As far as naming the ales goes , we thought it would be good to go with tradition and name the first beers in the range according to their style , characteristics and alcohol content . But the best laid plans of mice and men as they say . The first brew did ‘nt quite go according to plan but tasting sessions proved it to be very popular . Thanks here must be given to Ron Cook of the Blue Bell Inn at Maxey near Peterborough for his advice and encouragement . ( Indeed ,the Blue Bell was the first pub to serve this ale ). Hence , we have continued to make it and named it “ Special No. 1 Bitter “ @ 5.2% ABV . Below you will find the beers available at present including their ABV’s and profiles kindly provided by Noel Ryland of Peterborough CAMRA .

Hopshackle Bitter OG1038 ABV 3.8% - Made with pale ale , wheat , amber and chocolate malts , together with Goldings and a German finishing hop for flavour. It is a copper coloured malty ale with a strong malty aroma including roast malt and caramel . This leads to a light bodied , grainy , malty flavour , with moderate hops and fruit in a very bitter beer with a sweet edge and a long lasting malty bitter finish .

Hopshackle Special Bitter OG1040 ABV 4.3% - Made with pale ale , crystal ,wheat and chocolate malts , together with Brambling Cross and American finishing hops . This is a tawny coloured ale with an intense caramel aroma with strong malt . The taste is of caramel with bitter-sweet malt , some hops and a tannic bitterness . The finish is strong malt , caramel , clean and very bitter .

Hopshackle Special No. 1 Bitter OG1049 ABV 5.2% - This ale is made with pale ale , wheat and chocolate malt , together with Goldings and German finishing hops . It is a brown malty bitter with a malty, caramel , fruity aroma . The taste is malty , creamy , sweet fruit with a hint of hops , caramel and bitter roasted malt . The aftertaste is bitter – sweet , tannic with a hint of caramel .

The range of ales is going to be gradually increased to include seasonal and notable events and anniversaries . These will include I.P.A.’s , Porters , Barley Wines etc .