Pictured above: Nick Shuttleworth and Chris Box, directors of Shenstone Brew Co, raise a glass to their new venture

Two Staffordshire businessmen have launched a new brewery company to provide a range of original hand-crafted beers to the region's pubs and bars.

Nick Shuttleworth and Chris Box, two former Carlsberg executives, are the founders of Shenstone Brew Co, which aims to build on the growing demand for cask conditioned beers by giving drinkers a choice of contemporary brands with a local flavour.

The company's signature beer, "3 Spires", is inspired by the Cathedral City of Lichfield and is already being served in around 30 pubs and free trade outlets within a 20 mile radius of Shenstone. A number of the major pub operators including Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns have agreed to supply the beer, while Coors has also listed 3 Spires in its 2010 guest ale programme - a major coup for the fledgling company.

At 3.8% ABV, "3 Spires" is an amber beer that combines the taste and flavours of lightly roasted barley with the clean refreshing bitterness of the finest Styrian Goldings hops.

"We've had a tremendous response from both the trade and drinkers who are looking for a session beer which is a well balanced and moreish pint" said director Nick Shuttleworth.  

"In establishing Shenstone Brew Co, we aim to put a contemporary twist on the traditional ale market by widening our appeal to new, style conscious customers who might not normally choose local cask conditioned beers. Our whole ethos is about creating original hand-crafted beers for our customers' pleasure, delight and enjoyment."

"3 Spires" is currently being produced in partnership with a local brewery in Walsall, but Shenstone Brew Co  has ambitious plans to open its own production facility within the first half of next year.  

"We are currently looking at sites with a view to producing our range from a micro brewery around the Lichfield area as cask conditioned beers are growing in demand and provide a significant point of difference for pubs during these difficult times," said Nick.

In addition to "3 Spires", Shenstone Brew Co will be launching its Xmas Festive Beer from the first week in December. At 4.3% ABV, it is a hand crafted copper coloured beer which is fully flavoured with roasted malts and rich Christmas fruits.

"As well as our "3 Spires" and Xmas Festive Beer we have plans to introduce other products to complement the range over the next 12 months," added Nick.