Butcombe Brewery and Bristol-based drinks wholesaler Matthew Clark are joining forces to launch Matthew Pale Ale, a crisp, light amber beer.

The firms have been inspired by John Cabot, the famous Bristolian seafarer and explorer, and his legendary voyage on his ship The Matthew.  In 1497 Cabot sailed from Bristol in The Matthew, laying claim to discovering North America.

The ship adorns the pumpclip and can be seen floating on a stormy sea of a frothy pint of this 3.8% ABV beer. The Matthew’s journey has become one of Bristol’s proudest achievements, with a full-sized working replica of the famous ship moored outside the Arnolfini arts centre and gallery in the city.

Matthew Pale Ale is brewed using local Mendip spring water and English Maris Otter Malt. The beer is grounded in the versatile English Challenger hop but is given its distinctive floral finish by American Amarillo hops added at the end of the brewing process. The beer has fresh citrus notes and a clean, dry finish.

Guy Newell, Butcombe’s managing director, said: “This really is a marriage made in Bristol, in the story behind the beer, the brewing and the distribution. It’s fantastic to work with Matthew Clark and the fact that they have access to over 16,000 on-trade premises nationally should give Matthew Pale Ale, which is a delicious beer,  the launch it deserves.”

Kathryn Sheppard, Matthew Clark’s beer product controller, added: “This is a really exciting time for Matthew Clark and cask ale, and having an exclusive beer that is Matthew Pale Ale not only provides our customers with a great tasting product, but also a point of difference to offer their consumers.”

Matthew Pale Ale will be Butcombe’s new permanent beer and is available year-round exclusively from Butcombe Brewery and Matthew Clark.

This blog post is not by Wobbly Wallet but originally appeared on Beer Today: http://beertoday.co.uk/?p=12615