SOUTHWOLD brewer Adnams has launched a new beer for drinkers seeking a lower-strength option over the festive period.

Sole Star, which contains just 2.7% alcohol by volume (abv), has been developed in response to the introduction earlier this year of a new lower rate of duty for lower strength beers, but with the aim of retaining the full-bodied flavour of stronger ales.

It is brewed with a combination of Pale Ale, Crystal, Black and Munich malts and Chinook and Cascade hops, described as giving it a light floral and citrus aroma and a balance of bitterness and caramel and toffee malt character.

Fergus Fitzgerald, head brewer at Adnams, said: “When the 50% duty reduction was introduced earlier in the year, we decided to create a lower abv beer with all the taste and body of a standard strength Adnams beer.

“We are delighted with the results and believe that Sole Star provides the perfect solution for cask beer fans who want a really tasty beer at a lower strength.”

“The Black malt helps give a good depth of colour, and the Munich and Crystal malts give the beer its depth and body as well as some toffee notes,” said Mr Fitzgerald. “The hops Chinook and Cascade were used as they are good bittering hops with attractive citrus characters yet are not too aggressive or harsh.”

He added: “We decided to name the beer Sole Star after the brightest star of all – the sun – which rises first on the east coast, casting the morning light over the Adnams Sole Bay Brewery.”