Paulaner Helles Launches in Nicholsons

As the last barrels were tapped in Munich marking the end of this year's Oktoberfest, we saw the celebrations continue in a different way across the UK, as Nicholson's Pubs started tapping their own Paulaner Munich barrels across their estate.

Words by: Rob Young - National On-Trade Manager 

Nicholson’s are a cornerstone of British Pub culture, spanning the length and breadth of the country serving up proper cask beer and traditional pub grub. No matter where you are, there will always be one near and you can always guarantee a fine pint of bitter and a hearty pie and mash. When Mitchell & Butlers approached us at the end of 2022 and mentioned they were looking for a quality lager for some of their pubs, we knew we had the perfect fit, with a traditional German lager.

So, why is a German lager the perfect fit for traditional British Pubs, we hear you ask?

Firstly: Provenance. When it comes to lager, the Germans really do it the best. They invented the stuff, some 600 years ago and have continued to pioneer the style. So much so, that most modern lagers are based on those Bavarian styles. The Brits have always been great at making bottom-fermented beers, like pale ales and stouts, but a clean, crisp lager, that has been mastered by those brewers in Bavaria.

Secondly: Tradition. Tradition is at the heart of everything Nicholson’s do, with some of their pubs being 100s of years old, like the Old Swan in York, which opened its doors back in 1703. Paulaner have the same traditions, brewing their first beers 59 years before the Old Swan in 1634. Both have stood the test of time, cause if it isn’t broken, why fix it?

Finally: Quality! Quality is at the forefront of Nicholsons just like it’s the lifeblood of German brewing. They even have a law to protect the quality, the Reinheitsgebot (purity law). This means every drop of Municher Hells is brewed with the best ingredients in Munich, has been properly lagered for over 30 days and brought over fresh by Cave Direct. Once it hits the cellars of Nicolson’s, we know it will be well looked after, which means you can guarantee one amazing pint of golden, German nectar.

Prost!