Damm launches “Old Speckled Hen” ZERO

Damm UK’s newly acquired “Old Speckled Hen” brand family is launching “Old Speckled Hen” ZERO, an alcohol-free variant of the popular premium ale following the recent changes in consumer behaviour.

It has been specifically developed in response to a growing trend for 0% ABV drinks and an increase in people “zebra-striping” or alternating between full-strength and no/low alcohol options. “Old Speckled Hen” ZERO offers customers the signature malty taste with hints of caramel and fruit. Essentially, it is produced with all of the flavour of regular “Old Speckled Hen” but without alcohol and contains fewer calories at just 12kcal per 100ml.

BBPA figures reveal that the no/low alcohol category is growing to meet the shift in consumer behaviour.  2025 was a record year for it with 200 million pints of no/low beer sold, almost 3% of the UK’s total beer market 2025.  Furthermore, according to research by charity Drinkaware as part of their 2026 Drinkaware Monitor, an annual study of UK adults’ drinking trends, they found that a record 91% of drinkers are moderating alcohol intake, increasing from 87% in 2025.*

Luke White, Managing Director of Damm UK comments, “We know that consumer drinking behaviour is now tailored around occasions and the launch of 'Old Speckled Hen' ZERO reflects that. Whatever the reason for moderating, we believe that this 0.0% traditional ale is going to become a national favourite.”

“Old Speckled Hen” ZERO will launch from now in a 4x440ml can format at select Morrisons stores and on morrisons.com. Cans and 500ml bottles will be rolled out to Asda online and stores later this month. Meanwhile, the new product will be available soon across Greene King pubs nationally amongst other venues.

In July Damm UK acquired the “Old Speckled Hen” family of brands from Greene King, which will bring the Damm Eagle Brewery full circle back to British beer and ale production. It also cements Damm’s status as the largest independent brewer operating in the UK during the business’ 150th anniversary year.

As the first major innovation since Damm's acquisition of Old Speckled Hen, the launch reflects the company's commitment to investing in the long-term growth, relevance and success of one of Britain's most recognised ale brands.

Notes to Editors

*(Drinkaware Monitor 2026: Drinking trends | Drinkaware)

Over time “Old Speckled Hen” ZERO will replace the existing “Old Speckled Hen” Low Alcohol

(0.5% ABV).

About Damm

Damm is one of Spain’s leading food and beverage companies, founded in Barcelona in 1876 by the master brewer August Kuentzmann Damm. The business spans brewing, hospitality, logistics, and distribution sectors. It operates 18 production plants across the Iberian Peninsula and one in the UK, producing and packaging close to 21mHL of beer, water, soft drinks, dairy products, and milkshakes annually. In 2025, Damm reported a turnover of over €2bn and employed 6,393 people. Damm’s brands are present in more than 130 countries, offering a wide portfolio of beers and styles. Its flagship, Estrella Damm, is a Mediterranean lager brewed with 100% natural, high-quality ingredients following the original 1876 recipe.

In 2022, Damm acquired the Eagle Brewery in Bedford, reinforcing its commitment to the UK market and sustainable practices. The renovations included a new state-of-the-art canning line as well as soft drink making facilities. In July 2026, Damm acquired the “Old Speckled Hen” brands reconnecting the brewery with its roots of British beer and ale production.

Damm UK also distributes Damm Lemon, Daura, Complot & Inedit beers as well as the non-alcoholic beers Estrella Damm 0.0% and Daura 0.0% in addition to other brands including Victoria Málaga, Rosa Blanca, KIRIN ICHIBAN and Northern Monk.

The dream of a Mediterranean-style brewery started out 150 years ago in Barcelona and now Damm is commemorating its 150th anniversary and shared history with society through a schedule of events, strengthening its commitment to culture, gastronomy and music.

About Old Speckled Hen

The great British ale Old Speckled Hen was first brewed in 1979 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic MG car factory in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Named after the factory run-around - an MG featherlight saloon affectionately known as the “Owld Speckl’d Un” thanks to its experimental paintwork – “Old Speckled Hen” has become one of the UK’s best-loved quintessentially British ales. Auburn and copper on the eye; malty, toffee notes on the nose; and then a further lovely helping of malt in the taste, with distinctive hints of caramel balanced by a touch of fruit. As English as English can be.

Tasting Notes: A high proportion of Crystal malt in Old Speckled Hen provides the key toffee/caramel flavour. The yeast used to ferment the beer provides the other key character - estery or banana/pear drop. This estery note provides the fruity and refreshing balance. The hops used add a palate cleansing herbal note and very slight orange citrus. A very malty, full bodied and warming ale.

Pairing Notes: Old Speckled Hen pairs exceptionally well with classic English dishes such as premium pies, roast dinners, sausages and weekend BBQs. Its sweet, toffee malt notes also make it a perfect accompaniment to a sticky toffee pudding.

• 4.8% bottle and can, 4.5% cask and keg

• 33 Bitterness (IBU)

• 34 Colour (EBC