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?
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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.
Prawn lovers, ISSO Prawn Crazy’s festive menus come with the chance to win a Sri Lankan holiday
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter Two is a 35 Year Old single malt tribute to its historic distillery owner
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
This Peckham-brewed Pure English Sake is a different kind of festive pour
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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