Grillstock, the Bristol-based smokehouse restaurant and festival group, has launched its own craft beer designed to complement its smoked meats.
Grillstock Pale Ale is brewed in collaboration with Bath Ales’ Beerd Brewery and is a blend of three US hops.
It is the latest in a string of US-style craft beers to be launched in Bristol – Beerd produces a number at its bar and brewery in Kingsdown while other small breweries have also picked up on the fast-growing trend. US-style craft beer bars are also becoming extremely popular in Bristol. 
Grillstock launched five years ago and now owns three Smokehouse restaurants in Bristol and Bath as well as its own BBQ and music festivals, which attract more than 25,000 fans every year.
It says the bright, hoppy taste of its beer pairs well with the juicy, smoky tastes of southern-style BBQ.
Grillstock Pale Ale, which is 4.5% abv and sells in 330ml bottles, uses Pale Ale, Caragold and Crystal malts and is hopped using Columbus, Summit and Citra and then dry hopped with a mix of the same.
Grillstock co-founder Jon Finch said “Grillstock is all about enjoying proper BBQ and great beer with your friends.
“It’s that simple. Our new Pale Ale is a great session beer that is big and hoppy but doesn’t knock you on your ass.
“It’s the perfect refreshing brew for when you are eating BBQ meat, smoking meat or just for when you’re sitting around thinking about meat.”
Grillstock Pale Ale went on sale in Grillstock’s restaurants just before Christmas and will also be available at Grillstock summer festivals this summer.
The firm is also investigating opportunities for nationwide distribution of the beer in 2015.
The Bristol Grillstock Festival takes place between July 10 and 12 this year.
