This summer a group of North West farmers reaped the results of a deal with the Burnley brewer to supply the ‘brewer’s barley’ Maris Otter variety for the famous ‘Pendle Witches’ real ales.

First Cut (4.2%abv) is released as the September special to mark the initiative’s success. Rich amber coloured ale, it’s brewed with Maris Otter ‘for an exceptional sweet biscuit taste’ and two traditional British hop varieties – East Kent Goldings and Fuggles– ‘for spice and honey notes … with an earthy, minty balance’. A striking bucolic pump-clip image highlights farmers Tom and Olly Harrison of Elton Head Hall Farm, Rainhill – who played a lead role in the project’s launch year.