Harvey's brews anniversary ale

The society approached the historic brewery in Lewes earlier this year to suggest anniversary collaboration.

Miles Jenner, joint managing director and head brewer of Harvey's, had the idea of creating a special brew and remembered a Georgian book containing recipes of porters and stouts given to his father in the 1950s.

The book originally came from the neighbouring Bear Brewery in Lewes.

Mr Jenner selected a recipe dating back to the early 1800s and together with Harvey's joint managing director, Hamish Elder - a descendant of the founder of Harvey's - they brewed this unique beer, using Sussex hops.

Mr Jenner said: 'We are delighted with our latest brew, aptly named Brown Bull. It is named after "Mentor", the champion bull from the first Sussex Agricultural show in 1796. Harveys itself was founded in 1790, just six years earlier, so it's deeply symbolic.'

He added: 'At 5% proof, Brown Bull is a highly drinkable beer and certainly not a headache potion. It can be drunk by the pint, rather than the wine glass, and would ideally be consumed with a beef sandwich!'

Brown Bull will be previewed at the South of England Show on June 8, 9 and 10 and be available to the general public when it is bottled in October '“ to coincide with the agricultural society's anniversary.

The beer will be available throughout the anniversary year and will feature a brief history of the South of England Agricultural Society on the back label.

Society Chairman, David Allam, said: 'I was present at the first tasting and was delighted with the result. I don't usually drink at 10 in the morning, but Brown Bull's unique flavour means it is ideal at any time of day.'

He added: 'The by-products of beer can be used in cattle feed, so it has a natural synergy with agriculture. Brown Bull signifies the union of two historic Sussex countryside institutions, which is something I'll certainly drink to.'