Perfect Your Pint with New Black & Tan Tool from Bass Pale Ale

ST. LOUIS (March 10, 2008) - It's no secret that Brits need their umbrellas. The Queen and members of Parliament have oft been photographed with umbrellas protecting them from the drizzle. And Mary Poppins' grand entrance and exit would have been considerably less grand minus her oversized version.

Staying true to its English roots, Bass Pale Ale introduces this month its own version of the umbrella - or brolly, as the Brits call it - that won't block the rain, but will help adult beer drinkers create perfect, authentic Black & Tans at home parties and get-togethers this St. Patrick's Day.

The authentic Black & Tan has been made with Bass Pale Ale and Guinness stout since the 1800s. For nearly as long, adults have attempted to pour their Bass Black & Tan by placing a bar spoon over the lid of their pint glass.

"The bar spoon is an easy tool to use, but it often results in something closer to a caramel than a Black & Tan," says Jamie Walker, a professional bartender and mixologist who hails from the United Kingdom. The Bass Brolly sits atop the pint glass and allows the stout beer to flow through slowly, resulting in the desired layered effect. "It's ideal for making Black & Tans at home," Walker says.

The Brolly's magic comes from a series of small holes that help prevent the stout beer from mixing with the Bass Pale Ale. Here's how to use it:

1) Pour the Bass Pale Ale down the center of the glass to create an ample amount of foam, filling it about two-thirds full.

2) Place the Brolly on the lid of the glass. For best results, Walker recommends setting the Brolly on top of the Bass Tri-Glass, but says any pint glass will work.

3) Slowly pour the stout through the Brolly, being careful not to let the two layers mix. "Pouring a Black & Tan for yourself or friends is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day," says John Costello, brand manager, Bass Pale Ale, "but getting the right layered look isn't easy. The Brolly makes it less challenging - and fun."

Adults 21 and older will receive a Brolly free of charge with the purchase of Bass (where legal). Additional information on the Bass Brolly, including the step-by-step instructions on how to create an authentic Bass Black & Tan can be found at www.Bass.com.

Bass Pale Ale is a full-flavored ale that is still brewed to according to its original recipe. English malts, aromatic hops, and water rich in essential salts and minerals combine to give Bass its slight burnt roast aroma and high-quality, full-bodied flavor. Available in bars, restaurants and grocery stores nationwide, Bass Pale Ale is 5.1 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).