Theakston's brewery pulls out all the 'hops' for a unique Christmas gift

Each year, Masham-based T&R Theakston turns out a limited number of wooden “pins” - 4.5 gallon casks casks which are made using traditional tools, namely seasoned oak, iron hoops and flames.

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The pins are individually created in the Theakston cooperage by craft brewery cooper Jonathan Manby and his apprentice Euan Findlay.

They are then filled to the brim with Theakston’s popular Old Peculier ale.

And this year, for the first time, those who wish to keep their wooden pin can have it branded with a personalised message seared into the wood.

Jonathan Manby and his apprentice Euan Findlay

T&R Theakston Ltd executive director Simon Theakston said: “Our Christmas pins are the perfect present for any real ale lovers, particularly now we are personalising them for the first time in our 191-year history.

“I believe these unique pins that Jonathan and Euan have spent many hours and days bringing to life will become collectors’ items.

“Over the course of the next week all the pins will be filled with our legendary Old Peculier, ready for those customers who have ordered them."