Batemans launches Law of the Land beer

Batemans, the family brewer based in Lincolnshire, has brewed a rich, ruby beer to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. The county plays an important role in the story of the historic document and is home to one of only four surviving original copies. Named Law of the Land and available by bottle, this 5.5% ABV beer has been brewed with sweet English barley and spicy Minstrel hops to give “a balanced taste of history”.

Law of the Land is a rich and opulent old-style beer, brewed specially to be a modern-day representation of the type of ale that would have been enjoyed by the barons who created Magna Carta. It is indulgent, characterful and luxurious, with hints of berries and fruits to enhance the traditional flavour. The use of Minstrel hops is also deliberate, as they feature some characteristics of hops of that time.

Batemans partnered Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council  to officially create a beer for the anniversary celebrations. The beer was launched at an exclusive event held in the women’s prison at the newly renovated Lincoln Castle, where Lincoln Cathedral's copy of the document is now housed in the new David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault.

Stuart Bateman, MD Batemans Brewery, comments: “We’re incredibly excited to have produced this limited edition bottle beer in partnership with LCC and ELDC as part of the Magna Carta celebrations. The beer is vibrant and gives a real sense of occasion – bursting with richness it is a very befitting tribute to the rebelliousness of the barons to which we owe so much. Magna Carta is a hugely important part of our history that still impacts us today, so what better way to mark this milestone than by raising a glass of Law of the Land beer!”

Law of the Land will be available to buy in 330ml bottles from the Batemans Visitor Centre and online store, as well as Lincoln Castle and Lincolnshire Co-op stores. It is the perfect beer to enjoy during the national ‘Cheers to Beer’ taking place at 12.15pm on Beer Day Britain, 15 June 2015. At that time people are encouraged to go to the pub, bar or have a bottle of beer at work or home and raise a glass to British beer and Magna Carta. The time of 12.15pm relates to the year the great charter was sealed.  

Batemans is a family brewer based in Lincolnshire, England. It has brewed beer from its Brewery in Wainfleet since 1874, and has nearly 70 pubs in its estate, predominately based in Lincolnshire, Derbyshire Dales and Norfolk. Batemans brews five permanent cask beers, as well as a range of seasonal and speciality beers. It offers a wide selection of bottled beers, which are available to buy online and in supermarkets across the UK.

24 May 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor