Last updated 21:31, Wednesday, 23 July 2008

A GINGER Tom with strong Tynedale connections is hoping to be voted top cat later this month.

For Hexham-based botanical brewers Fentimans have joined forces with a Stockport brewery to launch a new beer that is vying for glory in the search for Britain’s best new ales.

Fentimans famously authentic ginger beer – which is brewed from a recipe dating back over a century – is being married to Robinson’s legendary Old Tom Strong Ale to create a new beer dubbed Ginger Tom, which has already beaten off over 100 rivals to reach the last 16 in the Sainsbury’s Beer Challenge.

This impeccable pedigree has produced a delicious six per cent ABV superior strong ale, booming with ripe malt where aromas of dark fruit are spiced with ginger and botanic herbs.

A total of 40,000 distinctively embossed 330ml bottles have been going head-to-head with the other finalists in Sainsbury’s stores since mid-July.

The two beers that prove most popular with customers will then secure a coveted permanent, national listing in the autumn.

“It was very encouraging when Ginger Tom won its way through to the final of Sainsbury’s Beer Challenge, and if it goes on to win a permanent listing in their stores it will obviously be good news for everybody at Fentimans,” said managing director Eldon Robson.

Feedback from those lucky enough to have been given an early taste of the new ale has been very encouraging ,” he added.