A RENOWNED brewery has embarked on an adventurous new chapter in its history with the launch of its first-ever lager.

54 Degrees North has been created in homage to the Black Sheep Brewery's hometown of Masham, North Yorkshire, which sits on that longitude line.

A premium small batch craft lager, 54 Degrees North has been officially endorsed by leading British mountaineer and explorer, Alan Hinkes, the only Briton to have climbed all fourteen of the world’s 8,000m peaks.

Marketing director Jo Theakston said: “This is a ground-breaking occasion for Black Sheep as we look to the future by delivering an adventurous, refreshing premium lager to UK beer drinkers.

"54 Degrees North is the first Black Sheep lager to be launched in our 25 year history and is another cause for celebration in our anniversary year.

"It exemplifies the Black Sheep story and adventure perfectly, and crucially pays tribute to our hometown that has been the source of all of our independent brewing history.”

He added: “We are introducing pioneering beer to the market that brings our brewing expertise and heritage together, which we believe can become the premium lager choice for fans of Black Sheep and drinkers curious to try something new from us.

“It was only fitting to call on one of the UK’s leading adventurers to help us launch 54 Degrees North, and we are grateful to Alan for his support in this defining moment for the brewery.”

At 4.5 per cent ABV, 54 Degrees North is brewed using German Pilsner Malt together with Magnum and Polaris hops, as well as the classic German aroma hop, Tettnang. Devised by Black Sheep’s creative brewing team, it also uses the brewery’s own yeast strain and pure water from the Yorkshire Dales.