Noel ale has been brewed as the Christmas special since Acorn launched in 2003, but increased by one-per-cent strength each year from the original 4.8%abv. It is brewed with crystal and roasted malt with Williamette hops for a dark full-bodied ale. New brew Guiding Star is pale amber and well hopped ale using WVG and Northdown hops for aroma with Challenger for bitterness.

One of Yorkshire’s fastest growing breweries, Acorn has recently doubled its production capacity to 100-barrels-a-week with the opening of a new brewery in Wombwell, Barnsley.

Founder and head brewer Dave Hughes said: “For this year’s festivities we have kept our Noel ale, which has always gone well, but once again at a slightly upped strength. While darker beers are more traditional, we found last year there was also a call for a lighter, more quaffable, Christmas beer and we believe Guiding Star will meet that demand.”