The iconic founder of Black Sheep Brewery has been immortalised in the form of a limited edition pump handle figurine to mark the 25th anniversary of the launch of the brewery and the return of a beer named in his honour.
Pathmaker, a 5% ABV pale ale, which was originally trialled in 2015 as a bottled beer in homage to Paul Theakston, will be available in pubs and bars primarily throughout Yorkshire and the North East from 20 March.
Pathmaker was created in recognition of Paul’s reputation as an early pioneer against bland beer and mass corporations when he founded Black Sheep Brewery.
It is brewed with Chinook hops, with an adventurous fresh aroma, juicy hop and malty mouth feel with a daring bitter finish. Pathmaker is also available as part of Black Sheep’s bottled craft beer range alongside Glug M’Glug and Moose Jaw.
Jo Theakston, Sales and Marketing Director at Black Sheep Brewery, said: “It is a special year for everyone connected with Black Sheep, so it is only fitting that we recognise Dad’s achievements, who has been instrumental in making the brewery what it is today.
“Pathmaker embodies the spirit of Black Sheep and our rich history, and the commemorative pump handle complements the beer perfectly, as well as make for a striking sight at the bar!”
ENDS
NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BLACK SHEEP BREWERY
Photo caption: Paul Theakston, Founder and Chairman of Black Sheep Brewery
Editor’s Notes:
The Black Sheep Brewery in Masham made its first beer in 1992 after being built up by Paul Theakston, whose family had brewed in the area for six generations.
In a world of ever increasing bland, mass-produced beer Paul saw an opportunity to return to what his family had done best since 1827, making real beer in the time-honoured fashion.
An old maltings building, once part of Lightfoot’s Brewery became the Brewery’s home. This landmark building, which stands high over the banks of the Ure, had fallen in to disrepair as years of neglect as a semi-redundant grainstore had taken its toll. Paul assembled a small team around him to fight the rats and build a traditional country brewery.
The Black Sheep Brewery name derived from Masham’s association with sheep, but ‘Sheep Brewery’ didn’t quite sound right, so with a little creativity from Paul’s wife the Black Sheep Brewery was born, a name that sat well with the area, spoke volumes about the maverick attitude to the multi-nationals seeking to dominate the brewing industry and captured the essence of the family struggle that led to our birth.
Black Sheep Ale at 4.4% ABV, now in an eco-friendly lightweight bottle, continues to maintain its presence among the top ten premium bottled ale brands, and is available nationwide from virtually all the major supermarket retailers. It is a classic premium bitter and as with all Black Sheep beers, full of character derived from the best possible brewing materials, plenty of time and patience in the brewing and our very special Yorkshire Square fermenters.
In 2014, Black Sheep Best Bitter, – Yorkshire’s best-selling cask ale – underwent a facelift to broaden its appeal among drinkers, evolving the look, while retaining all of the great taste that has made it an iconic brand.
