Overview: Baynhams Brewery has introduced Chorus Beer, a fine English sparkling beer designed to compete alongside premium wines at the dinner table. Developed by brothers Tom and Lawrence Baynham along with cousin Harry Baynham, the beverage utilizes Chardonnay grape yeast to achieve characteristics of fine sparkling wine while maintaining classic beer qualities.
The Full Story
The founders questioned why quality premium beer always played second fiddle to wine on restaurant lists. This inquiry led to the creation of a product intended for dinner table occasions, toasts, and celebrations. In its first year, Chorus Beer won Silver at the International Brewing Awards and Gold at the London Beer Competition. The brand is positioned as a pioneering fine English sparkling beer that appeals to both beer drinkers and wine drinkers alike.
Jack Evans, head sommelier at The Pig hotel at Brockenhurst, describes the beverage as incredibly generous and brilliantly complex. It is recognized as a beer and wine lover’s beer that holds its own alongside a great bottle of wine. The product comes in 750 ml bottles and is intended for sharing during significant moments.
Production & Profile
The fermentation process involves cool, slow fermentation for around three weeks followed by six weeks of tank conditioning. This method allows the Chardonnay yeast to develop delicate, complex, fruity flavours rather than conventional beer fermentation character. The beverage is blended with light malts and fermented longer, resulting in a smooth, delicate biscuity finish lifted with fine, persistent bubbles.
It is served chilled in flutes and comes in 750 ml bottles. The drink features a 12% ABV and is vegan and gluten-free, tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. For trade partners, the brand offers 750 ml and 375 ml formats for on-trade use.
Brand & Industry History
Baynhams Brewery was founded in 2017 on an old farm in the New Forest. Commercial brewing began in 2020 after converting a barn and purchasing equipment. The founders, who studied engineering, started brewing for fun before planning the business. Chorus recipe development began in 2022 with several predecessor beers along the way.
What This Means
The brand intends to develop Chorus into a range of sparkling beers, exploring combinations of malts and yeasts. The founders see themselves working with other wine variety yeasts to make different styles. Marketing focuses on occasion-led positioning rather than tribe-led marketing, utilizing digital, search, PR, and storytelling.
Consumer Takeaway
This bottle offers a 12% ABV beverage that is vegan and gluten-free, tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. It is best enjoyed chilled in flutes for dinner table occasions. The brand supports direct sales with single bottles and cases of six available online.
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