Shropshire Star

Brewery evolves Darwin ale idea

A Shropshire brewery is this week launching a new bottled beer in honour of Shrewsbury's famous son, Charles Darwin.

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Supporting image for story: Brewery evolves Darwin ale idea

How the Darwin beer label will look

A Shropshire brewery is this week launching a new bottled beer in honour of Shrewsbury's famous son, Charles Darwin.

Salopian Brewery of Shrewsbury decided to launch "Darwin's Origin" as the scientist was born at the Mount House in the county town on February 12, 1809.

Darwin went on to become one of the most influential naturalists with his publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859 and his achievements are being marked in 2009, the 200th year since his birth, with a host of events, activities – and now beer.

Darwin's Origin, ABV 4.3 per cent, has been brewed to celebrate the bi-centennial of his birth and is based upon the cask beer recipe which has become one of Salopian Brewery's top sellers.

Brewery partner Wilf Nelson developed the recipe and describes the beer "as a copper coloured ale that evolves with a pronounced hop character which is balanced by a refined malt finish".

It can be bought from the brewery in Mytton Oak Road, Copthorne, the Bull and the Barne on the Mount and will be available in various off licences throughout the county.

Jack Douglas, of the brewery, said the site was looking forward to the launch.