UK: Greene King has unveiled its Fresh Cask Releases plan for 2026. Across the year, twelve limited cask beers will reach the bar — timed to seasonal moments and pub occasions, not strictly month by month. In some months several releases run in parallel; in others nothing new starts.
The idea is simple and effective: variety on the handpull and planning certainty for operators. Selected beers also come with alternative pump clips: same recipe, two ways to present it — depending on venue, audience, and mood.
From the cask, please
The year opens with two crowd‑pleasers: Fireside (4.5% ABV, ruby‑hued, wintery) and Abbot Reserve (6.5% ABV, full‑bodied and malt‑forward). In February, Scrumdown follows — a 4.1% golden ale for rugby season. New here is the choice at the handpull: if sport isn’t your theme, use the spring‑toned “Golden Dawn” pump clip.
Cask is performing — by the numbers
For 2025, Greene King reports over two million pints sold from its seasonal cask range. The Christmas staple Rocking Rudolph also grew versus 2024 — helped by a refreshed pump‑clip design. That’s more than cosmetics: visibility at the bar often decides whether guests ask “What’s that?” or simply say “I’ll have one.”
Why it matters
Twelve releases with staggered windows and coherent stories give pubs useful tools: planned rotations, conversation starters, manageable risk. For guests it means reliability plus curiosity. Or, in pub speak: familiar names, new energy.
When cask is treated this way — seasonal, visible, fresh — small talk at the bar tends to end with a simple gesture: “A pint, please.” Cheers.
Source and photo: Greene King
