Beer to cheer Doddie’s MND charity

ST Andrews Brewing Company is launching a new beer to support Doddie Weir’s foundation in time for the Six Nations rugby tournament.

The new brew, Mistaken Identity, takes its name from an infamous press conference in 1997.

Scottish player Doddie claimed “mistaken identity” when he was alleged to have broken curfew on the Lions’ tour to South Africa.

The 51-year-old rugby giant, who earned 61 caps for his country, revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease in 2017.

He went on to launch charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to fund research into the condition.

Last year, the team at St Andrews Brewing Co created a beer called 38 Year Itch to celebrate Scotland’s historic win against England at Twickenham on February 6, with proceeds going to the charity.

Managing director Phil Mackey said they raised more than £3,000 last year and wanted to do something again to help the cause.

The beer can be ordered now and will be released in time for the tournament. The Six Nations begins on February 5 with Scotland hosting England at Murrayfield.

Mr Mackey explained: “Our hope is to sell 2,000 litres for the foundation. Which is about 400 plus cases.”

The 3.8% Scotch ale is described as being “full of malt, dried fruits and roasted nuts, and with a sweet aftertaste of victory”.

It costs £26 for 12 cans which can be preordered via the company’s website.

All profits go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The team at St Andrews Brewing Co are all big rugby fans. And Mackey even met Doddie when he was a guest speaker at a Madras Rugby Club dinner.

He recalled: “He was one of the best guest speakers we’ve had at the club and he even took the time to offer an impromptu coaching session for our juniors.”