Virgin Voyages develops signature craft beer because it ‘loves a challenge’

Virgin Voyages has developed a signature craft beer to be sold on-board Scarlet Lady, its first cruise ship.

“Virgin Voyages always loves a challenge and so we asked ourselves, ‘how can we create the most perfect beer to be enjoyed in the midday sun?’” said Charles Steadman, Senior Manager of Beverage Development for Virgin Voyages.

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“We have created the perfect pale ale that is both thirst quenching and refreshingly delicious, but of course, created with a Virgin twist, as we have given our pale beer a little kiss of scarlet red,” he added. “And who better to partner with on this exciting endeavor than Wynwood Brewing Company, based in Scarlet Lady’s home port of Miami?”

The English Pale Ale will be available in its onboard tap room the Draught Haus, but doesn’t have a name yet.

Virgin Voyages is asking the public for help to name the new beer. Followers can suggest their favourite names for the brew by commenting on the Instagram post featuring the can.

The craft beer has been created by connecting American and English brewing traditions; brewed using American malts and hops in Miami but using an English yeast, according to the cruise line, which will be Miami-based, but owned by UK-based Virgin Group.

Featuring a malty body like a traditional EPA, but slightly more bitter and hoppy, with hints of grapes and fruit on the nose with toffee and caramel in the background, the new brew is described by Virgin as “a drinker’s beer with the approachability in its taste for the novice”.

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The ale is finished with a little touch of roasted malt that gives it its signature red tint.

Located on Deck 7, the Draught Haus will be one of the first bars guests will discover onboard Scarlet Lady and is the perfect casual meet up spot on the ship to grab an expertly brewed beer with friends, according to Virgin Voyages.

Offering eight beers on tap, a wide range of bottled artisanal beers, shots, shot-cocktails and boilermakers, passengers can enjoy ice cold beverages as music filters in from the adjacent Voyage Vinyl record shop and DJ booth. The bar will also offer a growler service.