Swifty: Fonio Edition
Introducing the 2024 edition of Swifty! In continuation of our partnership with Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust (more on that here), we’ve brought back this much requested pale ale, but this time with an extra special new twist!
In recognition of the amazing migratory journey that swifts make from Africa to the UK to breed every year, we’ve combined UK grown hops Fuggles with Fonio, an ancient grain grown in Africa.
Fonio is a naturally sustainable crop – it’s capable of growing in poor soil, and its roots even help add nutrients back into the ground, contributing to soil regeneration. It’s easy to grow, requiring no irrigation or pesticides, and drought resistant too, so it really helps to support the ethos of the Wildlife Trust and was the perfect choice to add to this beer. It’s also typically grown by smallholder farms in West Africa, so supports local industry and communities there too. Our brewer Thom who was in charge of creating this year’s version of Swifty also described it as “a dream!” to brew with.
…and as well as all that, it also tastes great too! The Fonio itself gives a lovely light, clean crispness to the beer alongside delicate hints of aromatic lychee and melon, which work beautifully with the gentle spicy hedgerow notes and lingering bitter finish from the hops. A unique and easy drinking pale ale that’s a perfect partner for perusing the new Sheffield Swift City Map!
The cold wet spring has made things particularly difficult for the swift population this year, so it seems even more important to be able to raise awareness and support for these beautiful birds, who we do hope you’ve still noticed gracing the skies with their aerial acrobatics in recent weeks.
The beer is available in cask only (we believe it to be only the second beer made using Fonio to be released in cask in the world!), so be sure to look out for it on the bar of your local pub. 10p from every pint sold will be donated to Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust to help support nature’s recovery.
