The team at Arkell’s Brewery are looking forward to busy year of sport, and have created two special brews for the occasions.
First up is Tap Tackle (4.5% ABV), for the Six Nations rugby union tournament. It’s a dark and moreish, smooth, light-bodied mild that will be sessionable for the big games.
For the World Cup football, The Showboater will be rolled out, a returning recipe that has always kept the pubs busy during big matches. At 3.7% ABV, it’s light and crisp.
There are four other specials making appearances during 2026.
Spring Hopper (4% ABV) and Sir Noel (5% ABV) are, respectively, light, easy, and tempting for spring, and strong, deep, and warming for winter.
Bee’s Honey Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) is based on a popular beer Arkell’s brewed regularly many years ago. This time, however, they’ve sourced local honey from just behind the brewery, adding a rich sweetness that’s perfect for the sunny months.
SBA (4.4% ABV) comes from neighbours Donnington Brewery, in the Cotswolds and is “one of their oldest and most flavoursome beers, an exciting change for the autumn”, says head brewer Alex Arkell.
