New refreshing lager from Northbound Brewery in Northern Ireland

Northbound Brewery, a leading Northern Irish craft brewery, has launched a new lager that it aims to sell in export markets.

The brewery, which is based in Derry, county Londonderry and is run by husband and wife team David, the Master Brewer, and Martina Rogers, has introduced the 12 Brewer's Lager (ABV4.5).

Martina Rogers describes the new beer, known as 12 Brewer's Lager, as "a light, refreshing easy drinking craft beer. It's based on the 'Helles' style, Northbound's interpretation of a traditional German style beer.

"The beer is conditioned or 'lagered' for an extensive period of time to allow the flavours to settle. David, our Master Brewer, is passionate about using the highest quality ingredients and enjoys drinking a good lager. Noble hops are used in 12 Brewer's Lager and Pilsner malt give this lager a medium body and clean malty finish," she adds.

Northbound Brewery was among the first craft breweries to be established in Derry. Returning home in 2010 after almost a decade in Australia, David and Martina set up in Derry and established the brewery in 2014.

David brought experience within Australian and Japanese breweries to the new venture in Northern Ireland's second city. His expertise and knowledge have since been recognised by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, having been awarded the prestigious Master Brewer qualification, a rare recognition only bestowed upon a dozen people globally each year.

Martina worked within the financial services sector where she gained sales and marketing skills.

Northbound Brewery focuses on producing premium, unpasteurised beers that are unfiltered, with no artificial additives and bottled fresh on-site. Using local ingredients, where possible, including Irish malt, Derry water and Irish carrageenan moss, the brewery has released several beers including '08,' a Kölsch Style Beer and '26', a Pale Ale.

The 08 Kölsch Style Ale won a UK Great Taste Award in 2015. Looking ahead, Northbound Brewery is continuing to trial natural new ingredients that celebrate the high quality of produce in the region, and has already collaborated with local producers to bring out the best of the North West. The award-winning producer, Dart Mountain Cheese, for instance, has washed its Banagher Bold cheese with the brewery's 26 Pale Ale.