That's Cosmic! Professor Cox returns home to launch new JW Lees ale

TV star Brian Cox has teamed up with local brewery JW Lees to launch a zesty amber ale called Cosmic Brew.

The renowned physicist returned to his hometown of Oldham to brew the craft beer, which blends Admiral, Jester and Cascade hops.

Cox said: “Growing up in Oldham, walking distance from the brewery, JW Lees is a name I’ve always known, and their beers are legendary, so to work with them, to experiment with different beers, to uncover the secrets and science of brewing and launch Cosmic Brew has been a great experience.

“I also wanted to put something back into Oldham, to collaborate with a successful local industry to make something worthwhile.

"I’ve never done anything like this before, but when Michael [Lees-Jones, head brewer] asked me to collaborate on a beer, I couldn’t resist. It feels right.   

“I enjoyed being involved in the branding and design.

"The pattern of the stars on the label is the view of the night sky looking North over the brewery on the day I was born, March 3, 1968.

"It’s what I would have seen had I looked out of the window. There’s a fact for the pub quiz.”

The beer will be launched into the off-trade in January 2019 in a 50cl bottle, while pubs will get a cask.

The launch coincides with the start of Cox’s UK and Ireland arena tour, which sees him discuss universal adventures in space and time.

Lees-Jones said: “There isn’t much of the brewing process that needs explaining to Brian, so talk quickly turned to the beers we like and to styles of beer that we would like to brew.

“We’re both huge fans of traditional bitter but also drink a lot of hoppy pale ales, so we had plenty of styles to play with.

“We tried many different variables before making our final choice.

"Cosmic Brew isn’t a nostalgic beer but a sessionable amber ale propelled with British hops for plenty of character and a finish long enough for an intergalactic journey.”

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