A new beer which costs as much as a good bottle of wine is due to go on sale in shops.

　　At￡6.99 for a half pint, the beer, called Dogfish Head World Wide Stout, is more expensive than the average brew. But Safeway, which is exclusively stocking the brand, claims despite its beer origins, it is best enjoyed at the end of a meal.

　　Adding to the difference is the fact that the first batch is designed to stay at its best until 2010 and its alcohol strength is 21%.

　　The list of ingredients used to make it include chocolate malt, roasted barley, rolled oats and rice hulls, followed by a seven- month fermentation process.

　　The first bottles have begun arriving on the shelves at Safeway and will eventually be sold in 220 stores across the UK.

　　Safeway beer expert Glenn Payne said: "This is a beer that demands respect and is quite simply a testament to the brewer's art. It is as far from 'session drinking' as can be imagined."