A Flavour Bomb in Every Pint – Arkell’s Launches Jack’s Juicy IPA 07/03/2025

Arkell’s Brewery is delighted to introduce Jack’s Juicy IPA, a brand-new, modern, hop-forward beer created by Arkell’s Brewing Operative, Jack Bridgman, as part of his brewing apprenticeship.

The beer was officially launched at The Moonrakers pub in Swindon, where Arkell’s Beer Champions from Managed Houses and the Chair of Swindon & North Wilts CAMRA branch were among the first to sample it.

This 4.5% ABV India Pale Ale is packed with tropical fruit flavours, showcasing an exciting new hop variety, Krush, which has never been used at the brewery before.

Jack, who has been with Arkell’s since 2012, designed the beer this year as part of his apprenticeship, which covers every aspect of brewing - from raw materials and fermentation to recipe development. Tasked by his university to create a beer from scratch, he meticulously calculated every detail, from malt sugar extraction to hop bitterness levels, ensuring the final product delivers a perfectly balanced, flavourful pint.

When designing Jack’s Juicy IPA, Jack wanted to create a beer that fell into the bracket of IPA, NEIPA (New England IPA). Understanding that the key to these styles is a light malt base that allows hop flavours to shine, he carefully selected a blend of Maris Otter, Cara Malt, and Wheat Malt. This combination provides enough body and mouthfeel without overpowering the hops.

From concept to cask, Jack’s Juicy IPA is Jack’s own creation. Pouring a pale golden hue, it bursts with tropical fruit aromas of guava and peach, complemented by bright citrus and lemon flavours. The key to its juicy character is Krush, a new hop variety that brings bold, modern fruit-forward notes.

Jack Bridgman with his Jack’s Juicy IPA

Speaking about his first solo brew, Jack said: “Designing this beer has been a huge learning experience. I wanted something fresh, vibrant, and full of tropical fruit character, and Krush hops gave me exactly that. Once the recipe was complete, Alex Arkell and I reviewed it together and decided it would be perfect as one of Arkell’s special ales this year. Seeing it go from an idea on paper to a beer pouring in Arkell’s pubs is an amazing feeling.”

Head Brewer Alex Arkell praised Jack’s achievement, saying: “We’re incredibly proud of Jack and the dedication he’s shown in creating this exciting beer as part of his brewing qualification. His knowledge, passion, and attention to detail shine through in Jack’s Juicy IPA and this is a milestone achievement in Jack’s brewing journey. It’s set to be a superb flavour bomb - a fantastic, modern take on an IPA. We’re all really excited for our customers to try it.”

Jack’s Juicy IPA is now available on cask in participating Arkell’s pubs.

Bursting with tropical fruit aromas: Jack's Juicy

Launched at The Moonrakers: Head Brewer Alex Arkell (centre) alongside Jack Bridgeman, and Arkell’s Beer Champions from Managed Houses and the Chair of Swindon & North Wilts CAMRA branch, Richard James (third from left)

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