'A proper matchday pint': Salford brewery releases mullet-themed seasonal ale ahead of Six Nations
Salford-based Hydes Brewery has announced the release of a new seasonal ale, Mullet Over, which will be available throughout February.
The beer coincides with the start of the Six Nations rugby championship and is the second release in the brewery’s year-long series inspired by iconic hairstyles. The initiative, which runs throughout 2026, features a succession of monthly cask ales, each accompanied by illustrated pump clips reflecting the haircut theme.
Mullet Over is a 4.2% ABV dark brown premium ale. It is brewed using three types of malt, contributing to toffee and roasted aromas. According to the brewery, the flavour profile includes notes of biscuit, fruit and roasted malt, with American hops added to introduce citrus elements and balance the finish.
The February release follows Hairy Porter, a black porter launched in January as the first beer in the seasonal series. That ale featured roast malt, raisin and dark coffee flavours.
Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes Brewery, said: “Mullet Over arrives in February to continue the momentum we started with Hairy Porter last month. This dark brown premium ale is exactly what we had in mind for the start of the Six Nations because it carries the weight and feel of a proper match-day pint.
“Drinkers can expect a balanced brew that leads with toffee and roast aromas before opening up into a mix of biscuit and fruit on the palate. The goal with 2026’s seasonal range was to create a lineup that offers variety every month while encouraging conversation between Hydes’ bar teams and customers.
“We’re confident we’ve created a beer that is both traditional and refreshing and raises a smile to drinkers alongside offering a quality pint of ale.”
The hairstyle theme is reflected across Hydes’ pubs through bar runners and posters promoting the idea that there is a style for everyone. The approach follows a tradition of creative marketing at the brewery, which was founded in 1863 and now operates from Media City.
Hydes remains an independent brewery, operating more than 40 pubs across the North West and North Wales. The company continues to invest in its pub estate and workforce. Mullet Over will be the featured seasonal ale until March, when it will be replaced by the third release in the 2026 series.