Heineken has launched a new US online campaign for its Newcastle Brown Ale brand starring British comedian Stephen Merchant. 

The two-and-a-half minute spot – called 'If We Won' - features The Office co-creator ironically mocking Americans for celebrating Independence Day. “America, if we (Britain) had won the war you'd have way better comedy, news TV programmes and way better rude words,” Merchant says. 

Heineken said the campaign aims to “poke fun at rampant patriotic displays by American brewers”. The Dutch brewer has created Independence Eve, an American “holiday” designed specifically to sell British beer.

"It's not easy to sell a British beer during a supremely American holiday, so we're imagining how great America could have been - and how much beer we could have sold - if the Brits had won the Revolutionary War," said Quinn Kilbury, brand director for Newcastle Brown Ale.

Heineken has also launched a standalone website for the campaign. 

Elizabeth Hurley and Zachary Quinto will also feature in the campaign with their own videos, according to trade publication Adweek.