Iconic British band Madness have become the latest musicians to release a beer, with the 4.2 per cent “lager that’s an ale” Gladness.

Brewed in collaboration with Growler Brewery (formerly Nethergate), the 4.2 per cent ABV beer is brewed as an ale but using only lager hops, including saaz and the noble tetnag leaf hop. It is intended to be served through handpumps.

The brew launches amid a gathering trend for artists to release their own beers, with heavy metal band Iron Maiden and dance label Hospital Records among those to have unveiled brews in recent months.

However, Madness frontman Suggs said the idea had been brewing for years, saying: “After many, many years spent in a pub discussing and debating what would be our ideal beer, we’re very proud of our first attempt and we’ve got a great excuse to spend a bit more time in Great British Pubs!”

Growler Brewery owner Rob Flanagan added: “We could see the band’s genuine passion to create their own beer and we were delighted to help them, working through which styles they preferred, to co-create the final product – their British take on lager.”

Gladness will be exclusive to Nicholson’s pubs for a three-month period before being made available to the wider trade. Ben Lockwood assistant brand manager for Nicholson’s Pubs, said: “We were delighted to support a great British band rooting for quality-tasting ale in British pubs."