West Berkshire CAMRA Arkell's launch Maypole Mild

Arkell's Maypole Mild - Exactly what it says on the tin!

Cask Ale Week got off to a great start for 6 lucky members of West Berkshire CAMRA when they were invited to Arkell’s Brewery in Swindon for the launch of their new mild ale, Maypole Mild. The event was especially laid on for surrounding CAMRA branches and there was a grand total of 11 branches in attendance, which made for a great turn out.

View of the outside of the brewery.

On arrival we were taken into the brewery bar which is on the basement floor of the tower brewery. There we were presented with the most important ingredient of the evening, fresh pints of Maypole Mild! The 3.6% ale was a very easy drinking mild and there was a nice chocolate sweetness but a good balance of bitterness to keep it very drinkable and very moreish.

Maypole Mild being drawn off. The other beers are (L-R) Kingsdown, Moonlight & 3B

There was a veritable array of Arkell’s luminaries on hand to keep us entertained, including Managing Director James Arkell and his son George. Head Brewer Don Bracher took parties of guests on a quick whistle stop brewery tour and it was great to see this old traditional brewery building in great shape with many if not all of the original fixtures and fittings not only still in place but also in current use.

This really is a traditional brewery in the true sense of the word with narrow wooden stairways leading up to the various levels of the tower brewery. The original steam engine which used to drive all the machinery is still in place and Don explained that although an electric motor now powers the brewery they are able to run from the steam engine if they wish, albeit that it would take some preparation to get it in a running condition.

The original steam engine & the Mash Tun

Finally we were shown the bottling plant where Arkell’s perform this function for many other breweries including Wadworth, West Berkshire, Ramsbury and Stonehenge. Arkell’s were also in the process of having a new kegging machine fitted by engineers from the Czech Republic, who were the same company that provided the bottling line.

The bottling machine and the machine that labels the bottles. Strips of Moonlight labels can bee seen.

The evening was rounded off by a curry or chilli snack in the brewery bar, (provided by the brewery tap, the Kingsdown pub which is located just over the road from the brewery) and of course more pints of Maypole Mild. Those wishing for a different brew were welcome to try the other Arkell’s brews on offer this evening, 3B and Moonlight. Finally we were presented with a bag of Arkell’s goodies with which to remember a great, thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Our thanks go out to all at Arkell’s Brewery for making this event happen. It’s great to see this very traditional brewery not only going strong, but also support CAMRA aims and producing some fantastically tasting beers. Cheers!

Chairman Adrian Bean shows his approval!