NECESSITY is the mother of invention as proved by one craft beer maker whose ingenuity has kept them going throughout the pandemic.

It's been a tough year-and-a-half for the beer industry but Quantock Brewery chose to innovate to keep their business going, investing in machinery to get their ales out direct to the public as well as coming up with some a brand new limited-edition beer.

Named Milestone 1500, the beer is celebrating the company's 1500th brew.

Managing Director at the Bishops Lydeard-based business, Cheryl Ford, said: “With everything the last 18 months has brought, it has felt at times like we’ve had mountains to climb but like many other businesses we’ve tried to keep innovating to survive and focus on our customers.

"Investing in our onsite canning line last summer meant we’ve been able to keep the beer flowing, keep up with demand and keep on creating new beers.

"Thanks to everyone who continues to support us and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to welcome you back to our Taproom.

"Here’s to the next 1500 brews!”

The limited edition, commemorative brew Milestone 1500 is a Mountain IPA. Blending west coast bitterness and east coast smoothness, Milestone 1500 is inspired by head brewer and co-founder, Rob Rainey’s, recipe for Quantock Brewery’s 500th brew.

The original hop combination of centennial, citra, columbus, mosaic and simcoe has been used with a different yeast strain to give a fruitier complexity to the beer.

Milestone 1500 has a smooth mouthfeel, citrus and pine flavours with notes of peach and is 6.5% ABV.

The 440ml can will be available to order online at www.quantockbrewery.co.uk or from the brewery shop.