Muntons Gold Range
Many years ago – centuries in fact – it was discovered that the way to brew the best ales and beers was to use only malt, hops, water and yeast in the brewing process. In the 15th Century in Germany this was taken a stage further with the introduction of the “Reinheitsgebot” – a law prohibiting the use of any ingredients in the brewing process other than these raw materials.
This law stood until only a few years ago when the EEC over-ruled the “Reinheitsgebot” which they considered to be a barrier to free-trade within Europe! In spite of this the breweries have refused to change their recipes and still brew using only the four magic ingredients – their customers would not be satisfied with anything less, they tell us.
Traditional English ales were brewed originally without hops but tastes change once hops from the Continent were introduced keeping the ale fresh for longer. Beer drinkers gradually developed a taste for the new “hopped ales” and in the 15th Century the modern tasting English ale was borne. More recently, economic pressure has forced many breweries to introduce cheaper adjuncts into the brewing process. Purists will argue however that the beer quality has suffered because of this and that it is far better to stick to the traditional practices. We at Muntons agree, which is why the Gold Range was developed, a range designed simply to make great beer.
As a commercial maltster supplying breweries all over the world, we are in an ideal position to appreciate the quality and styles of malt needed to make the best beers. We have put our knowledge to good use and formulated what we believe to be the best beer kits available anywhere today – with a possible exception of Muntons Premium Gold! Made using only malt, hops, water and yeast, balanced to brew superb beers, modelled on the finest tradition of brewers art. Cheers!
£23.50
Continental Pilsner
The UK is steeped in brewing history and is home to its own unique style of beer that is now imitated the world over. Along with the original powerhouses of commercial brewing there has been a recent increase in the number of fantastic micro-breweries that are now carrying the torch of creative brewing.
Festival Premium Ale kits pay homage to some great beers that in our opinion are truly outstanding examples of what the UK has to offer.
Docklands Porter
At the end of the 19th century a beer was brewed especially for the dockyard workers of the bustling Port of London. Docklands Porter was named after these strong men, who unloaded the cargoes of sailing ships and schooners berthed at the many wharves along the Thames.
Porter had a uniquely rich and satisfying flavour which quenched the thirst of dockers after long shifts loading and unloading vessels from around the world. You can now recapture the unique flavour of traditional Victorian Porters – a light hop character and full malt flavour under lie a rich colour, possible by the subtle use of the best roasted malts.
Highland Heavy Ale
In the Highlands of Scotland, centuries ago, small breweries began producing rich, dark, hoppy ales know locally as “Heavy”. In addition “Light” beers were also brewed, known south of the border as Milds, but it was a pint of “Heavy” which typified the highlanders’ choice.
You can now recapture this distinctive rich bitter flavour, with its dark, malty brew, balanced by a generous helping of hops. To enjoy Highland Heavy Ale at its best it should be served at cellar temperature.
Imperial Stout
As Imperial Russia extended its territories into the Baltic States during the early 1780′s, Catherine the Great, Empress of all the Russians fell in love with strong British Stout. Imperial Stout captures the essence of this truly classic beer, with its full body, rich black colour and distinctive dry bitterness.
Capped by a smooth, creamy head, it is a brew to be savoured, and enjoyed at its best when served chilled – approximately 5°C or 41°F.
India Pale Ale
Keeping the British troops supplied with fresh beer out in the British East Indies proved to be a problem during the 19th Century. The lengthy journey by sailing ship caused the beers to spoil and a special brew therefore had to be supplied – India Pale Ale.
This was brewed to a high alcoholic strength to keep bacteria at bay during the voyage. Recreate India Pale Ale, brewed to the Troops Tipple at approximately 1041° strength or the Higher Ranks Reserve version in its higher strength form.
Old English Bitter
This fine Old English beer, rekindles the full bodied, rich ales of Victorian Britain. Enjoyed best when served at cellar temperature -13 °C, 56°F.
In keeping with this tradition, you can now recreate the taste enjoyed by Victorian England, with this excellent Old English Bitter – a taste which improves and matures with age, if you can bear to store a few bottles for six months or so!