ARKELL'S famous Noel Ale will be one of the guest ales at Wetherspoons during the 2012 Christmas season, the brewery has revealed.

Sales Director Nick Arkell, said: “Our real ales feature regularly at Wetherspoons pubs but this is the first time they have specially selected our Noel Ale, so we are delighted that it will be tried and tasted from Taunton to Tyneside.

"It also gives us the opportunity to introduce Arkell’s beers to a wider customer base than in our heartland across Wiltshire and the south of England.”

For new head brewer, Alex Arkell, it’s a big responsibility – but also a pleasure to share one of his favourite brews across the country.

“I’ve drunk Noel Ale all my life and as far as I’m concerned, it’s the best Christmas beer in the world," he said.

Arkell’s has been producing Noel Ale since 1987. It is named in honour of former brewery chairman, Sir Noël Arkell, who was born on Christmas Day 1893 and ran the brewery from the 1920s until 1971 when his son and former World War II flying ace, Peter Arkell, took over.

Sir Noël died in 1981.

Noel Ale is, at 5 per cent ABV, a full-bodied beer cleverly disguised by its distinctive light colour. It slides down very easily, leaving drinkers with a warm, tingling feeling – ideal for celebrations and cold winters.