Powers That Be Fail on Super Strength

April 2011

At the back-end of 2010 the Government announced plans to introduce a higher rate of duty on beers over 7.5% abv. The reason: “to tackle problem drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs and important local industries.”

With strong beer accounting for less that 0.5% of UK alcohol sales is appear that this policy is set to do precisely the opposite of what it set out to do: unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs and important local industries. Indeed it’s hard to find anyone who actually agrees with the proposed legislation not least responsible drinkers that enjoy uniquely crafted beers that challenge the widespread perception of how beer is ‘meant’ to taste.

Now we’re not suggesting that it is the government’s intention to target some of the world’s classic beers from brewers who are proud of the flavours they produce rather than the alcohol they offer. So, taking up the mantle, we contacted the government’s Alcohol Policy Team with a proposal: “our suggestion is for the legislation to cover bottom fermented lagers (capturing supermarket ‘super’ strength lagers) and not top fermented ales (leaving the world classics, and responsible drinkers, exempt).”

In reply, "we acknowledge the distinction made between top fermented craft beers and bottom fermented lagers. However, Ministers have decided that the new duty will apply equally across the board to all beers exceeding 7.5% abv, whether they are supermarket own brands or imported speciality craft beers.”

We were then pointed to “Article 4.8 in HM Treasury’s Review of Alcohol Taxation” which states that consumers of these niche premium products are not price sensitive because they choose these beers specifically for their taste; perhaps somewhat beside the point, given the aim of the review stated above.

Obviously, we think there needs to be a lot more thought from those in Westminster before applying such a sweeping, draconian decree that is frankly ill-considered. Craft brewing, both in the UK and overseas, is a constantly changing and evolving industry: it promotes embracing different cultures, it educates, it is sociable and it already contributes heftily to each respective country's economy.

To borrow a term from our friends at Flying Dog Brewery, “Good People Drink Good Beer” and our stance is clear: Please don't penalise the good people, but help us educate those who only know about bad beer.

To that end we will continue to fight the case for great beer and are working closely with the Belgian brewers who, through European Law, successfully overturned a similarly policy in France. On behalf of the brewers that we represent thank you for supporting their craft.

In the meantime, here is a selection of 'super strength' ales for your consideration – please remember to enjoy responsibly!

	Chimay White Cap (8% abv.) Best enjoyed in its distinctive chalice, golden in colour with an agreeable aroma, Chimay is brewed by the monks of the Belgian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont, and a beer of great tradition.
	Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout (10% abv.) The famous, award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style. Luscious, deep dark chocolate flavour from a blend of specially roasted malts, it is brewed each year for the winter season - delicious when newly bottled but also ages beautifully for years.
	Schneider Aventinus (8.2% abv.) A wheat doppelbock with a dark-ruby colour, Aventinus has a compact and persistent head. Very intense with a complex spicy chocolate-like aroma, on the palate you experience a complex soft touch, fresh with a hint of caramel. It finishes in a rich soft and lightly bitter impression.
	Duvel (8.5% abv.) The classic strong, golden Belgian ale and still widely regarded as one of the world's finest beers and a true icon! It may look like a lager – light in body, pale in colour – but it is a genuine top fermented ale which holds a unique position in the Belgian beer tradition.
	And if you're looking for a genuine, low ABV alternative... Erdinger Alkoholfrei (0.4% abv) Brewed with the same customary care and experience as all their beers, Alkoholfrei retains the aromatic, full-bodied Erdinger character without the alcohol.