Fast Cask
Launched: July 2010
Marston's believes it can now offer cask ale quality in the home. Based on a bigger product recently launched in the on-trade, Fast Cask allows ale to fall "bright" within 60 seconds, rather than the 24 to 36 hours normally required. The Fast Cask removes the risk of finings and yeast particles giving the ale a cloudy appearance, by using yeast in a unique bead form. The casks (rsp: £18 for five litres) have a shelf life of 28 days. The product will be used initially for Marston's Pedigree and Hobgoblin ales and will be trialled with Ocado and Costco.

Guinness Black Lager
Launched: April 2010
Guinness Black is a 4.5% abv lager (rsp: £1.25 for 33cl) that gets its dark colour from roasted barley. "It's being tested in markets around the world," says Richard Barlow, marketing manager for packaged Guinness at Diageo GB.

"It has the refreshing taste of lager but with the flavour of Guinness." Guinness Black has been on trial in the UK since April and supported with in-store activity and outdoor media. "If we get positive feedback we will look to start widespread distribution later in 2010," Barlow adds.

Bud 66
Launching: August 2010
AB InBev hopes Bud 66 will replicate the success of Stella Artois 4% particularly as the core Budweiser beer is outperforming Stella. Bud 66 (rsp: 10% to 15% above Beck's Vier and Stella Artois 4%) has an abv of 4% and has been designed to be less gassy and slightly sweeter than rivals to appeal to consumers aged 20 to 30.

The brewer predicts the launch will be the "biggest-selling beer innovation of 2010". AB InBev UK is promising a multimillion pound marketing campaign for Bud 66 after its launch next month. It will be sold in 330ml bottles and 500ml can multipacks.

Windhoek
Launched: May 2010
Imported lager is nothing new, but Guinness GB believes Windhoek's African origins and 4% abv give it a point of difference in the growing world beer category. Windhoek (rsp: £4.29 for 4x33cl bottles) is Namibia's bestselling beer it is also a big seller across South Africa and is made in accordance with German purity laws.

"Consumers told us they thought there was an opportunity for Africa to come into the marketplace," says Diageo GB's Richard Barlow. Windhoek is on sale in Tesco, Morrisons, Asda and Oddbins as well as in the on-trade in 200 city centre bars.

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