Brewer Carling has announced that it will be entering the premium beer market with the launch of its Black Label beer next month. 

An addition to the core Carling range, Carling Black Label will be rolling out across the UK off-trade from mid-March. 

It has been described as a way for lager drinkers to “trade up” from the rest of the portfolio. 

The drink also pays homage to the history of the brand, which was known as Black Label in the UK until the late 1990s. 

The news comes within the context of a larger shift, in which UK beer consumers are opting for more premium options. 

According to the IWSR at the end of last year, premium beer growth in the UK continued throughout 2025, with a particular emphasis on stouts and world beer. 

This trend was also observed across Europe, where overall beer volumes declined but the premium-and-above beer segment remained resilient. 

On this, a statement from Carling said: “As shoppers look to trade up for more special occasions, the new Carling variant will help retailers offer a full-bodied, premium option from a trusted, leading British brand.” 

Ryan Mclaughlin, brand director for Carling, said: “Carling has been loved by people for decades, bringing mates together for occasions that matter. Now we’re taking the brand into the future, while honouring its heritage – giving drinkers an exciting new lager that celebrates the role Carling continues to play in British drinking culture.” 

Meanwhile, on the beer itself, Paul Rudge, beer sommelier at Molson Coors commented: “Carling Black Label has a slight appley fruit note on the nose backed up by a hint of digestive biscuit. As you taste the beer you get the rounded sweetness of the malt, but the hops have become more pronounced giving it a fuller body with plenty of pleasant bitterness and a rounded finish.”