Six drinks for the Six Nations
- Tesco NI has partnered with six Northern Irish breweries and cider producers to recommend six great locally crafted tipples.
- Focused on supporting producers, Tesco brings customers great quality local products.
- The retailer is proud of its long-standing relationships with breweries and cider producers in Northern Ireland.
Rugby fans are still waiting for Ireland’s big break in this year’s Six Nations tournament, but it’s never too late to get match-ready and fill up the fridge. Tesco NI has partnered with six Northern Ireland breweries and cider producers to spotlight standout locally made beers and ciders to enjoy during the games.
For those who prefer a crisp, easy-going lager, Our Brewery is backing Pressure to Pick, an Italian-style pilsner designed for long sessions – because you never quite know how long a match will last.
“This lager is clean, crisp and refreshing, with subtle bitterness. An easy-drinking option that works well across a long game,” said Jonathan Mitchell, co-founder of the independent brewery based in Randalstown, Co. Antrim.
From Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh, Farmageddon Brewing Co. recommends Farmageddon Gold 4.2%, a light and refreshing choice with a bright finish.
“Light, refreshing, and easy to drink, it’s the perfect match day beer. Soft bready malt flavours are balanced by fresh citrus hops, with a clean finish that keeps it crisp through the whole match,” said Norman Donaldson, Owner of Farmageddon Brewing Co.
IPA fans are also well catered for, with two local favourites selected for their flavour and match-day drinkability. From Bellaghy, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Heaney Brewery’s Irish Pale is the go-to pick for co-owner Suzanne McCay.
“It’s crisp, full of flavour, the kind you can sip through the highs and lows of a game. It’s easy going for IPA newcomers and full of flavour for the regulars. A good beer for good company,” she said.
Meanwhile, Whitewater Brewery – Northern Ireland’s largest craft brewery, based in Castlewellan, Co. Down – is recommending Maggies Leap, a citrus-forward 4.7% IPA that’s become a fan favourite during the championship.
“Hopefully like our Maggie the players will leap towards the line for a winning finish,” said Bernard Sloan, Managing Director at Whitewater Brewery.
Cider lovers can also toast the tournament with premium local options. The Armagh Cider Company, which has worked closely with Tesco Northern Ireland for more than 12 years, has selected Carsons Crisp Cider as a refreshing match-day pick.
“It’s light and well-balanced, with that distinctive Bramley apple taste, perfect from kick-off to the final whistle and, of course, the green label is in keeping with the Irish theme,” said Esther Paul, Business Development Manager.
For those looking to capture the buzz and colour of the Six Nations, Longmeadow Cider (based in Portadown, Co. Armagh) is putting forward Blossom Burst Cider, inspired by springtime in the orchard.
“It is smooth, elegant and mellow and captures the feeling of springtime in the orchard,” said Alanna McKeever, Tourism and Sales Executive at Longmeadow Cider. “The finish is long, crisp and refreshing, making it easy to enjoy from kick-off to the end of the match.”
Michael Crealey, Lead Packaged Buying Manager at Tesco NI, added:
“Supporting our local producers is hugely important to us at Tesco, and we’re incredibly proud to offer customers such a strong range of high-quality drinks produced right here in Northern Ireland. These are local flavours made by local businesses, and every time customers choose them, they’re helping to support jobs, skills and the local economy across Northern Ireland. With the Six Nations bringing people together to enjoy the rugby, it’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate our local products too.”
Six drinks – The chosen tipples for the next game: Maggies Leap (Whitewater Brewery), Carsons Crisp Cider (Armagh Cider Company), Pressure to Pick (Our Brewery), Farmageddon Gold 4.2% (Farmageddon Brewing Co), Blossom Burst Cider (Longmeadow Cider) and Heany Irish Pale (Heaney Brewery).
