Damm Launches Old Speckled Hen ZERO as an Alcohol-Free Ale
Story by:
Editorial Dept.
Damm is adding an alcohol-free option to the Old Speckled Hen range as more UK drinkers mix full-strength beer with no- and low-alcohol choices. Old Speckled Hen ZERO is the first major product launch for the brand since Damm acquired it from Greene King in July. The new 0.0% ale brings one of Britain’s best-known ale brands into a fast-growing part of the beer market.
According to a press release from Damm UK, Old Speckled Hen ZERO is launching now in 4x440ml cans at select Morrisons stores and online on morrisons.com. Cans and 500ml bottles will roll out to Asda stores and online later this month, with the alcohol-free ale also expected to become available across Greene King pubs and other venues.
It has been specifically developed in response to a growing trend for 0% ABV drinks and an increase in people “zebra-striping” or alternating between full-strength and no/low alcohol options. “Old Speckled Hen” ZERO offers customers the signature malty taste with hints of caramel and fruit. Essentially, it is produced with all of the flavour of regular “Old Speckled Hen” but without alcohol and contains fewer calories at just 12kcal per 100ml.
BBPA figures reveal that the no/low alcohol category is growing to meet the shift in consumer behaviour. 2025 was a record year for it, with 200 million pints of no/low beer sold, almost 3% of the UK’s total beer market in 2025. Furthermore, according to research by charity Drinkaware as part of their 2026 Drinkaware Monitor, an annual study of UK adults’ drinking trends, they found that a record 91% of drinkers are moderating alcohol intake, increasing from 87% in 2025.*
Luke White, Managing Director of Damm UK, comments, “We know that consumer drinking behaviour is now tailored around occasions and the launch of ‘Old Speckled Hen’ ZERO reflects that. Whatever the reason for moderating, we believe that this 0.0% traditional ale is going to become a national favourite.”
Damm has already been expanding its alcohol-free portfolio in the UK, including the launch of Estrella Damm 0.0% in 2025.
In July, Damm UK acquired the “Old Speckled Hen“ family of brands from Greene King, which will bring the Damm Eagle Brewery full circle back to British beer and ale production. It also cements Damm’s status as the largest independent brewer operating in the UK during the business’s 150th anniversary year.
As the first major innovation since Damm’s acquisition of Old Speckled Hen, the launch reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the long-term growth, relevance and success of one of Britain’s most recognised ale brands.
Comments 0
No Readers' Pick yet.