Salford-based Marble Beer have announced that their flagship pale ale, is to be restored to its original ABV of 3.9%, following feedback from trade and customers.

Marble Pint Matthew Curtis
Photograph: Matthew Curtis

The strength was reduced to 3.4% ABV following the introduction of new duty legislation by the UK government in August 2023.

With the brewing industry facing immense financial pressures throughout the supply chain, lowering the alcohol content of beer to 3.4% offered a potential solution to breweries looking to claw back precious margin, and keep their businesses afloat.

However, Marble has listened to the feedback and made the decision to return the beer to its original recipe, at its full
strength.

“On the back of the change to duty relief made by the government, Marble made the decision to drop the ABV of Pint from 3.9% to 3.4%,” said Marble Beer’s sales director, Paul Plowman. “The intention was to give us some breathing space when it came to our duty bill.

“While we were happy with the 3.4% version, it became apparent many of our loyal customers were not. Although we never compromised on quality, sometimes things just shouldn’t be messed with.

“As a result, we’ve gone back to the original 3.9% recipe, which hopefully will return Pint to one of the most loved and respected pints in the country!”

Pint is an easy-drinking, sessionable ale that features an all-pale malt bill and New Zealand and US hops, giving it a fresh, zesty flavour, reminiscent of grapefruit and gooseberry, and subtle aromas of lemongrass.

The beer is available in both cask and keg formats, and also in cans, where (for reasons that should be obvious) the brewery
affectionately refers to it as ‘Metric’.