AS a self-confessed stout fan, Suffolk's Lord Iveagh likes nothing more than supping a pint of Ireland's finest black stuff.But as a member of the world famous Guinness dynasty, the earl now readily admits his loyalty to his family's unique brew could soon be compromised.

AS a self-confessed stout fan, Suffolk's Lord Iveagh likes nothing more than supping a pint of Ireland's finest black stuff.

But as a member of the world famous Guinness dynasty, the earl now readily admits his loyalty to his family's unique brew could soon be compromised.

For at Lord Iveagh's Elveden farm, the recipe for a new stout is being concocted. The product will be brewed, bottled and sold on site, and hopes are high it may soon become East Anglia's favourite tipple.

Provisionally called Elveden Stout, the competitor for Guinness's crown will be part of a range of real ales produced specially by local brewer Brendan Moore for sale during the estate's monthly farmer's markets.

And Lord Iveagh, affectionately nicknamed Ned Guinness due to his brewing links, is confident the finished products will rival Ireland's finest to give Suffolk a flavour of which it can be truly proud.

"I think we may have to carry out a blind-folded taste test with the two stouts," he joked. "Only then can we really know which is best.

"But there is nothing like a bit of choice – I love Guinness, as it has an excellent recipe, and therefore think my allegiances will be split between Guinness and Brendan's ale.

"However, only time will tell which of the beers we plan to produce will be stayers and which will be temporary – it all depends on how the public react to the new creations."

The micro-brewery at Elveden will have the capacity to brew around 200 gallons of real ale and stout at a time, during a process which takes just over a week.

The finished bottles will boast specially designed labels, with the entire manufacturing procedure taking place on site and utilising local products and talents.

"Rural regeneration is what this is all about, and hopefully we are giving people another reason to drop in to the farmer's market at Elveden to enjoy themselves, so they can come away happy and satisfied," continued Lord Iveagh, who launched the first farmer's market last May.

"Brendan has got the inspiration, talents, experience and the energy for this, and isn't afraid to give people a very big range.

"All the beers he currently produces are absolutely delicious, and his brew is very consistent.

"We also hope to grow some barley on the farm here at Elveden for Brendan to use at the brewery, so people can trace exactly where their food and drink has come from."

The farmer's market, which runs on the first Saturday of every month, has grown in popularity since its beginnings last year.

It is hoped the brewery at Elveden will eventually be opened to the public during market days, to give customers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the manufacture of Suffolk-brewed real ales.

Mr Moore, who owns the Iceni Brewery at Ickburgh, near Mundford, currently produces around 12 different Norfolk ales, all named after Iceni Queens.

He is confident the brewing process at Elveden can begin in late spring.

"We came to the farmer's market to sell some of the real ales we brew in Ickburgh, and thought it would be a great idea to form a brewery based in Elveden, bearing in mind Lord Iveagh's links to Guinness," said Mr Moore.

"The whole process should take about 10 days, as we like to let the beer mature before it is drunk. It is a very enjoyable thing to do, and we have found there is a lot of interest in ale at the farmer's market.

"East Anglia is the best area in the world for growing malted barley, and we are hoping eventually to use crops from the farm at Elveden Estate.

"We will be bottling the beers in a very old, traditional way to condition the beer. It is quite unique, and involves moving the beer every day until it is ready to serve.

"This is an exciting project for Lord Iveagh and all at Elveden."