Sunderland's Maxim Brewery launches two cask beers in bottles for the first time

Maverick and Medusa are the latest bottled beers to be launched by Double Maxim producer Maxim Brewery.

Maverick, named after film star Tom Cruise’s character in 1980s movie Top Gun, is a 4.6% American Brown Ale while Medusa is a 5.6% hoppy Indian Pale Ale (IPA).

Mark Anderson, the Sunderland brewery’s managing director and a Top Gun fan, said: “Maverick has a lot of character, a bit like Maverick himself, and is a little like what the Americans would make as our Double Maxim.

"The difference is Maverick contrasts with Double Maxim in that it has a bitter rather than a sweet taste.

"Medusa won’t turn you to stone and has proved popular when we did it in cask.”

After losing around two thirds of its trade through pub closures during the pandemic, the brewery has had to largely rely on the bottled market since March last year.

Mr Anderson said: “We are trying to give people something different while lockdown is still on.

"Although we are gradually moving out of lockdown, a lot of people will still want to drink at home and pretty soon they should be able to meet in gardens for a drink when the weather starts to get better.”

While Maxim Brewery has started to receive inquiries for its cask ales, Mr Anderson does not expect to begin taking orders until pubs know for certain that they can reopen from April 12.

He said: “Pubs do want to buy beers they cannot sell. So it is a waiting game at the moment.”

Maverick and Medusa will be available in bottles from this weekend at the brewery’s popular drive through takeaway service.

Orders can be made in advance by phone and then collected from the rear of its premises in Gadwall Road, Rainton Bridge, near Houghton, while staff watch from a socially acceptable distance.

The takeaway is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9.30am-noon and on Fridays from 10am-3pm.

Further details are available from (0191) 5848844.

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