Sharp’s Brewing Co and St Austell RFC Unite for Limited-Edition Brew: Try ‘Saints Bay’ this December!

Sharp’s Brewing Celebrates St Austell RFC with New Ale

This December, Rock-based Sharp’s Brewing Co, the renowned maker of Doom Bar, will launch a limited-edition amber ale in partnership with St Austell RFC. Named “Saints Bay,” this special brew will be available exclusively on match days at the St Austell RFC clubhouse, beginning on Saturday, 7th December, when the Saints face Marlborough RFC.

Saints Bay marks a new chapter for Sharp’s Brewing Co, known for its dedication to Cornwall’s grassroots rugby scene, where it sponsors 14 local clubs, including St Austell RFC. Since 2014, the brewery has supported the club as its primary supplier of beers, wines, and spirits, while providing rugby post protectors, flags, water bottles, and pitch branding with Doom Bar’s iconic label.

Crafting a Collaborative Brew

The brewing process behind Saints Bay was as collaborative as it was unique. Last month, eight members and volunteers from St Austell RFC visited the brewery’s pilot plant in Rock to help bring the beer to life. Guided by the Sharp’s team, the club members had a hands-on experience in the small-scale, five-barrel brewing facility, followed by a well-deserved brewery tour and a Secret Bar experience at the Brewery shop and Tasting Room.

According to Jon Wide, Sharp’s Technical Brewing Optimisation Manager, the experience was fulfilling for everyone involved. “We had a fantastic time developing and brewing Saints Bay with the rugby club. It was great to get them here in the pilot plant so they could be fully immersed in the process and take ownership of its creation, something which they and we are very proud of. We’re so pleased with the end product,” he said, highlighting the brew’s unique character. He added, “At 3.6% ABV, we’re sure this will be the perfect beer for rugby players to enjoy after a session in the club.”

Saints Bay: A Special Brew with a Unique Profile

Saints Bay is described as a clean, crisp, and bitter amber ale with an enticing aroma. At 3.6% ABV, it was crafted to offer a refreshing experience with a blend of Sharp’s ale yeast, an array of malts, and the addition of wheat, providing a more complex taste profile. Its subtle fruity notes come from a blend of new world hops, adding a burst of hop character to the mix. Paul Hayes, Chair of St Austell RFC, expressed his excitement, saying, “To create a great pint of beer and excel on the rugby pitch you need the same values: integrity, dedication, focus and respect. We encourage all to come to the club and sample Saints Bay; it is a very special pint and not to be missed.”

Where to Find Saints Bay

Saints Bay will be available at St Austell RFC’s clubhouse on matchdays from Saturday, 7th December, while stocks last. From the same date, fans of Sharp’s can also find Saints Bay at select venues around Cornwall, including The Mariners in Rock, The Blisland Inn in Bodmin, The Front in Falmouth, and The Brendon Arms in Bude. For those preferring to shop online, Saints Bay will also be available on Sharp’s website starting 7th December.

With a commitment to innovation, Sharp’s Brewing Co’s pilot plant has produced over fifty unique beers since its establishment in 2016. Saints Bay is the latest in a long line of limited-edition brews developed by the talented team at Rock, ensuring new flavours and styles that capture the creativity and spirit of Cornwall.

About Sharp’s Brewing Co Ltd

Founded in Rock, Cornwall, in 1994, Sharp’s Brewing Co has become the largest brewer of cask beer in the South West, with Doom Bar leading the way as the UK’s top-selling cask beer. Over the years, the brewery has amassed more than 150 international awards and has supported numerous environmental and community initiatives, including Surfers Against Sewage’s Million Mile Beach Clean campaign and donations to Surf Life Saving Cornwall.

For more information on Saints Bay and other Sharp’s Brewing Co cask ales, visit www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk.