Chocolate beer, cheers!

Welbeck Abbey Brewery launched the 5.5 per cent Christmas beer, Cocoa Noel, which contains Duffy’s cocoa nibs earlier this month to real ale enthusiasts.

Head brewer Claire Monk said: “We are all extremely proud that we are the first brewery and chocolatier to team up and produce the UK’s first real Chocolate Stout.”

“This beer follows our common principle of using only pure quality ingredients to lovingly craft a unique and top quality product.”

On the launch night, pub goers were also treated to Duffy’s chocolate, and truffles made by Shelly Preston from Boutique Aromatique using both Duffy’s chocolate and the chocolate stout.

Claire said the brewery will create new and exciting beers next year, including White Cannon, which she described as ‘a 2.8 per cent blonde beer perfect for post-Christmas indulging’.

The brewery has also been busy this month hosting Welbeck’s first charity Christmas quiz, which raised £160 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice at North Anston.

John Bower, chairman of the Bluebell Wood Worksop Support Group, was at the quiz which was won by the Crags team from Welbeck Estate.

Said Claire: “We must say a huge thank you to AJ Gray who gave up her own time to put together and host the quiz despite organising her imminent wedding and being three months pregnant!.”