T&R Theakston has launched a new beer to meet the rising demand for lower-strength beers.

Theakston Quencher is a 3.4 per cent ABV, hop-forward cask ale made from pearl barley plus Sovereign (English grown) and Eldorado hops. Theakston says this combination creates a full-bodied cask ale with a refreshing floral and fruit hop character.

The beer is the latest new product from the Masham-based brewery which in 2021 launched Summit, a cold-serve 4.2 per cent pale ale now stocked in 100 pubs across the north with around 60,000 pints sold every month. The brewery has also recently celebrated cask beer by collaborating with craft brewery Tiny Rebel on two special seasonal ales – Chocolate Old Peculier and Golden Cwtch.

Quencher has been developed by head brewer Mark Slater to meet rising consumer demand for a lower-alcohol cask ale, and says it retains the complexity of character found in stronger beers such as Theakston’s iconic Old Peculier.

Brewery joint MD Simon Theakston said: “This new cask ale is a testament to our commitment to creating beer which meets the demands of our consumers and pubs. In line with changes to alcohol duty, we made the decision to not change the strength of any of our cask beers but rather to create a new lower alcohol option which doesn’t compromise on taste.

“This also brings the added benefit of being able to offer Theakston Quencher as an excellent alternative to consumers looking to enjoy the same great taste at lower price point.”