Cask ale is king of the castle

Caledonian Brewery and Historic Scotland launch an 80/-

EDINBURGH-based Caledonian Brewery has revamped its 80/- beer in a new partnership with Edinburgh Castle.

Teaming up with Edinburgh Castle operator Historic Scotland, Caledonian Brewery has modified the recipe of the Scottish ale, which will now be sold under the name Edinburgh Castle 80/-.

The revamped beer is brewed using five types of malted barley. The new liquid is said to offer a full-bodied bittersweet taste combining a caramel and fruity aroma with a soft hoppy and spicy finish.

Edinburgh Castle 80/- is currently available in cask format, supported by pump clips displaying an image of Edinburgh Castle.

A bottled format of Edinburgh Castle 80/- is scheduled to be rolled out from Easter and will be available to purchase from a number of outlets including the castle itself.

Andy Maddock, managing director of Caledonian Brewery, said the brewery has a historic link to the capital.

“The Caledonian Brewery has been at the heart of Edinburgh life for 145 years,” said Maddock. “We brew our beers with passion and pride, in a traditional Victorian brewery, set in the heart of Edinburgh.

“We are delighted to have signed the agreement with Historic Scotland to feature the name of this world-famous landmark which reflects the pride we have in our Edinburgh roots.”

Stephen Duncan, Historic Scotland’s director of commercial and tourism, said the organisation is “extremely pleased” to have partnered with the Caledonian Brewery.

“The launch of this partnership is made doubly special in the ‘Year of Food and Drink’, 2015, which celebrates and promotes Scotland’s vast larder of quality produce, and we are sure that this new collaboration will be a fitting addition in what is a special year for Scottish producers,” said Duncan.