The 2012 Bristol Beer festival sees the official launch of Collaboration 2012. In the spirit of collaboration 6 local breweries have come together to brew a very special beer to celebrate all that is good about beer in Bristol. For the first time since 1889 when Bristol United Breweries was formed, the major breweries in Bristol are once again uniting to brew beer for Bristolians. Arbor Ales, Bath Ales, Bristol Beer Factory, Great Western Brewing, RCH and Zero Degrees are combining their skills, knowledge and passion for great beer to produce a brew that gives a modern twist to a style of beer that has been famously brewed and exported from Bristol for centuries. 

 

Collaboration is a Porter, a traditional dark beer made famous during the 18^th century; there are records of the Porter Brewery in Bristol dating back to 1730. 

 

Arbor Ales Jon Comer said “we decided to brew a traditional, historical style that was important in the history of brewing in Bristol”.

 

Roger Jones from Bath Ales commented that “the brewing industry is truly unique. I can’t imagine any other industry where 6 competitor businesses from the same city would get together over a beer and decide to collaborate their efforts.”

 

Bristol Beer Factory Managing Director Simon Bartlett said “The CAMRA Bristol Beer Festival is the most important event in Bristol for breweries and we wanted to unite to brew a beer that celebrated the fabulous talents of local brewers.”

 

The six breweries will be launching “Collaboration 2012” at the Bristol Beer Festival on Thursday 15th March. The beer will be sold in pubs owned by the all of the breweries involved as well as other freehouses in the city. The Collaboration 2012 will be available in bottles, casks and kegs, to be enjoyed from all forms of dispense. The initial tastings are fantastic –smooth dark malt flavour with a hint of smokiness blended with a beautiful dark fruit full mouth feel provided by the bramling cross hops.

Chris Kay and Brett Ellis of the Bristol Beer Factory enjoy a tasting in advance of the Bristol Beer Festival