Black Sheep Brewery Best Bitter is being released in bottle for the first time as a limited edition offering.

While fans of the Black Sheep range wait patiently for the re-opening of pubs, the Masham-based brewery has launched a 5,000-bottle run of Best Bitter, which is available exclusively from its online store and its local Brew to Ewe delivery service.

First brewed in 1992, Black Sheep Best Bitter has become one of the UK’s best-selling session cask ales.  However, this is the first time in almost 30 years that the 3.8% ABV beer will be available in a bottle.

With its distinctive Yorkshire character, it is brewed with Challenger, Goldings, and Fuggle whole flower English hops, blended with Maris Otter malt.

Throughout the past year Black Sheep Brewery has continued to evolve its range and services to ensure loyal and new customers can enjoy their favourite beers while pubs and restaurants have been shut or only able to offer limited services.

It has expanded its range of bottled, canned, and mini-keg beers as part of its growing e-commerce activity and successful local delivery service.

Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery, said: “We hope the re-opening of pubs is on the near horizon, but in the meantime, we know that the taste of Black Sheep Best Bitter is being missed by many people.

“So, while they can’t enjoy a hand-pulled pint at the moment, they can pour themselves a bottle of our iconic Black Sheep Best Bitter from the comfort of their own home.”

“This is another example of how we are constantly evolving our business to respond to the challenges of the last month, by being able to produce the beers that our customers love and deliver them to homes around the country.”