We’re excited to reveal one of the first beers in our brand-new collaboration series – brewed at Castle Rock with the brilliant Tom from Red Willow Brewery. This 5.5% brew brings together English hops and mango for a refreshing, fruit-forward twist on tradition. You’ll be able to try it first at the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, launching on 8th October.
Ahead of the release, we chatted to Tom about the collab, brewing ethos, and what inspires him.
What excited you most about teaming up for this collaboration?
To meet and brew with the team.
How did the idea for this particular style/recipe come about?
We wanted to brew something close – but slightly outside – of both of our day-to-day.
Which part of the brewing process are you most looking forward to seeing come to life in the final beer?
I’m interested in how the Harlequin and mango pair.
What made you choose these ingredients?
We wanted to combine some English hops with fruit.
If you had to describe the finished beer in three words, what would they be?
Quenchable, fruit-forward and refreshing.
Was there anything experimental or unusual about this recipe compared to your usual brews?
Yes – the use of mango in a traditional cask style.
For those who don’t know your brewery, how would you describe your ethos in a sentence?
Less is more. We focus on good ingredients, solid processes, and traditions.
What’s your go-to beer style when you’re off duty?
Usually a German lager, or a good well-balanced pale.
Collabs are as much about people as they are about beer – what’s been your favourite moment of the day so far?
Getting to know the team.
How do you see your brewery’s relationship with local pubs, stockists and drinkers?
Good, I think – a nice balance of traditional and craft beer.
What’s your own ‘perfect pint spot’?
Sat around with friends drinking local beer.
What trends or changes in beer excite you right now?
The focus on bringing beer back to basics – and the return of traditional styles, alongside the rise of alcohol-free beer.
Where do you see cask beer in the next few years?
I predict that cask beer will slowly make its way to the rest of the world, following English traditions.
If you could collab with any brewery in the world, who would it be and why?
Either Augustiner Brewery in Munich or Schlenkerla in Bamberg – I’m a huge fan of their Rauchbier.
Look out for this Castle Rock x Red Willow collaboration at the Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival this October – and in our bars and beyond from October. It’s the perfect showcase of tradition meeting innovation, with a juicy mango twist.
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