PUBLICANS attending Clearwater Brewery's free beer tasting event are being offered a free cask of the brewery's rebranded ales.

The event is being held at the Old Market Inn, Holsworthy from 1pm to 9pm on March 27 where both publicans and CAMRA members will be welcome to sample the Torrington brewery's beers.

In 2009, Clearwater was taken over by former publican Barrie Marden and entrepreneur Barry Raynes and, while the beers have proved popular with locals, they are being renamed to refresh the company's branding alongside new lines being introduced.

Cavalier, a smoky, smooth chestnut ale, is being rebranded as Devon Dympsy and High Tide, a fruity, copper ale and at 4.5% ABV the strongest beer in the range, will become Devon Darter.

Other beers include Real Smiler, a summer beer, and Proper Ansome, the bitterest beer in the range aimed at the connoisseur.

Barrie Marden said: "Local beers are relatively low in alcohol content and are generally served in the controlled environment of a pub where drinking is part of a social occasion, rather than an end in itself. As such, we believe we deserve to be treated as part of the solution to alcohol-related harm, rather than part of the problem."

While the total UK beer market declined by 4.2% in 2009, small brewers grew volumes by 4% and the number of pubs selling local cask ales grew by 12%.

Against the recession and a 20% increase in beer duty over the past two years, SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, is calling on the government to reconsider punitive taxation policies that threaten the future of the local brewing industry.

Barrie said: "Local brewers support their local communities by employing local people, both in the breweries and in pubs and other related businesses. They are also advocates for sustainable development, employing green technologies and reducing food miles.

"We urge whoever is elected as MP for North Devon in May to show their support for local brewing and ensure that this young and thriving industry is encouraged to succeed."

Clearwater hopes that publicans will take the opportunity to sample its range of high quality ales and take up the offer of a free cask so that their own customers can also try them.

For details call 01805 625242.