A PONTYPOOL brewery has started brewing the National Eisteddfod’s official beer ahead of the festival coming to Monmouthshire this summer.

Mad Dog Brewing Co has used a combination of German and British malts and hops from Germany, New Zealand and the UK to produce its new Iechyd Da offering.

In an ode to Wales, the 4.1 per cent beer has a distinct red colour and its Welsh name, which translates as good health, is a saying often used in pubs across the country instead of cheers.

Alex Jones, 40, head brewer at Mad Dog Brewing Co in Penperlleni, says the beer has a “bold, crisp finish” thanks to the range of hops and malts.

He said: “Red represents Wales and the hops in it are a good mix of UK hops and also America and New Zealand.

“We’ve got a red colour, but it's got chocolate flavours in it and it’s very fruity with a bit of spice.

“It was a case of looking at what hops we could use for this beer to make it unique.”

The beer will be launched on Saturday, June 4 at the Bridge Inn in Llanfoist – which is just a stone’s throw away from the location of this year’s festival at Castle Meadows.

Mad Dog Brewing Co will be involved in the festival from July 29 to August 6 and will be holding a home brewing workshop.