A STOUT three years in the making is being released by Black Sheep Brewery in limited numbers.

The Masham brewery is ending 2020 with the launch of a special edition version of their iconic 8.7% ABV Imperial Russian Stout.

It has been ageing since the summer of 2017 in a mixture of Bourbon and Whisky barrels, with only 750 bottles produced.

Exclusively available online, the stout comes in wax-sealed 750ml bottles.

Charlene Lyons, chief executive, said: “Our Imperial Russian Stout has built quite a following from beers fans for more than five years, but this version is something even more special that drinkers will be keen to get their hands on. "This once-in-a-decade limited edition brew has sat quietly in a corner of the brewery since the middle of 2018, slowly gaining a unique a blend of unique flavours just in time for Christmas.

The stout complements Black Sheep's seasonal beers, Ms Lyons added: "The growth in our online orders shows our seasonal beers continue to be a hit with customers and we thank them for their support.”