By John Connell

Last updated at 13:59, Monday, 05 March 2012

A Brampton brewer is serving up a taste of Roman life today to mark the broadcast of a play about life on the worst outpost in the Roman Army – Hadrian’s Wall.

Fiona Deal

Brampton’s Geltsdale Brewery, in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country, launched their beer at a Carlisle pub this morning.

Brewery director Fiona Deal said she was approached by the playwrights, Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, to brew up something special.

“They had written a comedy called It’s Grim up North set on the Roman Wall.

“It’s about the worst outpost in the Roman Army and the milecastle [fort] is called Drizzlewort.”

The beer, named after the fort, is a four per cent golden ale with a traditional English flavour.

It will be available in 500ml bottles and on draft.

Fiona, who studied archaeology at university, said: “I think the Romans would have loved it.”

The label shows a cartoon of a couple of rather grumpy looking Roman soldiers sitting on the wall who are obviously in need of some Drizzlewort.

The beer will be launched from 11am in the King’s Head in Carlisle.

It will also go on sale across pubs in Cumbria and Northumberland, especially along the route of the Wall.

It’s Grim Up North will be also be broadcast today on BBC Radio Cumbria.

Playwright Ed Waugh, who previously worked in the brewing business, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be associated with Geltsdale Brewery.

“Fiona and her team produce great beers.

“The Geltsdale Brewery represents beer of top quality and has a gained a well-deserved brilliant reputation throughout the region.”

First published at 11:26, Monday, 05 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk