Robinsons has added to its Old Tom range for the first time in nine years with Blonde Tom, a Belgian-style blonde ale.

The Stockport-based brewer, one of only 32 independent family-run breweries in the UK, has released Blonde Tom in 330ml bottles and is said to mark the start of a new era for the brand.

In addition to the new ale, the brewer has given its range a makeover.  Explaining the thinking behind the new look and the new liquid, brands manager Gill Yates said: ‘Old Tom is engraved into our heritage at Robinsons. It has been with us since 1899, ever since our head brewer sketched the old brewery cat, Tom, into immortality, and over the years we have incorporated new flavour varieties such as Ginger and Chocolate.

‘However, it has been almost a decade since we really did anything new with this incomparable brand. This is because we’ve been holding back an important brewery secret. One we’ve guarded for nearly 120 years… Old Tom matures beautifully over time. Even over years.’

The new design will still be familiar to its loyal customers, as it incorporates the Tom Cat with a difference.

‘We know we can’t trade on past successes, we have to look to the future,’ Yates added. ‘That’s why, in addition to designing an inspired new look for the range, we also decided to welcome a new beer to the Old Tom family. As our first Robinsons beer to ever be brewed with Belgian yeast, Blonde Tom ushers in a new “golden age” and shows how we can switch up our ingredients and brewing methods.’

The 6% abv pale ale is said to have subtle aromas of banana and vanilla, a spicy clove tang, and a smooth easy drinking malt character.

Read more at source Imbibe