On Monday evening, the Small Beer Taproom was glowing red as we welcomed our trade partners and company shareholders to exclusively enjoy the first taste of Amber: ‘Straight Outta Cask’. With drinks flowing and big thinking everywhere, our intimate, candlelight brewery became the cosiest corner of Bermondsey.
What is Amber, and why’s it on Cask?
As the leaves started turning, and days began to feel drearier, we at Small Beer knew it was time for a seasonal special: Amber. Half the strength yet full and rich in character, it’s the kind of beer that invites slow conversation and second rounds without overindulgence. A sweet spot between a lager and an ale, it has highlights of dried fruit but has a deeper flavour on the palette from one of the main ingredients, rye.
Cask ale has long been the heartbeat of the British pub. Served fresh and alive, it’s beer as it was meant to be: unhurried, unfiltered, and shared among friends. So, that’s what we did. We brought long-time Amber lovers and new faces together, to embrace the start of something new. Amber returning to Cask.
Pictured: Dulwich Pantry Steak and Ale pies (made using Small Beer Amber as a key ingredient).
Not only was ‘Straight Outta Cask’ an evening celebrating our Autumn beer in all its glory, but it was an evening of community. We teamed up with our friends, Molly & Mark from the Dulwich Pantry, who provided a stunning selection of pies and pastries, much to our guests’ delight.
A definite highlight had to be their Steak and Ale pies, made with Small Beer Amber as a key ingredient! There’s an art to a good steak and ale pie, and it starts long before the pastry. With its deep malt character and toffee-rich undertones, the beer brings a gentle sweetness that balances the savoury richness of slow-cooked beef. The caramelised malt notes melt beautifully into the gravy, giving it that glossy, comforting depth that feels tailor-made for the candle lit evening in the Taproom.
Pictured: Co-Founder, Felix James, teaching an Amber candle making workshop in the Brewery with Amber fans.
And let’s not forget about the candle-making workshop led by our Co-Founder, Felix. A very memorable takeaway for all of our guests. Name something that embodies the winter nights more than a candle flickering away in the centre-piece of the table… we’ll wait.
With handpicked scents of fresh coffee, sandalwood, and pumpkin spice, the smell of Autumn flooded the room. Everyone was making their own candle inside a recycled Small Beer can, and stuck their own Amber label. Everyone was able to leave merry with Mid-Strength beer and had this token of Amber for their own home.
‘Amber on Cask’ isn’t as simple as it seems. The launch encapsulates the start of what is about to come. Those cosy pub sessions celebrating a timeless classic, and slow weekends spent cooking hearty meals.
Welcome the season of Amber with us, and raise a glass of our delicious, ruby-hued at home and mark the start of a new season.
