Two York institutions – York Minster and Brew York – have come together to create a limited-edition ale to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the canonisation of St William of York, the city’s patron saint. The ale, Poisoned Chalice, draws inspiration from one of the most dramatic legends surrounding St William: his untimely and mysterious demise.

While celebrating Mass at the Minster, William is said to have unknowingly drunk from a poisoned chalice. Rumours quickly spread that he had been murdered by one of his long-standing opponents. The case was never proven so the true circumstances surrounding William’s untimely death remain an unsolved medieval mystery…

Poisoned Chalice takes the form of a traditional English Best Bitter and promises Brew York’s hallmark approach to creating characterful craft ale, rather than replicating William’s untimely end. However, this is a beer that really does feature a warning to drink sensibly!

Following William’s death and subsequent reports of miracles at his tomb, spectacular shrines and a magnificent stained glass window were created in his honour. The ale’s visual identity, created by York‑based studio United by Design, draws directly from the colourful imagery of the St William Window and the intricate mosaic surrounding his tomb in the Crypt.

Poisoned Chalice forms part of a wider series of partnerships, exhibitions, publications, and events launching throughout 2026 under the banner ‘Crafting a Legacy: 800 Years of York’s Patron Saint’. This landmark programme explores York’s centuries‑long heritage of artistry and craftsmanship, traditions recognised in the city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts and now expanded to include the vibrant creativity of Yorkshire’s craft‑beer community.

Joseph Priestley, Head of Marketing at York Minster, said: “St William’s story, so rich and dramatic, is one that deserves to be told; he would have been a figure known throughout medieval York, but he has gradually faded from view in the centuries since. Thankfully, the legacy of incredible crafts he inspired is still with us today in the spectacular stained glass of the St William Window, and in the Minster’s long tradition of passing down heritage craft skills to the next generation.

“Working with some of York’s leading businesses has helped us to tell St William’s story anew, either through a groundbreaking collaboration with Viridian FX and York Museums Trust to bring his lost shrine back into the building, or to tell a little of St William’s life and legacy in this collaboration with Brew York.

“We hope that this beer gives people a taste not just of a great local craft brewer, but also of the rich history we are so blessed with in York.”

Yousef Doubooni, Sales Director at Brew York, said: “It’s an absolute honour to collaborate with such a historic and important name as York Minster and to be part of the celebrations honouring York’s patron Saint, St William of York. After many discussions with the team at the Minster, we agreed a classic best bitter would be the appropriate style to choose for this beer. The team at United By Design have created some beautiful can artwork which we feel really brings this to life. We are proud that a glass or two of Poisoned Chalice will be raised in a celebration of this key figure in York’s history.”

The Poisoned Chalice ale is now available to purchase from the York Minster Shop and at Brew York venues.