North West 200 beer '˜close to selling out'

Portrush-based Lacada Brewery launched its NW200 Pale Ale in time for this year’s road races on the Triangle circuit.

And Laurie Davies, head brewer and manager of the co-operative brewery, told us that sales had hit top gear during a sun-drenched Race Week.

He quipped: “It’s being going faster than McGuinness and Seeley combined!

“We designed a crisp Pale Ale that would be zingy and easy to drink, low Abv (4%) and it’s proving a real winner. “

The beer was launched at the mayor’s marquee event at the pits last Saturday but has also been on sale in bars and off licences.

Lacada chairperson, Heather Quiery, said: “We brewed about 70 to 75 cases and they are now close to being sold out.

“Because the beer is dated for the 2016 races some people are not opening the bottles but are taking them home as a commemorative item.

“It’s great to be involved with an international event such as the North West 200 and we’re delighted with how the beer has been received.”

The logo for the beer features a shot of rider John McGuinness.

Lacada employs a handful of part-time employees and its 270 co-owners came together to raise over £97,000 to get the brewery going.