SALES of a speciality Christmas ale brewed in the Cotswolds have exceeded expectation with twice as many bottles flying off the shelves than originally anticipated.

Greedy Goose is the latest beer to be created at Hook Norton Brewery, near Chipping Norton, and has proved popular since being released to the public in November.

It is described as "a delightfully full flavour, with a rounded fruity aroma to provide the ideal balance between bitter and sweet." The ale works in partnership with Hook Norton Brewery’s other Christmas ale, Twelve Days, which is a much stronger and darker brown beer, designed to provide a festive offering to appeal to all, whatever the taste preference.

Hook Norton Managing Director (commercial) Adrian Staley said: “Seasonal guest ales are at the heart and soul of many pubs and provide drinkers with a change to the regular set on tap. This is one of our favourite Christmas ales that we have offered our customers over the last few years, so it is fantastic to see it performing so well. We predict that the beer will continue to remain popular in the cold winter months of the New Year in time for the launch of our next exciting beer in the spring."

Hook Norton Brewery has been brewing ale since 1849 and the managing director of the brewing side, James Clarke, is the great-great grandson of the founder, John Harris.