2025 New Year’s Brewsletter

2025 New Year’s Brewsletter

As we step into 2025, it’s easy to get caught up in the “doom and gloom” surrounding British pubs and cask ale brewing. It seems bad news sells newspapers, but as the saying goes, “good news is no news.” Here at Batemans, we’re choosing optimism. We’re looking ahead with excitement, building on the momentum of 2024 and staying true to our motto: “Tradition with Ambition.” This means we’ll keep innovating while cherishing our rich heritage.

Starting the Year with a Fresh Perspective

What better way to kick off 2025 than by handing the reins to Eliza Bateman, the youngest member of our fifth generation? Eliza has crafted a beer inspired by her travels in Vietnam: Loopy Loo. At 4.4% ABV, it’s a beautifully pale amber ale with a rich residual sweetness and a defiantly fruity aroma and flavour. This exciting brew will debut as part of a Wetherspoons showcase of female-led beers early this year.

But that’s not all—we’re continuing to bring global inspiration to Batemans. This includes a much-anticipated collaboration with Birra Perugia, Italian brewing masters, to create a decadent chocolate porter. We’re also expanding our bottled ‘World Hop Tour’ range, following last year’s hits like Paoro (inspired by New Zealand) and Volk (inspired by Slovenia). More international collaborations are already in the works—watch this space!

New Brews to Start the Year

You won’t have to wait long to enjoy our latest creations. We’ve launched the year with January S’ales, a light amber English beer at just 3.4% ABV. Perfectly quaffable and excellent value, it’s a true testament to quality without compromise.

Looking further into 2025, we’re brewing something special for autumn: Salem Rye-PA. This stunning red-amber ale features deep, warming notes of red berries and autumn spices, perfectly paired with crisp days and cosy nights.

Celebrating the Classics

While we’re excited about new creations, our classic range remains at the heart of Batemans. This year marks the return of Valiant, a much-loved fan favourite that has been eagerly anticipated. In 2024, we saw a warm welcome back for Dark M, which has now rejoined our permanent lineup.

Our flagship classics continue to shine. The iconic XXXB had a standout year at beer festivals, earning new acclaim and even a touch of retro appeal. Meanwhile, Five Generations (5G), our celebrated session IPA, remains a star of the lineup. Brewed with an all-English blend of hops, this 4.2% light amber ale has been a hit with drinkers and pubs alike, thanks to its special branded beer handle and enduring charm.

Investing in the Future

Behind the scenes, we’re making big strides to keep Batemans at the forefront of British brewing. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Brewhouse Upgrades: Improved refrigeration, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and an enhanced yeast propagation system.
• A Fresh Look: A sleek new coat of paint for the brewhouse, ensuring visitors on brewery tours enjoy an upgraded experience.
• Victorian Brewhouse Revival: We’re exploring the recommissioning of our Victorian Brewhouse, which would allow us to reintroduce traditional recipes and brewing techniques authentic to our roots.

In addition to these brewing investments, we’re planning extended warehousing and, by 2026, a brand-new fleet of Batemans lorries.

Looking Ahead

With all these exciting developments, 2025 promises to be a year filled with innovation, tradition, and great beer. Whether it’s new brews, international collaborations, or the return of cherished favourites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As we continue our journey into our 152nd year, our mantra remains strong: “Tradition with Ambition.” Cheers to the future!