AN Aire Valley-based brewery and charity have teamed up to mark the charity’s 15th anniversary with a special limited edition beer.

Salt Beer Factory, based in the old tram sheds in Saltaire, has partnered with Shipley-based Alopecia UK to raise awareness of the important charity as it marks a major milestone.

Alopecia UK is a small national charity working to improve the lives of people affected by the hair loss condition, through aims of support, awareness and research.

The idea of marking the charity’s 15th anniversary was brewed up earlier this year when the charity contacted Salt to propose the idea of a collaboration.

Amy Johnson, operations manager, contacted the brewery suggesting it as a way to raise awareness and funds on the special anniversary of the charity.

The idea had to be put on hold when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but the charity and brewery kept in contact throughout the first national lockdown and ever since, and managed to meet up again when restrictions were eased to get brewing underway.

The result of the collaboration is the ‘Nelson Sauvin’, a Vermont-style session Indian Pale Ale showcasing the famous Nelson Sauvin Hop, from New Zealand.

A light, pale sessionable IPA, the beer has hints of gooseberry, white grape and black pepper.

Ms Johnson, from Alopecia UK, said: “I’m partial to the occasional pint of beer and I love the idea of Alopecia UK collaborating with businesses who can bring the charity’s name to a wider audience.

“Salt Beer Factory is a two-minute walk from my front door and in the locality of Alopecia UK’s office too, so Salt seemed a natural choice to approach for a collaboration.

“I hope someone might see our name on the can and perhaps find the charity for the first time, and of course, it will be lovely to bring in some much-needed additional funding at a time when fundraising options remain limited.”

Colin Stronge, head brewer at Salt Beer Factory, added: “We’re really pleased with how the beer turned out, and are proud to support Alopecia UK in their work to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia by donating a percentage of profits from the sale of this beer.

“Small charities, much like the hospitality sector, have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was a great experience to be able to team up and create something which will be a positive force within our own community and hopefully for a number of people nationwide.”

The beers are available now from Salt Beer Factory’s website and a number of independent retailers.