Bristol-based Butcombe Brewing Company has celebrated the year it was established, 1978, with two beers inspired by the time.

Butcombe said the new beers give the brewery the chance to showcase its craft brewing credentials outside of the classic range.

Its ‘Invader’ Bock is cool fermented and conditioned cold for longer, which makes it a strong, malty lager.

“With a light amber colour and sweet, malt, biscuit character, the clean ferment ensures a crisp, dry finish with soft spicy German hop undertones. Beat the end of level boss and toast your success with Invader,” they said.

Elsewhere, its black ‘Forty Two’ beer features Galaxy hops as well as a wealth of roasted and caramel characters,

The new beers are available in 36 ASDA stores across the South West.  

Geraint Williams, managing director at Butcombe Brewing Co, explained: “We created our 1978 Range in homage to the year of our birth.

“These new beers give us a chance to be creative and experiment with brewing outside of our classic range.  Invader and Forty Two will allow us to access new markets and showcase our craft credentials.

“Our decision to create these craft beers has been driven by a consumer demand for fresh concepts in beer style as well as design. As drinkers move away from bland homogenised beer, towards craft brews, they’re looking for beers which connect with their lives.

“We think Invader and Forty Two will be incredibly popular with sci-fi fans. We hope these beers will be as successful as the cultural classics which inspired them.”