St Austell adds Cornish Saison to Marks & Spencer beer range

Cornish brewer St Austell has launched its Cornish Saison into Marks & Spencer stores, brewing it exclusively for the UK retailer as part of its permanent range of own-brand beers.

The 5.9% ABV saison, which is particularly targeted towards the upcoming summer season, is described as “refreshing and thirst-quenching” with notes of “black pepper, spice and citrus”.

The beer is brewed with Magnum and Citra hops with the addition of ginger, lemon and lime zest.

It was first brewed in collaboration with beer writer and sommelier Melissa Cole and according to the brewer, it pairs well with brie, shellfish and chicken.

Head brewer, Roger Ryman said: “We’re proud to be have been selected by Marks & Spencer to brew a Cornish Saison for distribution in stores throughout the UK. A Saison is a much-loved traditional beer style, but we’ve put our own unique Cornish twist on it. Our interpretation is brewed with a blend of premium Maris Otter barley, wheat and oat malts along with our own local water. It’s bursting with flavour and has a hint of cinnamon, a peppery spice and refreshing citrus finish.”

St Austell already brews four beers for M&S including a Cornish pale ale, an IPA, a six malt stout and a Cornish red ale.

The Cornish Saison is available in M&S stores nationwide for £2 per 330ml can.

Among the breweries that Marks and Spencer currently works with are Meantime Brewing (eight beers) and Adnams (seven beers) as well as those that produce regional beers including Oakham Ales, Arbor Ales, Westerham Brewery, Norton Brewery, Allendale Brewery and Ilkley Brewery.