Oakham Ales, based in Peterborough, has added Citra to its list of core brands following a successful trial as an occasional beer. It's the first British beer to use the new American hop Citra as a "single varietal" hop. Oakham's production director John Bryan discovered Citra on his annual visit to the hop-growing regions of the United States and he was so bowled over by the deep citrus aroma and flavour of the hop that he arranged for a batch to be flown to the Peterborough brewery. Citra was first made available as an occasional draught beer to Oakham customers in November 2009. The response was so good that the beer has now become a regular member of the portfolio.

Oakham Ales, Citra (England) Brewed with pale malt and wheat, the beer is pale blond with a pungent aroma of grapefruit, lychees and gooseberry, with added hop resins. There�s tart fruit, spicy hops and sappy malt in the mouth. The citrus flavours bounce back in the complex finish that also offers lush malt and bitter hops. It�s a wonderfully refreshing beer that will hit the spot as spring and summer beckon. The draught version will be on sale through the national free trade. The bottled version will be available in East Anglia branches of Waitrose. Final price has yet to be agreed. Malt: medium. Fruit: high. Hops: high. 4.6% ABV, 50cl, �1.99, Local Waitrose.