Bridging the north - south divide

DDg's latest beer engine allows customers to decide how their pint is served. Drinkers of Greene King’s new golden beer, St. Edmunds, can choose whether to have a ‘northern’ or ‘southern’ pint thanks to the technology of this new handpull. By simply turning the spout tap upward the beer will dispense a tighter creamier head, a style traditionally favoured in the north. For the ‘southern’ pour, turn the spout tap forward to get a crowning glory of looser bubbles.

The design aims to present a more modern image of cask ale to appeal to a wider demographic by creating an element of theatre on the bar. Greene King provided an aesthetic concept, which Drinks Dispense Group then brought to life, adapting and fine-tuning to create a bespoke, patented product on Greene King’s behalf. The result is a stunning chrome unit with a fully cast chrome base, integral bar plate, moulded water tray and chill to tap technology. The unit uses DDg’s own Musketeer ¼ pint engine, which offers superior insulation and water-cooling to ensure the product is kept at the optimum temperature.

St Edmunds has been specifically brewed to be served between 6-8 degrees – cooler than traditional cask beers, delivering the refreshment factor of colder drinks while retaining all the depth of character, taste and aroma you’d expect from a real beer. The visible pour spout with condensation incorporates cooling to tap, allowing the product to be dispensed at a constant temperature of 6°C- 8°C and also offers greater hygiene by eliminating possible contamination from sparkler adjustments.

Greene King Brewery Company managing director Justin Adams said: “To date, cask beer drinkers in the north of England prefer their beer one way while those in the south like it differently. We wanted people to have a choice while still being able to enjoy the fantastic flavour of a quality cask beer, wherever they are.

“St Edmunds will also bring contemporary theatre to cask ale as it’s served at bar level so drinkers can see it being poured with their choice of head. We’re so proud of this beer we wanted the nation to enjoy it’s spectacle before enjoying its tremendous taste.”

Branded with a colourful non-removable badge clip, pad printed spout and embossed detailing on the bar plate and water tray, the high impact chrome handpull demonstrates a definite point of difference on the bar. The overall appearance of the unit aims to attract a wider customer base, both male and female and to do justice to the quality cask ale being served.