Carlsberg has launched a re-brew of its dark lager, Carlsberg 1883. Credit: Carlsberg.

Carlsberg has launched a re-brew of its dark lager, which was first brewed in 1883.

The updated version of Carlsberg 1883 will be exclusively available in the UK on-trade until June.

Relaunched Carlsberg 1883 uses the brewer’s original 135-year-old lager yeast strain, Saccharomyces Carlsbergensis, which was first identified at the Carlsberg Laboratory in Copenhagen.

This yeast strain is used in the brewing process for Carlsberg’s products, however, the new beer was developed through the Carlsberg Re-brew project, which used pure yeast found in a bottle from 1883.

The re-brew is full-bodied and has rich malt and caramel flavours.

“Carlsberg 1883 celebrates the discovery of the purified yeast strain that was shared with brewers worldwide to secure the consistent quality of beer as we know it today.”

Carlsberg UK marketing vice-president Liam Newton said: “We’re proud of the role Carlsberg has played in the history of brewing. Carlsberg 1883 celebrates the discovery of the purified yeast strain that was shared with brewers worldwide to secure the consistent quality of beer as we know it today.

“The beer market has changed dramatically in the past few years, let alone since 1883, so it is important that brewers like ourselves demonstrate the quality of our beers, the dedication of our brewers and ultimately help create reasons for beer drinkers to visit the pub.”

Carlsberg brewers wanted to create a new beer, Carlsberg 1883, which aims to simultaneously respect the past and deliver a contemporary taste that appeals to a modern palette.