Two historic names in brewing have announced a new unique collaboration to represent their shared passion and showcase the craftmanship and heritage behind their brews. 

The team at Arkell’s Brewery, which is Swindon’s oldest business and one of just 29 family breweries left in the UK, joined forces with Donnington Brewery in Stow-on-the-Wold to combine the unique qualities and brewing traditions of both breweries and create a beer unlike anything either company has produced on their own.

Donnington beer, trading since 1865, utilises a special spring water to mill, mash and boil the beer technique to give their beers a signature taste, as the spring water - ‘liquor’ - is drawn from the spring beside the mill pond to produce high quality beer with distinctive character. 

The unfermented brew was then transported to Arkell’s Brewery where it underwent fermentation using specialist lager tanks and house lager yeast, to create a 4 per cent ABV cask lager, known as Donkels - a nod to the German Dunkel style and a play on both breweries' names.

The beer is characterised by its light, refreshing and crisp profile, as well as its sweetness and depth of flavour, complemented by a soft condition from natural cask carbonation rather than forced carbonation from CO2.

Alex Arkell, Head Brewer at Arkell’s Brewery, said: "We're excited to bring this new cask lager to customers. The collaboration with Donnington has allowed us to explore a new flavour brew while honouring our rich histories. Joining together with not only a fellow Independent Family Brewer, but my brother, has been wonderful.

“The combined expertise of Arkell’s and Donnington, boasting a collective 340 years of brewing heritage, has produced a beer that is both traditional and innovative. Mixing an ale malt with a lager yeast has created a hybrid that my brother John and I are extremely proud of.”

John Arkell of Donnington Brewery added: “This collaboration has been a remarkable journey for both of our breweries. It has allowed us to blend our rich brewing traditions and create a beer that is truly unique.

“The Donkels cask lager is a testament to what can be achieved when two historic breweries come together with a shared vision. We’re excited for beer lovers to experience this blend of classic and contemporary brewing techniques.

Their new brew is a seasonal special which will be available at participating venues in August.