North Yorkshire brewery Theakston's most popular beer of last year is to be sold in supermarkets and retailers across the country for the first time.

The independent Masham brewery’s 3.4% Quencher has gained a loyal following in pubs, prompting the family run business to bring it to the off-trade this year.

Launched in August 2023, the 3.4% ABV hop forward cask ale was well received by both drinkers and licensees, securing availability across Heineken Direct, Star Pubs & Bars, Amber Taverns and Blind Tiger Inn’s estate with approximately 100,000 pints of Quencher already consumed.

Developed by the Theakston’s head brewer, Mark Slater, Theakston Quencher was designed to meet the rising demand from consumers for a lower alcohol cask ale, which retains the complexity of character found in stronger beers such as Theakston’s Old Peculier. It is brewed using Pearl Barley and English grown Sovereign and Eldorado hops.

Richard Bradbury, managing director at Theakston Brewery, said: “While recognising consumer demand and the opportunity for lower strength beers, instead of attempting to lower the strength of an existing beer, we believed that the right thing to do was to create a distinctive new ale that would bear all the hallmarks of a Theakston classic.

“The success of Quencher has proven it was the right decision. Following the positive reaction to the beer on the country's bars, we’re excited to be responding to demand from the off-trade to bring this new beer to shelves soon.”

The brewery is already in discussions on format options for Theakston Quencher with retailers interested in both can and bottle options ahead of a launch.