THE founder of a successful brewery has been honoured – with a new ale created in tribute to his pioneering spirit.

Paul Theakston created the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, near Ripon, back in 1992, as he fought back against what he saw as a deluge of bland beer.

The brewery has gone on to enjoy widespread success – and also employs around 100 people in the town.

Now its brewers have created Pathmaker in his honour – a five per cent ABV pale ale, brewed with Chinook hops.

Paul Theakston is still the chairman of the brewery and his son Jo, the sales and marketing director, said: “The beer market is changing and so is the growing audience of young drinkers looking for something new.

“When my dad embarked on his own adventure by setting up the Black Sheep Brewery, he did so to become independent and combat bland beer. Pathmaker is inspired by him and we are innovating in that spirit.”

He added: “Pathmaker will help us reach out and tell my dad’s story and that of Black Sheep to drinkers who may be getting into beer for the first time.

“If you look around the market, new beers are being launched almost daily but we have a history we are proud of and want to re-tell our pioneering tale and connect with new drinkers.”

For further details visit blacksheepbrewery.com