Greene King makes low-alcohol Old Speckled Hen beer

Brewer and pub giant Greene King is introducing a 0.5% ABV version of its popular ale Old Speckled Hen.

(Photo: Greene King)

Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol is brewed with Pale and Crystal malts alongside Challenger, First Gold and Goldings hops, and “faithfully delivers flavour characteristics reminiscent of the 5.0% ABV bottled beer,” according to the brewer.

The no and low alcohol beer sector is rapidly growing. In the 12 weeks to 12 August 2018, sales of no-alcohol beers were up by 58% compared with the same period last year, according to Kantar World Panel. Moving annual total of Nablab products has risen by 24.4% in volume and by 29.6% in value in two years – by 22.7% and 24.3 % respectively in the past year, according to CGA.

“Important in the decision whether to introduce low or no alcohol version of our famous beer is the driving belief that the beer should always taste like a proper beer” explains Matt Starbuck, managing director of Greene King Brewing & Brands.

“After extensive consumer tasting trials and expert tasting panel analysis it was decided to introduce a low alcohol version so our brewers could absolutely match that consumer expectation.”

“The low alcohol beer market is fast evolving as people’s drinking habits adapt to fit with healthier lifestyle choices.  Choosing alcohol free drinks shouldn’t mean compromising on the occasion and there is an ever increasing demand for a grown up alternative to soft drinks and alcohol free beers that simply don’t hit the taste mark.

“Old Speckled Hen is a trusted and much loved brand whose gluten free version swiftly rose to become market leader when it launched in 2017 and we are confident that Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol will achieve just that in this market category.”