West Berkshire CAMRA WB-40 launch at The Gun

WB-40, the beer brewed to celebrate CAMRA's 40th anniversary is launched at The Gun, Wash Common.

By 10pm on Wednesday 16 March, a 9 gallon cask of WB-40 ale had been drunk dry at the Campaign for Real Ale’s 40th anniversary Beer and Cheese event at the Gun, Wash Common.

WB-40 ale was brewed by the West Berkshire Brewery to commemorate this occasion. The brewery’s owners, Dave and Helen Maggs, together with brewer Will Twomey attended along with local CAMRA members. These included the chairmen of both West Berkshire and North Hampshire branches.

Alan and Tracey Murray from the Gun provided 40th birthday balloons and were kept busy serving WB-40 ale, which went on sale at 5pm earlier that evening.

WB-40 ale is a deep ruby colour. Beer enthusiasts would be interested to know that the hops used were Fuggles and Bramling Cross; the malts were pale, crystal, wheat and roast barley.

The four varieties of cheese provided for the tasting were Cheddar, Stilton, Jarlsberg (Norway) and Manchego (Spain). Dave Maggs was among several people who thought the nutty taste of the Jarlsberg made the best match for the beer. Rich Milligan described WB-40 ale as ‘Full bodied with a long lingering bitter finish.’ Manchego, the salty, sheep’s milk cheese, was his favourite accompaniment.

At 8.30pm, Roy Bailey, who joined the original Newbury CAMRA branch in 1974, gave a rousing speech, reminding us that there are now beer consumer organisations, like CAMRA, all over the world and that traditional British beer and craft breweries are thriving. Roy said ‘West Berkshire Brewery is one of those craft breweries that would not have existed if CAMRA had not created the right conditions, and I congratulate them on brewing this 40th anniversary beer.’ Roy also mentioned David Hickman and Paul Frances who were present and were original CAMRA members. The important role that Chris Marriage had played in the development of WB-40 ale was also highlighted. Finally, we raised our glasses to Roy’s toast ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I give you THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE. Long may it prosper.’

Roy Bailey, centre, raises the toast to CAMRA accompanied by Helen & Dave Maggs and Will Twomey from West Berkshire Brewery and many other members of West Berkshire CAMRA

Adrian Bean, West Berkshire CAMRA chairman said ‘I would like to thank everyone involved, especially those at West Berkshire Brewery, for showing their support for CAMRA. Please check our website www.westberkscamra.org.uk for details about other local pubs that will be stocking WB-40 and for details of our other meetings and events.’
 

The beer is a ruby (40th anniversary) colour and has a malty, but not sweet, character with a robust bitterness and fruity notes from all English hops.

 

The new WB-40 pump clip on the bar at The Gun, Wash Common, Newbury