Two brewing companies have joined forces to create a pair of new ales.

Saltaire Brewery and Dark Star Brewing Company, based in Sussex, are unveiling a new classic European ale bock this month and a second will be created to celebrate the Tour de France’s Le Grand Depart, which takes place in Yorkshire in July.

Dark Star has brewed the bock to a joint recipe. It is a rich dark brown beer with a rich malt aroma and toasty caramel flavour.

In the summer Saltaire will host beer festivities to mark the Grand Depart and is working with Dark Star to create a themed beer.

James Cuthbertson, of Dark Star, said: “We’ve worked with Saltaire for years and have great respect for them. We’re like-minded when it comes to producing quality beers and it just seemed natural to get together and combine our talents in this way.”