Wainfleet’s Batemans is one of the county’s most prolific breweries, and one of its most popular brands once again hits the shelves this month… a seasonal beer to put a smile on your face, some colour in your cheeks and, says Jaclyn Bateman, a kick to your Christmas turkey!

Each family has their own Christmas traditions, from a particular decoration on the seasonal tree, to the annual family get-together or the post-prandial argument over who has to do the washing-up after a hearty Christmas lunch. Needless to say some of these traditions are more or less welcome than others, but one tradition that’s always keenly awaited across the county is the first pint of Rosey Nosey, Batemans’ Brewery’s special edition Christmas Ale.

This will be the eighth year the Wainfleet Brewery has produced the special edition ale, and as Batemans’ Marketing Director Jaclyn Bateman revealed to us this month, the ale is hugely popular, not least in her own family, whereupon it’s enjoyed by an open fire in the evening or used in mince pies and Christmas puddings, as well as used in basting the family’s turkey.

Rosey Nosey is a variation that came about as a result of the family wanting to celebrate Christmas with a special edition beer that was warm, welcoming and drinkable, but sessionable too… unlike many darker winter ales which have an alcohol content of around 6%, Rosey Nosey is just 4.7% ABV.

The beer has a warmer, maltier, nuttier taste and is exceptionally well suited to evenings drawing in and gamey dishes or a winter warmer after a morning spent riding or shooting, but consumers aren’t the only ones with whom Rosey Nosey is proving popular; “The supermarkets really love the product.” Says Jaclyn. “You can find it in Waitrose, Tescos, Co-Op, Morrisons… most supermarkets actually. We put its popularity down to the fact that it’s locally produced and has become a real tradition for families across Lincolnshire and beyond. It certainly follows the Bateman’s philosophy of Good Honest Ales.”

Indeed, that philosophy has been recognised since 1874 when George Bateman and his wife Suzanna first rented a small brewery in Wainfleet and learned the trade from Edwin Crowe, its previous owner. The couple moved to the present location on Wainfleet’s Salem Bridge in 1880, and George’s son Harry took control of the business until 1970 when control passed to George, who was chairman of the brewery until earlier this year when the much loved brewer sadly died. Today, Jaclyn and brother Stuart act as Marketing Director and Managing Director alongside Chief Executive Haydyn Biddle and Chairman Brian Bean.