A controversial north-east brewery has launched what it claims is the UK’s strongest beer.

Fraserburgh-based BrewDog have created Tokyo* - an 18.2% beer which the company claims will help call time on the country’s binge drinking culture.

The stout – which will retail at £9.99 - will be produced in a limited run of 3,000 bottles and will only be available direct from the company’s own website.

The brewery, which caused public outcry from health campaigners when it launched the original Tokyo brand last year with a 12% alcohol content claim the higher ABV level of the new Tokyo* enhances the beer’s flavour.

BrewDog founder, 26-year old James Watt from Fraserburgh said: “Our hardcore beers are loaded with flavour, bite and body so consequently you drink less of them.

“Responsible drinking is at the core of what we do because the types of beers we make actually encourage responsible consumption and a better understanding of beer.

This beer is £9.99 for a 330ml bottle but you can purchase 24 cans of lager or a litre bottle of 40% ABV spirits for the same price.”

The latest release comes less than a week after the brewery celebrated winning a major new distribution deal in Sweden – where they will export 1.5 million bottles of beer over the next year.

Ambitious expansion plans could also see the firm open a second plant just north of Aberdeen in with output increasing to 25 million bottles a year.