Yer Ben (abv 5.5 per cent, RRP £2.59), a close collaboration between Chef Tom Kitchin and Isle of Skye Brewing Co, has secured a listing in Waitrose branches across Scotland following strong sales online.
The ale has also performed well in chef Tom Kitchin’s Waitrose Good Food Guide listed restaurants The Kitchin and The Scran & Scallie gastro pub, which he leads alongside fellow chef Dominic Jack.
The premium ale will be introduced alongside Isle of Skye Brewing Co’s Skye Red (ABV 4.2 per cent, RRP £2.19) and Skye Gold (ABV 4.3 per cent, RRP £2.19).
Waitrose will be the first retailer to stock Yer Ben and shoppers at Waitrose stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling will be able to buy the 500ml bottles straight from the shelf for the first time, to enjoy at home with their favourite foods.
The trio of beers have been introduced as part of Waitrose’s commitment to local Scottish brewers. The retailer will introduce 49 new Scottish craft beers this month, increasing the number of Scottish breweries it works with from 13 to 21, giving them the largest assortment in Scotland.
With a growing desire and genuine interest among consumers for quality beer and food matching, Yer Ben was created to perfectly complement any meal and presents an exceptionally smooth, refreshing, well-structured, golden creamy craft. Through a shared passion for Scotland’s natural larder, Yer Ben combines The Isle of Skye Brewing Co’s expertise for excellent and unique Scottish craft brewing, with Chef Tom’s passion for the absolute best Scottish produce and his renowned From Nature to Plate philosophy. The ale is set to appeal to everyone’s taste through its unique flavour, hint of citrus and slight sweetness.
Chef Tom Kitchin said: “The popularity of Isle of Skye Brewing Co’s Ales, including Yer Ben, has been overwhelming and incredibly exciting for me.
“Yer Ben is light and refreshing, so it suits all palettes and pairs perfectly with so many dishes, from oysters and pork belly to classic fish and chips. It’s the kind of beer I enjoy at home with some of my favourite home-cooked dishes and I hope others can do the same now that it’s available."
Kenny Webster, managing director of Isle of Skye Brewing Co, added: “Sales of Yer Ben have surpassed our expectations. Up until now Yer Ben has only been available to buy online, in The Scran & Scallie and The Kitchin. Despite this, almost 6,000 bottles have been sold in only a 6 month period."
Kate Prall, beer buyer for Waitrose said: “We now have one of the biggest selections of craft beer and ales, which I think will make Waitrose a real destination for lovers of these drinks.
“Scottish craft beers can really hold their own against the UK national ranges. It’s clear that the brewers are passionate and have a real love for their craft, which makes for great tasting beer.”
