemorative beer

The University of Cambridge is celebrating its 800th birthday with the creation of a traditional recipe ale. Named 1209 after the year of the university’s foundation, the beer is based on the type of medieval brew that would have been available to scholars at that time.

Produced by Greene King, a British brewery for more than 200 years, the traditional recipe ale has been adapted for modern palates, according to head brewer John Bexon, whose tasting note of the beer is "slightly bitter with a distinct malty flavour."

Bexon added that he was honoured to be asked to produce a brew for the university’s 800th anniversary, saying: "It is a privilege and a pleasure to have been asked to apply our knowledge and craft for the production of a Cambridge University brew. I hope the residents of Cambridge will be joining students, alumni and university staff in trying the beer and raising a pint to this amazing institution."

The beer has been sent to popular pubs in Cambridge including the Eagle, the Champion of the Thames, the Fort St George and the Green Dragon. It is also available at the Prince Albert in Ely, the Navigator in Little Shelford and the Three Tuns in Fen Drayton.

Jane Parkinson, 16.07.09