For the first time in its 82-year legacy, Newcastle Brown Ale will not be brewed in Tyneside. Its owners Scottish & Newcastle said it will be moving production to Tadcaster in North Yorkshire alongside John Smith's bitter.
Since sales peaked in the 1970s, outgoing pint bottles of Newkie Brown have halved to 65 million a year, prompting the move to cheaper (and less relevant) pastures.
The brown/red ale itself is wonderfully sweet with caramel tones, surprisingly light and extremely smooth with a very slight head. It's deceptively easy to drink, regardless of its geographical location.
4.7% ABV, Newcastle Brown Ale, Tyneside. Available from supermarkets and off-licenses nationwide.