Following success in growing the artisan Andalusian beer brand Alhambra, Manchester-based importer Morgenrot has further bolstered its Spanish portfolio with the launch of two unique craft beers from Rioja’s Cervecera Artesana.
The new beers now available include Palax, a high-class, bottle-conditioned artisan lager, and Ceriux Rubia, a one-of-a-kind, double-fermented craft ale that is known as “the beer with a touch of wine”.
The 4.9% ABV Palax offers aromas of honey and citrus fruits, providing an intricate, full and rounded taste from hallertau tradition hops for a classic and crisp finish. The beer is packaged in a stylish, specially designed 33cl bottle and has a recommended retail price of between £1.99 and £2.49.
Meanwhile, the 5.4 ABV Ceriux Rubia is described as a unique, highly expressive blond craft ale made using perle and cascade hops. The beer undergoes an ageing process of over a month in between fermentations and has concentrated viura and tempranillo grape musts added to it that are provided by the neighbouring Nivarius winery. The musts impart aromas and flavours that make for a “refreshing and complex” beer, with a beautifully balanced bitter finish that lengthens its taste. The beer is packaged in a sleek 37.5cl bottle and has a recommended retail price of £2.99–£3.49.
The brainchild of Javier Palacios, who had a life-long passion for beer while making wine in Spain’s most famous wine region, Cervecera Artesana is based 800 metres above sea level and boasts one of the most incredible brewery vistas in the world.
Set up in 2012, the brewery is part of the Palacios Vinoteca Group, which produces the Trus and Nivei wines available in Mitchells & Butlers’ All Bar One sites, and is located alongside the group’s Nivarius winery in the region of Nalda, 17km from Logroño.
Morgenrot commercial director John Critchley said: “Since I first tried the Palax and Ceriux beers, I have been desperate to get the brewery’s UK distribution rights as they epitomise what is great about Spanish food and drink. The beers are of unbelievable quality, packed full of flavour and great with food and friends. With the brewery’s Riojan provenance and sublime packaging, we’re delighted to be the official UK importers and expect huge things in the coming years.”
And Cervecera Artesana owner Javier Palacios added: “Demand for the finest Spanish food and drink is continuing to increase in the UK and with craft beer still a key trend; we believe our beers couldn’t have arrived at a better time. We’ve come a long way since we set up in 2012 but we have big dreams so it’s a massive pleasure to be working with Morgenrot. With their experience in building awareness and distribution for the Alhambra beer brand in the UK over the last four years, we believe we have the perfect partner for success.”
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