Devon-based Exeter Brewery has launched a new low alcohol version of Darkness Stout, one of its best-known beers.

The move is in response to fast-growing demand for full flavour alternatives with lower strength.

The new beer, Darkness Low, is a 0.5 per cent stout based on Darkness®, the brewery’s full bodied 5.1 per cent stout and multi award winning CAMRA favourite, and is now available to trade and retail in packs of 12 x 440ml cans.

Originally a cask and bottle product, a nitro-carbonated keg and can version is also now available.

Darkness Low delivers notes of roasted coffee, chocolate and liquorice, finishing with a smooth smokiness more commonly associated with higher strength dark beers.

The launch reflects wider changes in drinking habits, with low and no alcohol beers continuing to grow in popularity among consumers looking for moderation without compromising on taste.

Alan Collyer, managing director of Exeter Brewery, said: “There has been a lot of growth in low alcohol beer and Darkness low is our first entry into this sector.

“The response has been fantastic, and we are looking forward to adding further low abv products in the future.

“We wanted to create something that still felt like a proper stout rather than a compromise.

“Darkness has built a strong following over the years, so it was important that this version retained the richness and character people expect from it,” he added.

Founded in 2006, Exeter Brewery has developed a reputation for traditional and modern beer styles produced in the South West, supplying pubs, retailers and drinkers across the region and beyond. Darkness Low is available now through selected retailers and direct from the brewery.