Dining

I believe in a thing called beer: Signature Brew partners The Darkness for Bells End Winter bitter

Signature Brew has partnered with rock gods The Darkness to release a Christmas beer, labelled Bells End (after the band’s evergreen Xmas hit ‘Christmastime (Don’t Let The Bells End’).

The Extra Seasonal Bitter (5.2% ABV), brewed in Walthamstow with English hops, is a clear, deep copper beer with a medium-low carbonation. Tasting notes suggest a spicy blackcurrant fruitiness and a firm bitterness which balances the rich, sweet toffee flavours of the malt.

“We were really excited to brew with The Darkness, we love their music, and the experience didn’t disappoint,” says co-Founder of the East london brewery, Sam McGregor.

“The band visited the brewery several times and we collaborated closely with them to find the perfect beer style and the perfect name. 2020 has been a tough one for everyone. We’ve worked with musicians throughout the year, from our socially-distanced brewery shows to enlisting bands to help deliver our now legendary Pub In A Box. As we approach the end of the year everyone needs a laugh and a tasty beer – and Bells End will definitely satisfy both.”

“We were really excited to brew with The Darkness, we love their music, and the experience didn’t disappoint…”

Christmas, The Darkness and beer – three of our favourite things

The Darkness’ Dan Hawkins recalls the tasting session for Bells End, saying “it was a big night and we tried every ale that we could think of. We wanted a beer that’s punchy and drinkable at the same time. Signature Brew really know their stuff and captured exactly what we were after. Bells End has got a bit of oomph to it but it’s something you can drink in the run up to Christmas and throughout the whole season. It’s a very wintery beer, it’s perfect and we can’t wait for everyone to try it.” 

Founders McGregor and Tom Bott have repeatedly collaborated with musicians and supported music fans.  It was crowned SIBA’s highly prestigious Brewery Business of the Year 2018.   

During the Covid crisis it created the Pub in a Box, hand delivered in London by musicians who had their tours cancelled and delivered via courier nationally. Signature Brew also hosted a series of socially distanced gigs at the brewery to keep live music playing.

The team are gearing up for a momentous 2021, a year that will see the brewery rally around venues and musicians while celebrating their 10th Birthday, with more live shows, exclusive beers and band collaborations.

Bells End is available www.signaturebrew.co.uk, priced at £3.25 per 330ml. 

About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Yahoo UK, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Ideal Home, Louder Sounds, Channel News and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK

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