Storm in a pint glass over black lager launches

Controversial Scottish micro BrewDog is launching what it claims is the UK's first mass-market commercially available black lager.

But Budvar, a brewer that would dispute that claim, has also launched a new innovative serve based around its black lager.

BrewDog's Zeitgeist is an example of lager as the beer style used to appear before the invention of lighter Pilsners in the 1840s.

"Zeitgeist is an idiosyncratic, alternative black lager, said James Watt, MD of Brewdog, a brewer that has been in the news recently for its disputes with alcohol watchdog the Portman Group. "It seeks to recreate the spirit, attitude and autonomy of an age gone by. Its inspiration is found more than 200 years ago. Zeitgeist takes an age-old classic, a forgotten masterpiece and gives it relevance and an avant-garde edge."

Meanwhile, indecisive drinkers torn between a pint of Budvar Original and Budvar Dark can now choose a combination of the two - Half and Half.

On trial at the Lord John Russell, in King's Cross, London, a third tap on the font has been activated so drinkers can get a mix of the two brews. It could become commonplace in pubs that stock Budvar on draught.

Budvar UK spokesman Denis Cox, said: "This is the first one but it is how we are going to present it at other outlets and hopefully there will be a few takers. People have been drinking it in other places anyway by just mixing the two together.

"With every duo-fount there is a third tap that can be easily activated by a technician to do the job."

The taste has been described as similar to that of a "classy mild and bitter."