Oak-Aged Golden Mild Brewed for VE Day at The Lamb and Flag

As part of an exciting series of beer collaborations with Fuller’s Pubs across London, Sambrook’s Brewery has recently crafted a unique and historically inspired brew. Previous partnerships have seen us produce a Plum Mild with The Jack Horner, an Amber Ale with The Admiralty, and a Green Tea IPA with The Hung Drawn & Quartered. This time, we were given a special brief by The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden: create a beer to commemorate VE Day.

With 2025 marking the 80th (Oak) Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, we decided that aging the beer on oak would be a fitting tribute to the occasion.

The Art of Oak Aging Beer

Oak aging is a centuries-old brewing technique, traditionally carried out in large wooden barrels over the course of months or even years. However, due to time and space constraints, we opted for a more efficient method: using toasted oak chips. These chips allowed us to capture the nutty, woody characteristics of oak in a fraction of the time.

To prepare the oak chips safely and enhance their flavor profile, we soaked them in boiling water. This not only eliminated potential bacteria but also brought out the deep, toasted aromas of the wood. The soaked chips and their liquid were then added directly to the fermenter, where they infused the beer for a full week before packaging.

The Result: A Taste of History

Crafting this beer was not without risk. We weren’t sure how quickly the oak flavors would develop or how pronounced they would be. Fortunately, the result exceeded our expectations. The subtle oak notes complement the golden mild base perfectly, enhancing its dried fruit and toffee characteristics.

The final beer offers a balanced, nostalgic flavor profile that we believe captures the spirit of the era it commemorates—a truly well-rounded taste of history.

Keep an eye out for this exclusive VE Day golden mild at The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden—a brew born of heritage, innovation, and collaboration.