Cheers! Brechin man shortlisted

A Brechin beer-lover could see his unique concoction on shop shelves next year after he was shortlisted for a mouth-watering prize.

Chris May is among nine names competing for the public vote in the Innis & Gunn Imagine and Gunn prize.

Mr May’s idea of a Battenberg hefeweizen, an almond and apricot flavoured wheat beer, captured the attention of Innis & Gunn founder Douglas Gunn Sharp and his brewing team.

It beat hundreds of other ideas to make it to the top nine. The winner will be able to bring their idea to life and see the finished product on sale across the country next year.

Mr Sharp said: “It’s been inspiring to see the breadth of flavour ideas and passion for beer that has come through from all corners of the country. We’ve had our say in putting forward the finalists, but ultimately there can only be one winner and we are putting this decision in the hands of beer fans across the country.”

Other flavours Mr May is up against include chilli honey IPA, plum and damson porter and pineapple and cream saison.

Voting is now open to the public. It closes at 5pm on Monday. Votes can be cast at innisandgunn.com.

The winner will be invited to brew their beer with Mr Sharp at the Innis & Gunn brewery in Perth.

Their new limited edition beer will be available across the UK in summer 2018.