Miller launches six month aged St Stefanus beer

Miller Brands has launched a new six month aged 750ml format of its Belgian craft beer St Stefanus, which it first started importing to the UK last October.

Previously only available in a 330ml bottle, St Stefanus is part of Miller Brands' portfolio of authentic beers following a distribution agreement with the Van Steenberge brewery and the Sint Stefanus monastery.

St Stefanus is a 7% ABV unpasteurised high fermentation beer that is stored after brewing for a minimum of three months for the 330ml format and six months for the new 750ml format, before cellar release.

According to Jef Versele, the sixth generation in his family of master brewer to produce St Stefanus, this process allows the beer to continue maturing in the bottle until it is opened, adding further depth and complexity to the taste and aroma.

Lucy Jordan, director of trade marketing at Miller Brands, said: "Craft beers are increasing in popularity; the specialist beer market is in 21.4%1 value growth, compared with 3.1% for the total market.

"St Stefanus is aimed at consumers who are passionate about craft beer and will seek out new, artisan products for a different taste experience.

"Belgian beers are particularly popular and command a 59% price premium in the on trade and 52% in the off trade over the average bottled lager, so there is a real opportunity to profit from consumers trading up."

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By Janie Manzoori-Stamford

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