Members of the rock band Status Quo have created a new ale with Shropshire brewer Hobsons. Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt recently travelled to Hobsons Brewery in Cleobury Mortimer to sample their Dog Of Two Head ale, named after the 1971 album of the same name. Dog Of Two Head ale will be officially released on May 18.

Dog of Two Head is described as a chestnut amber traditional ale, with a modern citrus twist created by blending of UK-grown Fuggles, Challenger, Goldings and Progress hops. Rick Parfitt said: “It’s great to inspire a beer and it tastes really good.”

However, rather than bearing the Hobsons name, it will be labelled Status Quo’s own brand, together with a cider called Down Down, after the band’s 1975 hit single, which has been created by Herefordshire firm Celtic Marches for the rock legends. According to the brewer “Both will offer a refined pedigree, based on character and tradition; qualities that define Status Quo.”

The beer will be available in bottles as well as on draught in selected pubs from July.