A York brewery has teamed up with a men’s mental health charity to develop an alcohol-free lager.
Ainsty Ales and Menfulness are working together to help men feel more comfortable when talking about their feelings and challenges in life –without having to rely on drinking.
And for every case sold of the new lager, Jewel Of York – Blue, Ainsty will donate £5 to Menfulness.
Matt Lewis from Menfulness said: “We know that men, especially, struggle to share their feelings – even when they are struggling.
“They may only open up with the help of a few drinks with their mates, but this reliance could cause longer-term health issues in the future.
“With this new alcohol-free lager we want to show men that you don’t have to get drunk to have a good time with your friends and not feel left out at the same time.
“You can drink your pint and start sharing your challenges more openly.”
Three rivers
The lager has been brewed by the team at Ainsty Ales at their brewery in Acaster Malbis. A light and refreshing Pilsner-style lager, it is adapted from their recently launched ‘Three Rivers Collection’.
The original Jewel Of York beer, inspired by York’s tansy beetle, is a mid-strength 4.5% ABV beer sold in green cans.
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But Jewel Of York – Blue is brewed at 0.5% ABV, categorising it as alcohol free.
Ainsty Ales founder Andy Herrington said: “As with all great beers, but especially lager, we’ve focused on the quality of the water as part of the brewing process.
“This got us thinking about the impact that the three rivers which flow through the Wapentake have on our lives and we also wanted to draw attention to the tiny tansy beetle which is only found in one other place in the UK.
“The original lager has been going down a storm with our customers, so we were excited to brew the same great taste but in an alcohol-free variant.”
He added: “I know a couple of the team from my police days in York. I’ve followed the work that Menfulness have been doing and have always been impressed, so when there was an opportunity for us to collaborate I jumped at the chance!”
You can purchase Jewel Of York – Blue from the Ainsty Ales website.