BLACK SHEEP

Black Sheep Brewery is a Yorkshire ale producer, founded on 14 September 1992 by Paul Theakston, a fifth-generation brewer from the Theakston family, in Masham, North Yorkshire. Its beers attract alcohol-free and sober-curious drinkers alongside traditional ale fans, available through a broad multi-channel retail footprint.

Formally incorporated on 7 February 1992, the brewery was established in a former maltings once owned by his family's company, just yards from the Theakston brewery, using salvaged equipment from closed breweries. The original brewhouse remains in use today. The name was inspired by Masham's strong association with sheep: Paul settled on "Sheep Brewery", and his wife's suggestion turned it into "Black Sheep".

Brewing relies on traditional slate Yorkshire Square fermenters, originally sourced from Hardy & Hansons, water drawn from a borehole in the Yorkshire Dales, Maris Otter malt, and Goldings hops. The range was designed to produce well-hopped bitters, setting it apart from the Theakston range's fruitier and yeastier character. Production spans stouts, pale ales, blonde ales, lagers, and cask bitters.

A visitors' centre opened in Masham in 1993 in converted parts of the original maltings. The brewery directs all of its organic waste to anaerobic digestion for biogas production. Annual production capacity stood at approximately 77,000 barrels as of 2025.

In May 2023 the brewery entered administration and was acquired by Breal Group for approximately £5 million the same month. Breal Group rebranded as Keystone Brewing Group in February 2024. Black Sheep has also collaborated with Megadeth Beer Co. Beers are sold through the brewery's own site and specialist outlets.

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