Arkell’s Brewery and French & Jupps have launched Ancestry (3.8% ABV), a cask ale collaboration between one of Britain’s oldest family brewers and Britain’s oldest maltster.
Alex Arkell (left), head brewer at Arkell’s, with James Marinos, from French & Jupps
Brewed exclusively for cask, Ancestry is a smooth, easy-drinking, session-strength dark ruby ale. It will be available in pubs during October and November.
Head brewer Alex Arkell selected a unique blend of French & Jupps’ heritage roasted malts to build a complex flavour profile. Expect notes of caramel, maple syrup, nuts, chocolate, and roast coffee.
The collaboration began in September when Alex and foreman brewer Bob Mercer visited French & Jupps’ historic maltings. They conducted an in-depth tasting and analysis of the malts, selecting the most complementary heritage profiles to shape the recipe.
In late September, James Marinos, from French & Jupps, joined the team at Arkell’s Victorian brewhouse in Swindon to help brew the final product.
Alex said: “It’s wonderful to work with another family business that has such a passion for their heritage and traditions, just like we do. We brew our beer in one of the oldest breweries in this country, they malt their barley in the oldest maltings — could there be a better collaboration of brewing heritage?”
James added: “It’s an honour to see our range of malts being used by a family brewer of the pedigree of Arkell’s. Together we chose a unique blend of our Crystal and roasted malts to give Ancestry a flavour which reflects the complexity and depth of our shared centuries-old craft. I’m especially excited to share and taste a beer with such a unique story behind it.”
