Water from ancient source at Chedworth Roman Villa has been used to create unique new ale

The National Trust, owners of the villa, and Cirencester brewing firm Corinium Ales have developed a red ale called Beerus Britannicus which will be launched at the villa on Easter Monday, April 6.

Water is a key beer ingredient, and with its ancient water supply at Chedworth the National Trust were keen to work with Corinium Ales to develop a bespoke ale. The pH of water can influence the beer style so samples were collected for chemical analysis and minerals were added to balance out some of the hardness of the water. A brew was trialled under the pseudonym ‘Emperor’ and proved a huge thumbs up with the public taste testers.

Head brewer of Corinium Ales Colin Knight said: "Chedworth wanted a beer that stood out from our current range so using some Chedworth water we opted for a deep-bodied red ale with a light malty backbone and aromatic mosaic hops.

"At four point eight per cent it’s a substantial beer and would keep up the spirits of any Roman soldier."

Retail manager at Chedworth Roman Villa Seb Goffe added: "Several names were suggested for the new beer but the one that stood out the most was Beerus Britannicus. It’s a play on Birrus Britannicus; a long woollen hooded cloak typically worn in Britain at the time and featured in our winter dining room mosaic."

There will be an opportunity to sample Beerus Britannicus at the launch between 12-2pm on Easter Monday. Bottles of the beer will also be on sale in the Chedworth Roman Villa Shop.