Signature Brew and The Darkness team up on beer

The founders of London-based craft beer maker Signature Brew have collaborated with 00s rock group The Darkness on a winter ale.

The beer, called Bells End, takes after the band’s iconic Xmas track Christmastime (Don’t Let The Bells End).

It’s a bitter with mid-low carbonation and plenty of wintry aromas and flavours. On the nose is stone fruit, toffee and light, earthy hops, which carry through to the palate along with some spicy blackcurrant flavours.

The duo visited Signature’s brewery in Leytonstone several times to work out the ideal beer to launch in the run-up to Christmas with founders Sam McGregor and Tom Bott.

Commenting on the collaboration, The Darkness’ Dan Hawkins said: “We wanted a beer that’s punchy and drinkable at the same time. Signature Brew really know their stuff and captured exactly what we were after. Bells End has got a bit of oomph to it but it’s something you can drink in the run up to Christmas and throughout the whole season. It’s a very wintery beer, it’s perfect and we can’t wait for everyone to try it.”