T&R Theakston, the independent Masham-based business, has launched a new British Bitter brewed especially for the Remembrance period.
Stand Fast is a new 3.9% ABV classic British Bitter designed to honour the “service, sacrifice and enduring contribution past and present, made by members of the British Armed Forces” with the brewery committing to 100% of the profit from each cask sold being donated to the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund.
The beer uses a specially selected combination of ale and crystal malts, wheat and caramel to create a rich, rounded malt foundation, with Challenger, Goldings and Target hops bringing a distinctive combination of fruit, spice and bitterness.
According to the brewery, the beer is full on the palate and delivers a fine balance of rich malt, fruit and hop notes, with a satisfying bitterness that keeps the beer lively, encouraging another pint.
The beer takes its name from a long held military expression and also reflects the qualities of steadfastness, resilience and comradeship that sit at the heart of Remembrance.
Development of Stand Fast was spearheaded by Will Theakston, sales manager at T&R Theakston, and the sixth-generation family member to work at the brewery, who served as a Captain in the Queen’s Royal Lancers.
However, the brewery said the military connection goes beyond Will, with several members of the Theakston family and brewery team having served or having close family ties to the military.
The launch also comes as Theakston’s brewery prepares to mark its bi-centenary next year, having been established in Masham in 1827. The milestone is one the family-run business is committed to using to celebrate the people, traditions and communities that have helped sustain Theakston through almost two centuries of brewing.
Will Theakston said: “Remembrance is something that means a great deal to me personally, but Stand Fast is about more than remembering. The beer looks to recognise the commitment and sacrifice of those who have served, those who continue to serve, and the families and communities who stand behind them. What is truly striking is how the on-trade from our direct customers to the wholesalers have got behind this beer, causing it to sell out in less that 24 hours.
“As we approach our 200th anniversary, we are conscious that the brewery is about far more than the beer we brew. It is about the people, families and communities around it. We are passionate about using this milestone to support charities and causes that genuinely mean something to the team here at Theakston Brewery, and this is the first of those initiatives.
“With all our beers, we work hard to craft products that bring people together in pubs and bars across the country. So, with Stand Fast we want to do the same, and turn a traditional pint into meaningful support for the Armed Forces community, by ensuring profit from every cask gives back to the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund.”
