Greene King, under the Morland & Co brewery brand, is introducing a 0.5% abv version of the UK's number one premium ale Old Speckled Hen.
Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol faithfully delivers flavour characteristics reminiscent of the 5.0% abv bottled beer and echoes the familiar malty toffee and caramel notes which gives Old Speckled Hen its rich smooth and distinctive flavour.
Like the original, Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol is brewed with Pale and Crystal malts alongside Challenger, First Gold and Goldings hops allowing the unique toffee malt character for which it is known to shine through.
The no and low alcohol beer sector is rapidly growing and is now the second fastest growing beer category in supermarkets after craft beer and is now worth £48.6m, up 35.1% in the last year according to Nielsen data. Nearly a quarter of adults claim they have consumed no or low alcohol beer in the last year as the healthy living lifestyle trend continues to rise.
Matt Starbuck, managing director, Greene King Brewing & Brands, explained, 'Important in the decision whether to introduce low or no alcohol version of our famous beer is the driving belief that the beer should always taste like a proper beer. After extensive consumer tasting trials and expert tasting panel analysis it was decided to introduce a low alcohol version so our brewers could absolutely match that consumer expectation.
'The low alcohol beer market is fast evolving as people's drinking habits adapt to fit with healthier lifestyle choices. Choosing alcohol free drinks shouldn't mean compromising on the occasion and there is an ever increasing demand for a grown up alternative to soft drinks and alcohol free beers that simply don't hit the taste mark.
'Old Speckled Hen is a trusted and much loved brand whose gluten free version swiftly rose to become market leader when it launched in 2017 and we are confident that Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol will achieve just that in this market category.'
Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol will be available in Greene King and free trade pubs, independent retailers and online from the end of November in single 500ml bottle format.