Professor Julian Lloyd Webber and four of his students paid a visit to the Wye Valley Brewery in Stoke Lacy this afternoon (Wednesday, August 30th), to bottle a bespoke beer for Birmingham Conservatoire’s brand new facility.

Professor Lloyd Webber is the Principal of the Birmingham Conservatoire and a long-time fan of Wye Valley Brewery’s ales, particularly Butty Bach.

Earlier this year, he approached Wye Valley Brewery, with plans to create a bespoke bottled beer, as well as a cask ale, which will be served in the bar of the new building.

Head Brewer, Gareth Bateman worked closely with Professor Lloyd Webber to produce the new ale. The internationally renowned cellist took part in a blind taste test to create the recipe.

The end product, named ‘Principal’s Ale,’ is similar to Butty Bach, but slightly sweeter and a little stronger in terms of ABV.

This afternoon, Professor Lloyd Webber and his students assisted the Wye Valley Brewery team on the bottling line, before enjoying a sample of the new product, and old favourites, with their lunch.

See the full story in next week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, out on Wednesday, September 6th.