New Yorkers and other US beer drinkers are set to get a taste of Yorkshire ale after an expanding brewing business landed its first transatlantic order.

The deal follows two fact-finding trade missions by Ilkley Brewery boss Chris Ives and will see 14,000 bottles of its beers arrive in the southern states of America shortly.

The selection of beers was chosen by beer experts on a tasting panel at the brewery’s US importer and the brews meet the taste for full-flavoured beer in America which has the world’s biggest craft beer market.

The deal was struck after Mr Ives took part in visits to the United States, firstly with the help of UKTI’s Passport to Export programme in January and the second, in March, as part of Santander’s Breakthrough programme.

It is Ilkley Brewery’s first overseas shipment and marks the first in a series of planned monthly orders which will leave the UK for America.

The inaugural container load will be distributed to bars, restaurants and retail outlets throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, New York and Washington.

Future shipments to the States will contain kegged as well as bottled beers and the brewery hopes to send other brews, including its chocolate stout, The Mayan. Mr Ives said: “We’re thrilled to finally see our first shipment leave for America.

“Export continues to be a key focus for the business, so striking our first overseas deal is a significant milestone for us.

“I first visited the States back in January and met with a number of beer distributors who were interested in our range and discussions continued over the coming weeks.

“I was then able to cement this first deal with our importer on a return visit to New York and Washington in March, this time as a member of the Santander Breakthrough programme.

“We are particularly pleased to do business with the Americans because there isn’t a huge amount of British beer available in the States, predominantly because there are so many fantastic craft breweries out there already.

“Through the tasting events, we were able to demonstrate that our beers are just as intriguing and vibrant, just as big on hops and flavour but equally, offer something completely different to American craft beers.”

Support from the UKTI Passport to Export programme has enabled Ilkley Brewery to carry out market research and market visits, not only in America, but also in Canada, Norway and Sweden, which is the next destination earmarked for export business.

Mr Ives said Ilkley Brewery was on course for continued growth having expanded from a two-man operation to having 14 full-time and part-time staff producing 50,000 pints of ale a week and a turnover of more than £1 million.