Old Speckled Hen, part of Greene King Brewery, has launched a new permanent cask ale, Old Session Hen, following its successful retail launch last year.
At 3.4%, Old Session Hen is described as an ‘easy-drinking ale with hints of tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, clean finish’.
Introduced to the retail market last year in bottle and can format, Old Session Hen ended 2024 as the top ale launch for volume for the year and in the top five best new launch in the beer category in the off trade in terms of value.
Following that strong consumer response, Greene King reckoned that Old Session Hen was an ideal liquid to launch in cask.
The ‘sessionable ale’ style has been growing in popularity among consumers in both the on- and off-trade as drinkers seek an ale that is a lighter colour and can offer a lower ABV, particularly around the 3.4% ABV.
CGA OPMS data shows that golden ale’s share of the market grows significantly in the summer, and golden ale drinkers tend to visit venues more often and spend more, with 54% visiting at least weekly, compared to 46% of general drinkers, and spending £121 per month, vs. £108 for the average drinker.
With those stats in mind, Greene King said that a golden cask ale was a ‘must-have for any bar in the summer’ – and suggested that Old Session Hen was the ideal ale to introduce this year.
All new stockists who order Old Session Hen will receive a POS kit upon installation, including a premium pump clip, glassware, bar runners and drip mats.
Brand manager for the Hen family ,Kirsten Alexander, said: “We wanted to continue building on the success of Old Session Hen and we thought there was an ideal opportunity to launch a cask version to give consumers the chance to enjoy this fantastic beer on the bar, and help outlets tap into the growing golden cask ale market.
“Our brewers have carefully crafted the recipe to create a light, fresh and fruity session beer at just 3.4.%, perfect for those who want a sessionable pint they can enjoy without compromising on flavour and refreshment.
“Our ultimate goal is to bring more people to the world of cask ale; it is such a wonderful tradition in British pubs and brewing and we think Old Session Hen perfectly complements our existing range of fantastic cask ales and offers something new and exciting from the ‘Hen’ family.”
