Yorkshire brewery Theakston's launches its strongest ale yet in Morrisons

One of Yorkshire's best-loved breweries has added a brand new beer to its collection, and it's the strongest one they've made yet.

Masham-based Theakston Brewery has unveiled Special Reserve, a rich, full-bodied ale that's making its way onto supermarket shelves across the UK, launching in Morrisons this October before arriving in Waitrose in November.

With an ABV of 6.5%, Special Reserve takes the title of the strongest ale in Theakston's range. Brewed in the heart of North Yorkshire using fresh Fuggle hops, the new addition offers a smooth, rounded flavour with subtle fruity notes, bringing a fresh take to a classic British ale.

Available in 500ml bottles, the beer is designed for those who appreciate a traditional, full-flavoured pint. It's also a particularly good match for stronger foods, with the brewery recommending pairing it with cheeses such as Blue Wensleydale.

The launch comes as the independent, family-run brewery approaches its 200th anniversary, having been brewing in Masham since 1827.

Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston, said: "As a brewery with almost 200 years of experience crafting legendary beers, we pride ourselves on staying true to our heritage while creating beers that people want to drink.

"Modern consumers are returning to classic styles of British ale, ones which match their higher ABV value with distinctive rich and smooth flavour profiles, and so it felt the right time to create something unique for our off-trade customers with Special Reserve."

Special Reserve joins a growing line-up of beers from the Yorkshire brewery, including its iconic Old Peculier, alcohol-free Nowt Peculier and Salted Caramel Porter, all of which have secured increased supermarket listings this year.

Still proudly family-owned after six generations, Theakston remains one of the UK's most established independent breweries, combining traditional brewing techniques with new additions to its range.

Theakston Special Reserve is available in Morrisons from October, with Waitrose set to stock the beer from November.

For more information, visit www.theakstons.co.uk.