Sixth generation Hook Norton brewer creates an ale to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day

Ed Clarke, the latest of six generations of ale-makers at Hook Norton Brewery, has devised his first solo recipe and brew to mark 75 years since Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.
Ed Clarke, sixth generation brewer at Hook Norton Brewery, who has created an ale for VJ Day on SaturdayEd Clarke, sixth generation brewer at Hook Norton Brewery, who has created an ale for VJ Day on Saturday
Ed Clarke, sixth generation brewer at Hook Norton Brewery, who has created an ale for VJ Day on Saturday

His ale includes eight different hops in recognition of the eight countries involved in the cessation of hostilities at the end of the Second World War. It will be on sale this week on cask at the brewery and in selected Hook Norton pubs.

Mr Clarke, 21, has made the brew as part of his Brewers Apprentice Course which calls for participants to develop their own recipe.

The former Bloxham School student and son of James Clarke has worked at the brewery for a year and a half, helping to brew beer. Before that he worked at Ye Olde Reindeer pub in Parsons Street, Banbury serving behind the bar and looking after the beer in the cellar.

Ed Clarke who has joined his father James Clarke into the family business at Hook Norton BreweryEd Clarke who has joined his father James Clarke into the family business at Hook Norton Brewery
Ed Clarke who has joined his father James Clarke into the family business at Hook Norton Brewery

"To mark VJ Day on August 15 I have created a unique beer drawing inspiration from the countries involved," said Mr Clarke, son of the brewery's current Managing Director, James Clarke.

"VJ75 Anniversary Ale is a light red ale with lemon, blackcurrant and kiwi-esque flavours. I have used eight different hop varieties to pay homage to some of the countries involved in the conflict. Admiral for the United Kingdom, Sorachi Ace for Japan, US Cascade for America , Marynka for Poland, Tettnanger for Germany, Mistral for France, Nelson Sauvin for New Zealand and Summer for Australia. These combine to give aromas of dark berries and floral notes raising the flag for this important anniversary."

The ale is 4.5 per cent and has a light red and deep amber colour. The smell is floral and earthy with dark berries and the taste has lemon notes with spice, kiwi and blackcurrant.

To read more about the history of brewery, which was established in 1849, see here.