Theakston Launches new Remembrance ale in support of military charity

Independent brewery T&R Theakston is launching a new 3.9% ABV classic British Bitter named Stand Fast to pubs and bars, brewed especially for the Remembrance period, with demand for the limited-edition product from the on-trade so high, the beer sold out in 24 hours.

Available from mid-October, Stand Fast has been crafted to honour the service, sacrifice and enduring contribution past and present, made by members of the British Armed Forces, with the brewery committing to 100% of the profit from each cask sold being donated to the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund.

The new beer uses a specially selected combination of ale and crystal malts, wheat and caramel to create a rich, rounded malt foundation, with Challenger, Goldings and Target hops bringing a distinctive combination of fruit, spice and bitterness. Full on the palate, it delivers a fine balance of rich malt, fruit and hop notes, with a satisfying bitterness that keeps the beer lively, encouraging another pint.

Taking its name from a long held military expression, it also reflects the qualities of steadfastness, resilience and comradeship that sit at the heart of Remembrance.

Development of Stand Fast was spearheaded by Will Theakston, sales manager at T&R Theakston, and the sixth-generation family member to work at the brewery, who served as a Captain in the Queen’s Royal Lancers. However, the military connection goes beyond Will, with several members of the Theakston family and brewery team having served or having close family ties to the military.

The launch also comes as Theakston’s brewery prepares to mark its bi-centenary next year, having been established in Masham in 1827. The milestone is one the family-run business is committed to using to celebrate the people, traditions and communities that have helped sustain Theakston through almost two centuries of brewing.

Will Theakston said: “Remembrance is something that means a great deal to me personally, but Stand Fast is about more than remembering. The beer looks to recognise the commitment and sacrifice of those who have served, those who continue to serve, and the families and communities who stand behind them. What is truly striking is how the on-trade from our direct customers to the wholesalers have got behind this beer, causing it to sell out in less that 24 hours.

“As we approach our 200th anniversary, we are conscious that the brewery is about far more than the beer we brew. It is about the people, families and communities around it. We are passionate about using this milestone to support charities and causes that genuinely mean something to the team here at Theakston Brewery, and this is the first of those initiatives.

“With all our beers, we work hard to craft products that bring people together in pubs and bars across the country. So, with Stand Fast we want to do the same, and turn a traditional pint into meaningful support for the Armed Forces community, by ensuring profit from every cask gives back to the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund.”

To find out where you can enjoy Theakston’s Stand Fast or for more information about the brewery visit: www.theakstons.co.uk.

For further information please contact Ben Ormsby via Ben.Ormsby@aberfield.com.

Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.