June 17 – England fans are not only drinking in the atmosphere of being back at Wembley, they are also, literally, drinking the pitch.
England supporters group Block 109 has launched a new bottled beer in partnership with Portobello Brewery, is made using the exact same rye grass seeds as the hallowed turf at Wembley.
Called Wembeerly IPA, Block 109 say it is the first beer in the world to be made from a football pitch and is being stocked by more than 50 pubs around London.
Wembley is host to all three of England’s Euro 2020 group games, as well as both semi-finals and the final.
Rooted in a football heritage, it is appropriate that every time a bottle of Wembeerly IPA is bought a donation to grassroots football causes will be made.
Kunal Sapat, Founder of Block 109, said he is hoping it will be the beer of choice for every discerning football fan this summer.
“We set up Block 109 in 2018 to create an inclusive fan group to give Wembley an atmospheric identity. In three years, we’ve grown exponentially and raised thousands of pounds for charity, but we’re hoping this project can be our biggest yet and help support the heartbeat of our national game, grassroots football”, said Sapat.
Rob Jenkins, owner of Portobello Brewing said: “Using the rye seed of the iconic Wembley pitch is certainly a first for us. After a tough year, it’s exciting to be working on such an innovation project and be looking forward to a summer of sport.
The rye gives the beer it’s own unique edge, so we had to partner it with the right hops to compliment it. We ended up choosing American hops, so it’s refreshingly light, designed to be enjoyed for when England are winning”, added Jenkins.
Jenkins, a Welshman, was unavailable for comment, but Wales did beat Turkey last night and he is the boss of a brewery.
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