The collectable label on Winter Welcome Ale this year features the much-loved red robin (erithacus rubecula). Despite the robin being such a popular symbol of winter goodwill, we have not previously pictured it on our Winter Welcome Ale label.

In the late 1800s, Victorian postmen wore red uniforms, earning them the nickname ‘robin redbreasts’. As Christmas drew near people all over the country eagerly awaited cards from loved ones delivered by their local ‘robin’. Thus the small bird’s fame was established as artists began illustrating Christmas cards with the birds delivering festive letters and cards.

The population of actual robins in the UK has increased by 50% over the past half century. There are estimated to be approximately 13 million robins in the UK.

This seasonal beer is a limited edition brewed for the short days and long nights of winter. The full body resulting from fermentation in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ and the luxurious malt character, which will appeal to a broad range of drinkers, is balanced against whole-dried Fuggle and Golding hops with nuances and complexities that should be contemplated before an open fire.