John Smith’s set to launch Winner’s Tipple at Aintree

Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) is launching a premium ale called Winner’s Tipple, which aims to build on its sponsorship of the Grand National.

The ale will be rolled out nationally next month in selected on- and off-trade outlets in draught cask and 500ml bottles.

The launch will coincide with the second year of the John Smith’s People’s Race – the opening race on Grand National Day in which ten amateur riders gallop over the Aintree course for charity.

Graeme McKenzie, marketing manager for John Smith’s, says: “We wanted to create a great-tasting, no nonsense premium ale that beer drinkers would enjoy in the run-up to the greatest steeplechase in the world.”

“Many drinkers find it difficult to choose from the vast number of unknown cask ales on offer.

“We believe Winner’s Tipple will appeal both to regular cask ale drinkers and the millions of consumers of smooth bitters who overlook cask ale in favour of big name nitro-keg bitter brands that they are more familiar with.”

John Smith’s signed a three-year deal to sponsor the Grand National in 2005.