By Scott Wright

HISTORIC confectionery firm Lees of Scotland is toasting its 90th birthday with a special tipple.

The Coatbridge-based company has teamed up with Glasgow’s Drygate to create a limited-edition stout, inspired by its famous mallow-filled snowball. The Snowball Stout is described as embodying “hints of coconut and sweet mallow, with a deep chocolate warmth”. The beer will be available for purchase by the bottle online, and by the keg in certain retailers.

Lees’ chief executive Clive Miquel said: “This is a really exciting collaboration and the first of its kind for us. We are delighted to celebrate our 90th year with a partnership that will provide something truly unique and special to our customers. It’s been a pleasure to work with Drygate on this project, and I have learned a lot about the brewing process. Drygate have taken our sweet treat and created the perfect gift for your stout drinking friend, partner or family member.”

Drygate’s creative and marketing director Rob MacKay said: “As a small, fairly young company, it has been great to see such a long-established, successful brand so eager to innovate and engage with a new community. We hope this beer lives up to the expectations of Lees of Scotland’s many fans, and that they enjoy our take on the classic Scottish treat.”