As can be seen from the guide, the Marple pub scene is dominated by local Stockport brewery Robinson's. This is not necessarily a bad thing as Robbie's Bitter and Hatter's Mild are both excellent beers when properly kept. It does however make for a lack of variety and choice if you don't like Robbie's, or just fancy something different for a change.

This problem was addressed by Robinson's themselves with the introduction of their first seasonal ale, "Whistling Will", in the Summer of 2000. Throughout the remainder of 2000 until the Spring of 2001 new ales were regularly introduced. In the Summer of 2001, "Will" was back and the whole cycle started over again. The ales are available in a good number of the pubs in Marple. This is a move we whole-heartedly support and hope will continue to be a great success. 

We will try to keep our visitors informed about the pubs in the guide that are serving the seasonal ales. If you spot it in any new pubs or hear any other news about it before we do, then let us know. 

Egbert Mackereth.

Summer
Whistling Will (ABV 4%)
Named after a famous Stockport Eccentric of the 19th Century, this summer ale, brewed from the finest ingredients, has a beautifully smooth, clean and refreshing palette. A thirst quenching beer specially designed to allow its sweetness and more fruity flavour to shine through.

Autumn
Cooper's Bell  (ABV 4%)
"A tribute to George Cooper, Stockport's Bellman circa 1865. This fully bitter Autumn Ale has a distinctive malty character complimented by a pleasant hop aroma derived from the addition of choicest hops late in the brewing process."

Winter
Robin Bitter  (ABV 4.5%)
"A unique seasonal ale brewed specially for the dark months of November and December. This is a rich, dark full bodied bitter with a distinctive roasted malt character complimented by the vague hint of liquorice. A unique blend of flavours resulting in a deeply satisfying finish. A cask ale only to be expected of Frederick Robinson Ltd. with a history of brewing since 1838."

New Year
Samuel Oldknow Bitter  (ABV 3.5%)
"A new cask ale for the New Year from Robinson's. Brewed specifically with the exhausted post Christmas palate in mind. If you have overdone the Christmas pudding and mince pies Samuel Oldknow is the beer for you.

Robinson's have revived an old Cheshire tradition of using Oats in the brewing process. The result is a pale, crisp, hoppy beer with a soft and wholesome character that is complemented by the generous addition of the choicest Goldings dry hops in cask."

Early Spring
Stockport Arches Bitter  (ABV 4.0%)
"By using an interesting blend of barley, wheat and roasted malts Robinson's have produced a dark, rich full bodied bitter beer that has a distinctive burnt chocolate malt flavour followed by a crisp and dry malt finish."

Late Spring
Young Tom  (ABV 4.0%)
"At last! A young heir to the throne. It was inevitable that a 102 year old cat should produce a successor. In his busy round of winning gold medals and awards Old Tom recently took time off and the happy result is Young Tom.
Specially brewed at a strength that will be more acceptable to those drinkers who prefer pints to halves, this beer retains all the unique flavours and aromas associated with it's famous elder. Like it's counter Young Tom is dark with a fruity aroma but has a much lighter palate with a good balance of ripe malt and peppery hops. Young Tom will suit beer lovers of all ages. PURRFECT drinking for all!"

Commonwealth Games 2002
Stadium Bitter  (ABV 4.4%)
"A welcome new addition to Robinson's Seasonal ales portfolio.
Specially formulated for cask, this traditionally brewed bitter has all the attributes one might expect from a great northern beer - warm, welcoming and full of character.
By using a carefully selected blend of pale, dark and roasted barley and wheat malts, a rich full bodied malty beer is produced with a light oak colour.
The addition of choicest Golding Hops both early and late in the brewing process creates a palate with an interesting balance of both hop flavour and hop bitterness."

New Year 2003
Double Hop  (ABV 5.0%)
"Traditionally brewed using only the finest East Kent Golding Hops, 'Double Hop' has a refreshing and complex palate, formulated to give an interesting balance of both hop flavour and hop bitterness.
Double Hop is brewed using a specially selected blend of several different pale malts, together with two more highly kilned malts.
Brewed by Robinson's in their traditional brewhouse, the hops and malt combine to produce a richly flavoured classic golden bitter beer."