THE biggest brewery in Essex is appealing for help from EADT readers in the hunt for a name for a new beer which would “reflect the ethos” of the county.

THE biggest brewery in Essex is appealing for help from EADT readers in the hunt for a name for a new beer which would “reflect the ethos” of the county.

The Nethergate Brewery moved its production last year from Clare in Suffolk, where it was founded, to a new purpose-built brewery across the River Stour in Pentlow, Essex.

Nethergate is now launching a new brew and is searching for a label which will not only help sell the beer but embody the qualities of the county.

The brewery is asking EADT readers to decide what they think encapsulates the county and come up with a name for the recipe that not only includes the word Essex but also fits on the standard pub pumps.

Andy Bone, company managing director, said getting the name right was vital for the prospects of the first new beer to be introduced since moving to the new Essex site.

He said: “A brewery is defined by its permanent beers, so when introducing a new permanent beer it is important to get the name right, as the right name helps sell the beer.

“One of Nethergate's most popular permanent beers is called Suffolk County and one might think that an obvious name for Nethergate's first new permanent brewed in Essex would be Essex County.

“However, the brewery management felt this was a bit of a tame option and that Essex deserved a beer that reflected the ethos of Essex.”

The beer is described as light in colour, with a full flavour acquired from a combination of different locally grown malts and hops.

Current beers produced by the company, who have been brewing in the Stour Valley for 20 years, include the award-winning Old Growler, IPA, Augustinian, Umbel Ale and Black Shadow.

A panel of judges, including brewery representatives and a member of the Colchester branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), will select the name that best fits the image of the company and the nature of the new recipe.

The winner will not only see their suggestion adorning taps across the region but will also receive either an 18-pint barrel of the new beer, or two cases of the beer in bottles.

The prize will be presented during a tour of the new brewery, followed, predictably, by beer and sandwiches at the local pub.

The deadline for entries is Friday November 17 and suggestions can be sent by post to Nethergate Brewery, Pentlow, Sudbury CO10 7JJ, or by email to andy.bone@nethergate.co.uk.