Panther launches craft ale in aluminium bottles

An award-winning microbrewery has introduced two new craft ales packaged in ground-breaking aluminium bottles.
 

 
Reepham-based Panther Brewery has been developing the new beers since the start of the New Year “when it became clear that our current real ale in glass bottles was not suitable for all occasions,” explained head brewer Martin James.
 
“Some customers would like to sell our beer, but have a no-glass policy due to safety concerns. We looked at several alternatives, but the obvious solution was aluminium bottles as they are safe and 100% recyclable.”
 
However, as no other UK brewer was using them for craft ale, Panther struggled to find a supplier for the packaging. “Eventually we found one and the ground-breaking product was born,” said Mr James. “The bottles had some unexpected additional benefits of being lightweight, ultraviolet light resistance and looked and felt great.”
 
To make them stand out the Panther design team created a label that was fun, dynamic, colourful and striking. “It came out better than we could have hoped and everyone who has seen the bottles has been blown away with how well it looks and tastes,” added Chris Watts, brewer.
 
Panther’s current craft range comes in two styles: Jungle IPA is a hazy, straw-coloured ale made with juicy American hops, where the low bitterness makes way for an explosion of tropical fruit aromas; Berry Bite is a slightly pink, hazy fruit beer with sweet berry flavours and aromas. Both ales are best served chilled and can be drunk straight from the bottle.
 

  • Eagle-eyed residents might see “Panther Country” signs in nearby fields. Local businesses Salle Farms Co and Crisp Malting Group have got together to grow barley and produce malt for Panther Brewery. You might even see the mysterious panther lurking in the shadows. Send the brewery any pictures of panther sightings and the best image will win some samples of the new craft range.

 

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