ONE of the region's independent brewers is ensuring its ale is a truly local product.
Black Sheep Bitter is about to become a real home-grown pint with the main ingredient being grown virtually on its doorstep.
Masham farmer David Webster and his son Sam are both good friends of Black Sheep's managing director Paul Theakston.
From their farm in Lower Wensleydale, the brewery's old stone maltings buildings are easily visible.
So the pair decided to start growing barley in their fields, planting an old variety much favoured by brewers, Maris Otter.
"People will be able to look out of the window when on a brewery tour and see the main ingredient swaying in the breeze," said David.
Black Sheep's head brewer Paul Ambler said: "Premium quality Maris Otter pale ale malt is what I insist upon for our beers.
"You can certainly taste the difference.
"In days gone by the local brewery would get their barley from surrounding farms so we are turning the clock back slightly to produce beer the way it used to be."
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