Arkell’s Malthouse Craft Lager has been released in can for the first time. The launch was marked at an event at the White Hart, Whitchurch, Hampshire.
Arkell’s head brewer Alex Arkell (left) at the barbecue with landlord Nick Panterlis
A braai — a South African style of barbecue — was laid on, welcoming returning landlord Nick Panterlis, himself a South African, who originally came to the pub for a stint from 2017.
“It’s fantastic to have Nick back at The White Hart,” said Julie Moss, managed house controller at Arkell’s Brewery. “He brings real warmth and personality to the pub, and the connection he has with the community here is something special. Seeing him back behind the bar — and the barbecue — felt like a proper homecoming.”
Malthouse Craft Lager (4.2% ABV) is known for its crisp, refreshing character, being brewed with local barley and Saaz hops. Arkell’s slow-ferment Malthouse for up to a month, creating a softer, cleaner flavour, with more fullness. After this, rather than pasteurising and cooking the aromas, they gently triple-micro-filter the beer to lock in flavour.
Alex Arkell, head brewer at Arkell’s, said: “We’re really proud of Malthouse — it’s one of our flagship beers, and it’s fantastic to see it go into cans. The flavour holds up beautifully, and it’s a perfect beer for moments just like this — chilled, outdoors, shared with good people.
“What makes this launch extra special is that it coincides with Indie Beer Week, which shines a light on the independent breweries up and down the country who are committed to making great beer, by hand, with real care. That’s what we’re all about.”
Indie Beer Week ties in with a campaign led by SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) which aims to make the Indie Beer mark the recognisable standard for high-quality craft and cask beer, brewed across the UK, by truly independent breweries.
Independent beer is handmade by real people who truly care about the quality and flavour of the beer they are producing. By choosing independent beer you’re not only getting a great tasting pint, but supporting local business, protecting pubs, and making a more sustainable choice
