Docks Beers are launching ‘Humber Bitter’ – their first ever cask-only bitter – both sides of the River, this weekend. 

Shaz Shadan, co-Director of Docks Beers said this about the new beer: “Over the last two years we have been busy building a reputation as a craft brewery specialising in cans and kegs, but we’ve been keen to make a modern bitter in cask for a while. 

Over lockdown we started work on Humber Bitter and we’re really delighted with how it’s come out. It’s russet-coloured, has a minty, herbal spiciness with a complex aniseed and liquorice finish. 

“We think it bridges the gap between craft and cask in the sense that it has all the qualities of a traditional ale, with a modern twist.” 

Docks Beers tend to include references to Grimsby, local industry and the area’s workforce in the naming and design of their beers, and the thought process behind their first ever cask bitter was no different.

Shadan explained: “We wanted to call it ‘Humber Bitter’ because the estuary, and its iconic bridge, are synonymous with our region and it’s our link to the rest of the world. It’s a huge part of our history… and we think it’s also part of our future. 

“Kirk Arnold at Source Four designed the eye-catching pump clip – an illustration of the Humber Bridge – in his recognisable style that people have grown to recognise as being ‘Docks’.”  

To mark the historic brew, Humber Bitter will be launching on both sides of the Humber this Friday – at the Docks Beers taproom in Grimsby and The Minerva in Hull. 

Jack Johnson, the brewery’s marketing manager commented: “Our beers appeal to everyone, not just the people of North East Lincolnshire. We wanted the launch to bridge both banks of the river. That’s why, for the first time ever, we’re launching the beer in Hull simultaneously with Grimsby. 

“The Minerva is a great Hull pub right on the banks of the River with a great reputation for cask beer.   We hope that people in both Grimsby and Hull come out in force to try our first ever cask bitter on Friday!” 

Humber Bitter will be on sale in the Docks Beers taproom from 12 noon on Friday and 4.30pm at The Minerva. As this is a cask beer, it will only be available on handpull, and exclusively in these two locations this weekend.