Adnams has launched a limited edition beer to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Suffolk-born composer Benjamin Britten.

Native Britten is a golden beer (4.5% alcohol by volume) made entirely from Suffolk-sourced ingredients, including malted barley, wheat and First Gold hops, plus a touch of honey and thyme.

It is described as containing notes of banana and citrus and a light herbal aroma, with a sweet and dry finish.

Native Britten is available with a choice of three different labels (pictured), designed by Cookchick Design, from Adnams’ Cellar & Kitchen stores and online at adnams.co.uk.

Cookhick Design founder Lee Cook said: “Whilst researching Britten’s life, one rich visual area was how his inspiration was often drawn from the Suffolk landscape.

“In an attempt to express the variety in his body of work we developed a range of three designs, inspired by the different land and seascapes which would have surrounded him.

“The Suffolk land, sea and marshlands were chosen to summarise these landscapes.”

Adnams’ head brewer, Fergus Fitzgerald, said: “Britten is one of the most celebrated British composers of the 20th Century.

“I wasn’t over familiar with his work so I started my research by listening to his music, reading a biography and talking at length with Jonathan Reekie, chief executive of Aldeburgh Music. What stood out for me was an exchange between Peter Grimes and Balstrode in Britten’s opera ‘Peter Grimes’: Peter: “I am native, rooted here”. Balstrode: “Rooted to what?” Peter: “by familiar fields, marsh and sand…”

“These words motivated me to develop a beer using only Suffolk ingredients. Thyme is mentioned in Britten’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ so we incorporated that into the recipe too.

“This has been a fascinating project which we hope will be popular at the many Britten events taking place throughout his centenary year. It may also bring Britten to the attention of those not previously familiar with his work.”