Chorus wants to give fans of fizz a new reason to reach for beer
Blurring the lines between premium beer and sparkling wine, Chorus Fine English Sparkling Beer is the brainchild of Baynhams Brewery in Hampshire, and it’s intended for occasions normally reserved for Champagne or Prosecco.
The concept was imagined by brothers Tom and Lawrence Baynham, together with their cousin Harry Baynham. Their ambition was to create a beer that could comfortably sit alongside fine wines during a meal. After several years of experimentation, the family believes it has achieved precisely that.
Chorus is brewed using Chardonnay yeast, an ingredient more commonly associated with winemaking. The yeast encourages fresh orchard fruit aromas and adds layers of complexity, while an extended fermentation creates a refined texture and a smooth finish. Fine, persistent bubbles complete the experience, giving the beer an appearance and mouthfeel closer to a premium sparkler than a traditional ale or lager.
Chorus is brewed using Chardonnay yeast, an ingredient more commonly associated with winemaking…
Chorus Sparkling Beer tasting notes
We’ve had an early sample, and it certainly lives up to its celebratory billing.
Bottled at 12% ABV, Chorus opens with aromas of green orchard fruit and toasty notes. Carbonation emphasises the fruit on the palate, giving the brew a refreshing freshness. Serve chilled, at 4°C, preferably in a flute. We think it’s a great alternative to spumante and their ilk.
The beer is best paired with robust dishes. The brewery suggests wood-fired flatbreads with beef brisket, porchetta with crackling or richly seasoned pork belly, where its lively acidity and fruit character can cut through richer flavours.
Could this be the beer that wins over wine lovers?
Chorus recently collected honours at both the 2026 International Brewing Awards, and the 2026 London Beer Competition, recognition that underlines the originality of the concept as well as its execution.
Tom Baynham says the family embraced the challenge of creating something without an obvious precedent. “There was no category for this, so Chorus created one. We wanted to make a beer you could put on the table alongside a great bottle of wine, and have it hold its own.”
Beer and bubbles in one glass. What’s not to like?
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
Ah, brunch. Breakfast’s more sociable cousin, the only acceptable way to order a cocktail before noon: there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s the most important meal of the day. And you can forget eggs and coffee – London’s best spots make a strong case for dedicating the whole afternoon to our favourite event…
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
Chorus wants to give fans of fizz a new reason to reach for beer
Blurring the lines between premium beer and sparkling wine, Chorus Fine English Sparkling Beer is the brainchild of Baynhams Brewery in Hampshire, and it’s intended for occasions normally reserved for Champagne or Prosecco.
The concept was imagined by brothers Tom and Lawrence Baynham, together with their cousin Harry Baynham. Their ambition was to create a beer that could comfortably sit alongside fine wines during a meal. After several years of experimentation, the family believes it has achieved precisely that.
Chorus is brewed using Chardonnay yeast, an ingredient more commonly associated with winemaking. The yeast encourages fresh orchard fruit aromas and adds layers of complexity, while an extended fermentation creates a refined texture and a smooth finish. Fine, persistent bubbles complete the experience, giving the beer an appearance and mouthfeel closer to a premium sparkler than a traditional ale or lager.
Chorus Sparkling Beer tasting notes
We’ve had an early sample, and it certainly lives up to its celebratory billing.
Bottled at 12% ABV, Chorus opens with aromas of green orchard fruit and toasty notes. Carbonation emphasises the fruit on the palate, giving the brew a refreshing freshness. Serve chilled, at 4°C, preferably in a flute. We think it’s a great alternative to spumante and their ilk.
The beer is best paired with robust dishes. The brewery suggests wood-fired flatbreads with beef brisket, porchetta with crackling or richly seasoned pork belly, where its lively acidity and fruit character can cut through richer flavours.
Could this be the beer that wins over wine lovers?
Chorus recently collected honours at both the 2026 International Brewing Awards, and the 2026 London Beer Competition, recognition that underlines the originality of the concept as well as its execution.
Tom Baynham says the family embraced the challenge of creating something without an obvious precedent. “There was no category for this, so Chorus created one. We wanted to make a beer you could put on the table alongside a great bottle of wine, and have it hold its own.”
Beer and bubbles in one glass. What’s not to like?
Chorus Fine English Sparkling Beer is available now in 750ml bottles, priced at £19.95, directly from Chorus Beer.
The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection charts a new course for Scotch whisky icon, led by a 38 Year Old
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
The Best Bottomless Brunches in London Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Ah, brunch. Breakfast’s more sociable cousin, the only acceptable way to order a cocktail before noon: there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s the most important meal of the day. And you can forget eggs and coffee – London’s best spots make a strong case for dedicating the whole afternoon to our favourite event…
Indri celebrates Diwali with a Ruby Port Cask Indian Single Malt rich in fruit, honey and spice
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
Share this: