A new Cornish beer from a coastal microbrewery has been inspired by the unique ecosystem of sand dune habitats. 

Released in can and keg in time for summer, Dune is a hazy pale ale unveiled by The Driftwood Spars Brewery at at Trevaunance Cove, and seeks to celebrate and protect these precious features of the coastline.

Head brewer Mike Mason, at the award-winning brewery, described the golden-coloured beer as “smooth, fruity and sessionable, with a subtle tropical twist - crafted for summer days.”

Dune is dry-hopped with large amounts of Olicana and Opus English hops, giving it a more mellow tropical flavour balanced with creamy, biscuity malt notes. 

There’s an important message at the heart of this latest release from the brewery, which puts the local environment and community at the centre of its approach. 

The Driftwood Spars brew-pub is located just metres from the sea; lunchtime or post-work sea dips are a common occurrence.

Landlady Louise Treseder said: “Many of us go in the water often anyway, so we’re very aware of the levels of plastic and other litter. Sadly, on our daily swims this month, we’ve noticed a depressing amount both in the sea and on the beach. It’s terrible for water quality and sea life, and much of it ends up washed back up elsewhere, especially after winter storms - impacting on the coastal environment, including sand dunes, on other parts of the north coast.”

Sand dunes are an important habitat for a wide variety of plant life, as well as bees, butterflies and birds. “I’d like to think that we can use our branding and marketing to remind people to at the least take their rubbish home – better still pick up any litter they see while enjoying a beer on the beach,” said Mike. 

The brewery has partnered with ocean clean-up charity Fathoms Free, and will donate a percentage from every sale of the Cove range to support efforts to remove plastic and discarded fishing gear from the Cornish coast. Over £5,500 has been donated since the brewery pledged their support in 2021.