WITH Knutsford’s inaugural Beer Festival days away and the Royal May Day just around the corner, a lot of thirsty work is being done around the town – not to worry, Tatton Brewery has the answer.

Tatton Brewery’s special edition Crowning Beer will shortly be hitting the shelves. The Guardian paid a visit to the brewery to catch the final stages of brewing and to capture the racking of the beer into casks.

The beer was enjoyed by Tatton MP George Osborne at opening of Crowning Glory exhibition, will take pride of place at this weekend’s Beer Festival, and will also be available throughout this year’s May Day festivities.

Greg Sawyer, of Tatton Brewery, said: “Crowning Glory has a well-rounded malt base, with a hint of biscuit and fruitness. The hop aroma blends spicy and vine on an earthy base, and the colour is a fulsome golden glow.”

The Crowning Glory has been in the pipeline for some months and has been created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Knutsford Royal May Day.

“We have used Sovereign hops as a key ingredient in recognition of the Royal aspect of the May Day, a golden colour to reflect the wealth of the May Day pageant, and a new variety hop Kazbek,” added Greg.

“With our historic Cheshire yeast, a modern brewery, and a hop for the future, we have paid homage to Knutsford’s motto: ‘Respice, Aspice, Prospice’ – ‘Look to the Past, the Present and the Future.’”

Greg has also pledged to donate 10 pence from every bottle sold to the May Day fund.

He said: “One of the principles of Tatton Brewery has always been contribution to, and participation in, the local community. I wanted to demonstrate our appreciation of the hard work of the May Day committee in recognition of all the pleasure we get out of our event.”

Crowning Glory’s name:

The beer's name came from Knutsford Heritage Centre's Crowning Glory exhibition which is celebrating 150 years of Royal May Day with a fabulous display of crowns, gowns, memories and memorabilia.

"Crowning Glory perfectly sums up what Knutsford is about in 2014 - May Day is the big event Knutsfordians enjoy year in, year out," said Julie Tempest whose company Blue Barnacles Communications PR handles the PR and marketing for the centre on a voluntary basis.

"The centre is delighted to be supporting the Knutsford Royal May Day committee and all the volunteers are looking forward to tasting Tatton Brewery's glorious beer."