Stones Bitter to return to Sheffield pubs with original recipe

True North and Molson Coors Beverage Company are combining forces to bring back the original Stones Bitter on cask to the pubs of the Steel City, using original yeast strains and water recipes from the 1970s.

Officially launching on 2 April, the iconic bitter will be brewed based on specifications derived from the recipe that helped Stones become the highest selling bitter in the UK during the 60s and 70s.

First brewed in Sheffield at the Cannon Brewery, the beloved bitter will make its triumphant return to the Steel City this spring. Head brewer at True North Brew Co, Dean Hollingworth said: “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a while so we were excited when Molson Coors gave us the thumbs up. We want to do it right so we’re going all out to make sure the recipe is as close as it was back in the bitter’s glory days. We’ll be using a traditional cask recipe with Challenger and Goldings hops and the original Stones yeast strain, kindly given to us by Molson Coors. We’re even going as far as recreating the water profile that was used at the time.”

The aim of the revival is to bring a classic brand that is quintessentially Sheffield back to its roots. Stones Bitter was originally brewed as a drink for the steelworkers of Sheffield which is why the recipe and its water content included extra minerals to replenish those they lost whilst working. A lot of effort has gone into recreating the recipe as an ode to the people that helped build Sheffield into the city it is today.

True North Brew Co. operates 12 venues across Sheffield, Barnsley and Derbyshire and are known for delivering excellent eating and drinking experiences, as well as producing Sheffield Dry Gin, True North beer, coffee and Sheffield Vodka.

The cask bitter will be brewed in the centre of Sheffield in the True North Brew Co. brewery at an ABV of 4.1%. It will be distributed exclusively to True North venues located throughout Sheffield, Barnsley and Derbyshire. Available from 2 April, beer lovers can experience the classic taste of Stones bitter as it was originally intended.

The launch will be marked by a special 80s themed party at Riverside Kelham in Sheffield at which the bitter will be served and everyone from beer enthusiasts to ex-steelworkers will be invited to take a trip back in time and celebrate an era that defined the Steel City.

Ross Percy, regional on trade director for Molson Coors said: “Stones cask has such a strong association with Sheffield and we’re pleased to see it being brewed back in the heart of the city. With some of the best venues in the region and a fantastic brewing heritage, True North Brew Co. is the perfect partner to take over production and supply of this famous ale and it’s great to be working with them.”

For more information about participating venues and to find out more about the Stones Bitter project, visit truenorthbrewco.uk.