Arkell’s Brewery is launching a new World Beers series, and first out of the brewhouse is Smoky, a traditional Bavarian-style rauchbier.
A launch for Smoky at Arkell’s Sun Inn, Coate, swindon. Photograph: Arkell’s Brewery
The World Beer collection is based on styles from around the world, giving the brewing team a chance to get creative with hops and techniques popular in other countries.
Before the rise of commercial brewing all beers would have been smoky to some degree, explained head brewer Alex Arkell, with barley dried over open wood-burning fires. This drying imparts a woody, smokey flavour into the barley that comes through into the beer.
Nowadays, barley is dried using gas, which imparts no flavour at all. In Bamberg, Bavaria, however, they still like to smoke their malt.
Alex said: “We’ve sourced some beech wood smoked barley for this beer, which imparts a delicious complexity from the blend of sweet and savoury. Think perfectly browned bacon, or lightly aromatic campfire aromas washed down with a gentle malty best bitter.
“While unusual, this beer is a fascinating insight into how we would have all enjoyed beer 100 years ago, and there is a rich history of English beers with this smokey flavour.”
Barbecue pairing
The beer is available on cask in participating venues, including one of Arkell’s flagship pubs, The Sun Inn, at Coate, Swindon, where Smoky was launched. Pub-goers enjoyed beautiful evening sun alongside the Arkell family and were the first to sample Smoky while also being treated to delicious meats from the grill.
Manager of The Sun Inn, Nick Panterlis, only took over the reins a few weeks ago, but was keen to fire up the grill and show his customers that they’re in for a real treat at their local with him at the helm.
He rustled up a selection of South African barbecue delights including Boerewors, seasoned steaks, cured meats, and home-made Biltong which, rumour has it, was hanging in the pub all week, drying to perfection.
“The smokey beer goes perfectly with the amazing barbecue flavours from Nick’s grill — a fantastic pairing for the summer,” said Arkell’s managing director, George Arkell. “Nick is a wonderful addition to The Sun Inn. His originally Greek origins paired with his upbringing in South Africa give him real flair.”
