Southampton-based ​Unity Brewing Co​ has launched a new side project, May Provisions, which focuses on Continental and traditional beers.

Unity is known for modern, hop-forward beers like Conflux pale ale and Collision IPA.

Through May Provisions, the team will leverage their longstanding enthusiasm for traditional beers that blend inspiration from the past with a contemporary approach.

Its focus is on creating distinct beers – embracing the unpredictable influence of natural methods and ingredients – with a commitment to quality, expert technique and full, balanced flavours.

The inaugural May Provisions beer is its ‘Extra’ Continental Pale, 4.8% – a light and crisp Belgian-style pale ale brewed with German Pilsner malt, Czech Kazbek hops and the new May Provisions house yeast.

“We’re so proud of the Unity range but we want to give a singular focus to our other passion – Continental and traditional beers,” ​said ​founder and head brewer Jimmy Hatherley, who runs Unity Brewing Co.

He added: “This is embodied in Extra, which is inspired by our love of dry and hoppy Belgian pale ales like Brasserie de la Senne Taras Boulba and Brouwerij ‘t Verzet Super NoAH.”

May Provisions is named for the month of May, when the best of the UK’s produce peaks – one of the most inspiring times for those who love good ingredients.

“Plus we like how the word ‘may’ stands for possibility, growth and promise, setting the ambition for all we plan to achieve with beer and over time, an expanded range of food and drink products,” added Hatherley.

Extra will be available to buy in 440ml cans and 20L KeyKegs to trade through the ​Unity trade platform​ and direct to customers via the ​Unity webshop​ from 21st of September 2020.