There’s a new beer settling into the cellar at Hook Norton brewery and it’s turning tradition on its head.

The historic Oxfordshire brewery, established in 1849, is launching Old Hooky Zero, a zero-alcohol beer crafted for those who love a timeless pub classic but prefer a lighter touch.

Based on Hooky’s award-winning hero beer Old Hooky – first brewed in 1977 and set to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year – the brewery said Zero captures every drop of the original’s heritage.

Brewed using the original recipe and traditional brewing methods in the Victorian tower brewery, the rich, tawny beer uses the all-English trio of Fuggles, Goldings and Challenger hops. The brewery said it offers a refreshing, full-flavoured, no-alcohol alternative. 

MD James Clarke said: “Old Hooky has been the heart and soul of our pubs and a favoured pint of real ale lovers for nearly five decades. With Old Hooky Zero, we wanted to prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks! It’s our very first zero-alcohol beer and making it gluten-free means even more people can raise a glass.”

Old Hooky Zero is available now in 500ml bottles from the brewery shop, Hook Norton pubs, online at hooky.co.uk and retailers.