This year is a big one for English sport with the men’s rugby team looking strong for the Six Nations in February and the football side hoping for glory at the World Cup in the USA this summer.
And Arkell’s has come up with two themed beers to enjoy during the tournaments.
First up is Tap Tackle (4.4 per cent) for the Six Nations. Arkell’s said it had gone dark and moreish with a smooth, light-bodied, mild beer that will be sessionable for the big games.
For the football, there’s the 3.7 per cent, light and crisp The Showboater, a returning recipe that has kept the pubs busy during big cup matches.
The brew team was also keen to bring back two seasonal favourites in 2026, Spring Hopper (4 per cent) early in the year and Sir Noell (4.2 per cent) for winter.
Finally, the company has two specials. Bee’s Honey Pale Ale (4.5 per cent) is based on a popular beer it brewed regularly many years ago.
“This time, however, we’ve sourced honey from just behind the brewery, adding a rich sweetness that’s perfect for the sunny months,” said an Arkell’s spokesman.
The second comes from its Donnington brewery in the Cotswolds. SBA (4 per cent) is one of its oldest and most flavoursome beers.
