Arkell’s Brewery, one of only twenty-eight independent family brewers left in the UK, is celebrating the hard work and dedication of their brew team after scooping a trio of awards in recent competitions. Haze Pale Ale and Malthouse Craft Lager were awarded Gold and Bronze, respectively, at the SIBA South West Independent Beer Awards, and Kingsdown Ale bottled beer received Gold in the South West Taste of the West Awards.
Haze is the brewery’s first vegan & gluten-free beer, described as a 4% ABV pale ale with a tropical fruit nose and a tropical fruit and mango flavour. Receiving Gold in the Keg Session Pale Ale category at the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) South West Independent Beer Awards, Alex Arkell, Head Brewer commented “It couldn’t be better feedback on our brand-new beer, straight in with a Gold for its first ever award.”
Alex continued “We are equally delighted that our Malthouse Craft Lager has been recognised with Bronze in the Keg Session Lager category. It’s a fantastic award for our newly rebranded Malthouse, and reconfirms that the lager is as good as we think it is!”
Malthouse is noted for being a 4.2% ABV, handmade, refreshing, characterful English lager, brewed using local barley. Alex explained, “Unlike many lagers, we like to slow ferment Malthouse for up to a month, creating a softer, cleaner flavour with a satisfying fullness in the mouth. After this, rather than pasteurising and cooking the aromas, we gently triple micro filter the beer to lock in the thirst-quenching flavour.”
The SIBA South West Independent Beer Awards, which took place at MaltingsFest in Newton Abbot, highlight the very best beers from a huge range of styles, strengths, and flavours, including traditional bitters, stouts, modern hazy IPAs, and Pale Ales. Judged by beer experts, experienced beer judges, and fellow brewers from other regions, they are seen as the ‘brewers’ choice awards’ in the UK.
Arkell’s also received an award from The Taste of the West Awards programme, which has been promoting and supporting the South West food and drink industry for over 30 years. They are regarded as a benchmark for excellence across the whole South West region.
Kingsdown Ale, one of the brewery’s long-standing brews, was successful in the Taste of The West product Awards 2024, achieving Gold for the bottled beer. The 4.8% ABV dark ale is a luscious, deep, fruit forward strong bitter with a superb chestnut colour, and smooth aftertaste. Already an award-winning beer, Alex Arkell remarked “It’s fantastic to see the hard work of the brew team recognized again. With a combined length of service in the team of over one hundred years, they always aim to craft exceptional beers that reflect our heritage and unwavering commitment to quality, while exploring innovative ways to keep up with changing trends. This trio of awards celebrates the culmination of the hard work, passion, and dedication of Arkell’s brew team. Cheers to them.”
For more information on Arkell’s hand crafted range of beers, visit www.arkells.com/beer
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