National Trust launches ale

The National Trust is bringing out its first branded beer as part of a new affordable British food and drink range.

The 5% abv beer, Viceroy India Pale Ale, is brewed under licence by the Westerham Brewery in Kent. The triple-hopped beer uses hops from Scotney Castle in Kent, which is the Trust's last remaining hop garden. Viceroy, which is available in 500ml bottles and on draught, also uses barley grown on land adjoining Uppark, a National Trust property in West Sussex.

"This is truly a 'first' in the market - a National Trust branded beer made using our own ingredients, and with a wonderful story to tell," said the National Trust's head of agriculture, Rob Macklin. "We're delighted to have been able to collaborate with Westerham to bring Viceroy to fruition and to bring this delicious beer to market."

The National Trust's new range will start with British favourites beer and potatoes, but these will later be joined by breads, biscuits, meat products and prepared foods. The products take their inspiration from the National Trust itself - both from the Trust's own produce and from traditional recipes in the Trust's extensive archive.

"We are committed to responsibly produced, good quality food, whether it is destined for our tea rooms, restaurants, farm shops or supermarkets," said Macklin. "We are very excited about developing the range in the coming months, and are confident that consumers will respond positively."

Viceroy, which is described as a golden, nutty and hoppy ale, was inspired by Lord Curzon, the first Marquis of Kedleston, who was a generous donor to the National Trust.