Stones Bitter returning to Sheffield for first time in more than 20 years

It was first brewed in Neepsend at the Cannon Brewery and was one of the highest selling bitters in the UK during the 60s and 70s but brewing ceased in the city in the 1990s.

However, the iconic bitter will now be brewed again based on the original recipe and will be launched officially on April 2.

To make this happen Molson Coors Beverage Company is partnering with True North Brew Co to allow the Sheffield-based brewery to produce Stones Bitter by cask.

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.

The brewery said 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.

Including The Forum Kitchen + Bar in Sheffield.

And, from April 2 beer lovers can experience the classic taste of Stones bitter as it was originally intended.

The launch will be marked by a special 80’s themed party at Riverside Kelham in Sheffield where 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.”