The first Thursday of the month is here, which means we've got three new beers on tap. The latest in our line up of one-off trial and experimental brews; an English brown ale, a farmhouse ale, and a Belgian pale ale. To learn more, read on...

READ AND GET RICH  - 5% English Brown Ale

Our Spectrum series was established not only to experiment with new and unusual styles, but also to explore the full spectrum of what beer can be. From the avant garde, to the traditional. Our first beer this month definitely falls in the latter camp, and as such it's also the Spectrum we're pouring on cask this month.

Read and Get Rich is an English brown ale; malt forward, with notes of dark fruit and toast, this inviting and unassuming brew features a plethora of specialty grains and a duo of hops - Bramling X and First Gold. Pouring a rich brown colour, with ruby highlights, the colour is imparted by crystal and chocolate malts - which also bring aromas and flavours of fruity coffee, blackberry, and bitter chocolate. Munich malt brings a rich biscuit warmth to the flavour profile, while naked malted oats and torrified wheat fill out the smooth texture of this brew. The classic English hops are discernible but take a supporting, rather than a leading role.

Phil originally wanted to brew a dark lager this month, but we couldn't get the ingredients in time - so Read and Get Rich is something of a happy accident. The even better news is that the dark lager will be brewed next month instead! 

Food pairings:

• Ham hough terrine, with spiced chutney and crostini
• Stornoway black pudding salad, with caramelised apple, potato and pancetta 

SAXOMOPHONE  - 5.3% Grapefruit Belgian Pale Ale

At this point, there are more than a few grapefruit pale ales and IPAs on the market. Some have been incredibly successful. Something that most have in common, is that the grapefruit character takes a common hop flavour note and exaggerates it.

Pete's Belgian pale ale is a little different. Rather than a grapefruit extract (which requires only a small concentrated addition), we've added grapefruit puree. This means Saxomophone doesn't have intense grapefruit aromas; instead it adds a fresh, pithy and refreshing citrus character on the palate. The use of Azacca and Cascade hops also imparts fruity notes. Beyond that, this is a classic Belgian pale ale; warming, softly spicy, dry and engaging. We've packed Saxomophone in bottles, for you to enjoy at home.

Fun fact: the saxophone was created by Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax. Yes, it's that tenuous.

Food pairings:

• Moules frites; steamed mussels served with fries
• Charred tenderstem broccoli, with kale, toasted almond and truffle

LOOK AROUND YOU  - 6.3% Orange + Fennel Farmhouse Ale

This month we're adding a bonus bottling into the mix - and our orange + fennel farmhouse ale, Look Around You, is the lucky recipient.

Pete's second Spectrum this month, Look Around You takes its name from the driving principle behind saisons; you use whatever's to hand on the farm you're brewing at. Look around you, and if you see rye or spelt, that's what goes in the beer.

This particular brew encompasses - deep breath - extra pale Maris Otter, pilsner malt, wheat malt, Munich malt, arome, flaked oats, flaked barley, rye, and crystal rye; plus sixteen large oranges, two litres of orange juice, and half a kilo of fennel... The addition of Motueka hops every ten minutes throughout the boil bridges the spicy rye notes, the citrusy orange, and the herbal fennel character.

This is a complex and intriguing beer, that will reward you whether you're grabbing a casual schooner at our Brasserie bar, enjoying it with (or in) food, or picking it apart at a bottle share.

 Food pairings:

• Pan-Seared Sea bass, with chorizo, wild rice and chilli jam
• Garlic & herb roasted chicken

That's about it for this month's Spectrum series. All three beers are pouring now at our bar, so come on down and check them out! We're sorry we didn't post last months releases, but we're back on track now. For news on upcoming beers, events and more, sign up for our newsletter or check out the rest of the site!