Arkell’s Brewery, one of the UK’s remaining twenty-eight independent family brewers, is celebrating a remarkable achievement after its brew team secured three awards in recent beer competitions.
The brewery’s Haze Pale Ale and Malthouse Craft Lager won Gold and Bronze, respectively, at the SIBA South West Independent Beer Awards, while Kingsdown Ale bottled beer clinched Gold at the South West Taste of the West Awards.
Haze Pale Ale, the brewery’s first vegan and gluten-free beer, was described as a 4% ABV pale ale with a tropical fruit nose and a flavour profile rich in tropical fruit and mango. This innovative brew received Gold in the Keg Session Pale Ale category at the SIBA 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.”
Equally exciting for the team was the recognition of Malthouse Craft Lager, which took 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!” said Alex.
Malthouse Craft Lager, noted for its 4.2% ABV, is a handmade, refreshing English lager brewed with 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, held at MaltingsFest in Newton Abbot, are a showcase of the finest beers from a variety of styles, strengths, and flavours, judged by beer experts, experienced beer judges, and fellow brewers. These awards are highly regarded in the industry as the ‘brewers’ choice awards’ in the UK.
Arkell’s also shone at The Taste of the West Awards, a programme that has been promoting and supporting the South West food and drink industry for over 30 years. The awards are a benchmark for excellence across the region.
Kingsdown Ale, one of Arkell’s long-standing brews, achieved Gold in the Taste of The West product Awards 2024 for its bottled version. This 4.8% ABV dark ale is celebrated for its deep, fruit-forward flavour, superb chestnut colour, and smooth aftertaste.
Alex Arkell remarked, “It’s fantastic to see the hard work of the brew team recognised 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 handcrafted range of beers, visit Arkell’s Brewery.
