‘Mr Hockey’ celebrates Masters World Cup with own beer

A local brewery in Nottingham has celebrated the NET Masters Hockey World Cup 2022 with a beer brewed for hockey stalwart Graham Griffiths.

The Masters World Cup, hosted by England Hockey, will see teams from over 50 countries gather at Nottingham Hockey Centre between Aug 12-21. And Castle Rock Brewery has celebrated the tournament with a surprise launch party for their latest beer, Griff, at the Victoria Hotel in Beeston.  

The beer pays tribute to its namesake and chairman of Beeston Hockey Club. ‘Griff’, a 4.2% golden ale, will be available at the Victoria Hotel and at Nottingham Hockey Centre throughout the Hockey World Cup.  

Castle Rock Brewery have a longstanding relationship with the club and said it was delighted to add Griff to their hall of fame celebrating local luminaries such as former footballer Viv Anderson and actor Vicki McClure.  

The brewery worked with Griff’s son David to ensure the beer was kept under wraps until last night. Between them, they organised a party of over 50 of Griff’s close friends, family and fellow hockey players to surprise him as he entered the pub.  

David Griffiths said: “Bryan Adams once wrote a song about the ‘Summer of 69’, for us, this has been the ‘Summer of 22’ and the honorific beer for Dad is just the icing on the cake. He has worked tirelessly through his life to put Beeston Hockey Club on the European hockey map and built one of the best hockey centres in the world.  

“We are looking forward to welcoming the players from all over the world to the Masters Hockey World Cup over the next couple of weeks and I’ll sure plenty of glasses will be raised to ‘Griff’ throughout the event.” 

The brewery decided to brew a beer for Griff to celebrate his countless achievements, as an individual and as a hockey player.  

Graham is often referred to as ‘Mr. Hockey’, thanks to his 40 years’ service to the sport. Griff was a driving force in creating England’s top hockey centre, fighting for the installation of the astroturf pitches which has enabled Nottingham to host this year’s Masters World Cup.  

Matt Cooper, assistant Brewery Manager at Castle Rock, explained the recipe was crafted with this global audience in mind. “The intention was to brew a beer that paid homage to traditional British brewing with something that was well-balanced and easily accessible,” he said.

‘Griff’ uses all UK ingredients and is an easy-drinking, well-rounded golden ale which we hope with appeal to tastes from all over the world while showcasing the humble cask pint.”  

Punters will also be able to find it at various Castle Rock pubs throughout August.  

The NET Masters World Cups Over 35 and Over 40 will take place at Nottingham Hockey Centre between Aug 12-21