Black Sheep makes ‘very silly’ Monty Python IPA

UK brewery Black Sheep is releasing a beer to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the founding of one of the country’s most celebrated comedy troupes – Monty Python.

‘Flying Circus’ is first and foremost a “very silly IPA” but also the third and final Python-inspired ale by the Yorkshire brewery and will be available this September and October alongside re-releases of the two previous beers, ‘Brian’ and ‘Holy Grail’.

Rob Theakston, managing director at Black Sheep Brewery, said: “While the parrot may be dead, Monty Python is alive and kicking and it’s fantastic to be able to support the 50th anniversary with the release of our commentative ‘Flying Circus’ beer.

“We’re very proud of our long and exclusive relationship with the Pythons and having all three of the beers we developed with them available together for the first time is a great way to mark this momentous occasion.”

The 50^th anniversary of Monty Python is being marked with programmes on the BBC and at the British Film Institute where bottles of Flying Circus and Holy Grail will be available for visitors to buy.

Black Sheep will also be helping pubs host Python-themed quizzes including a fancy dress element with the best dressed potentially able to win a special plaque signed by the surviving members of Monty Python.

Theakston continued: “Discussing classic comedy sketches and catchphrases are a staple of pub conversations and they’ll be dominated this autumn by the sound of the lumberjack song, ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink’ and of course, ‘he’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy’!  Together with our commemorative quiz, the pub will be the place to celebrate all things Monty Python.”

Full details of all the 50^th anniversary events and special releases can be found here.