This year’s Grand National hero Many Clouds has had a new beer brewed and named in his honour.
The celebratory brown ale, fittingly named ‘Many Clouds’, has been produced by the Eastbury Brewing Company. The Marlborough brewery is not far from the Lambourn yard of Oliver Sherwood, where the eight-year-old is trained.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to recognise the achievements of Oliver’s team in bringing back such prestige to the Lambourn Valley. It is amazing to be part of the celebration becoming part of our local heritage as a name, that not only represents a fantastic equine but also a fabulous beer,” said Alison Lidderdale, who manages the brewery’s public relations.
The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding stormed to an impressive victory in the big race at Aintree under Leighton Aspell in April and provided Oliver with his first National win. The trainer’s Rhonehurst Stables will now be well stocked with Many Clouds brown ale, which has also had a seal of approval from the equine star himself (pictured below).
The new ale has been welcomed — and soon to be enjoyed — by many in Lambourn’s Valley of the Racehorse, and the gelding’s owner Trevor Hemmings has also given it the thumbs up. Oliver and his wife, Tarnya, cut the ribbon at the official launch at the Eastbury Brewing Company and New Finches Bottling plant earlier this year.
The first ‘Many Clouds’ pint was poured by Newbury MP Richard Benyon. “I’ve liked what I have tasted and this latest offering is a brilliant idea in celebration of the Grand National trophy returning to the Lambourn Valley,” he said.
To reflect the son of Cloudings breeding line — which includes his American-bred grand-sire Bob Back — the brew has US influence from across the pond.
“The bay-coloured ale has a hint of American hops on the nose with crystal and black malt influencing its unique colour. English bittering hops give the brew a slightly higher bitter taste than traditional English beers,” said a spokesman from the Eastbury Brewing Company.
“This new brew is an ideal winter warmer and will go well with seasonal food, such as a festive roast turkey and winter stews, during the National Hunt season.”
