The limited edition beer, named SYLA, the Ukrainian word for strength, has been brewed by Drink Valley Brewery in Swindon ahead of the borough formally twinning with the western Ukrainian city of Rivne.
The Ukrainian Pale Ale has been created using a recipe inspired by Rivne Brewery and includes 20kg of Ukrainian honey, symbolising the growing friendship between the two communities.
The beer will be officially launched at Drink Valley on Friday 31st July, with proceeds supporting Swindon Welcomes Ukraine community projects and charities delivering humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The launch comes just weeks before Ukrainian Independence Day and ahead of the formal twinning between Swindon and Rivne, marking another milestone in a relationship that has grown from the community response to Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
More than 150 households across Swindon opened their homes to Ukrainian families through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme following the outbreak of war.
From those first arrivals, volunteer organisation Swindon Welcomes Ukraine has grown into a thriving community supporting more than 500 Ukrainians living across the borough alongside Swindon Borough Council’s Warm Welcome team.
Many families who expected to remain in Britain for only a short period have since built new lives in Swindon. Children now attend local schools, adults have established careers and businesses, and lasting friendships have formed across the community.
The idea for twinning Swindon with Rivne grew after members of the local Ukrainian community wanted to create a lasting link with their homeland. The partnership gathered momentum following a recent visit to Swindon by Rivne’s Mayor, Viktor Shakyrzian, and will be celebrated again during UkraineFest on 22nd August, the annual festival of Ukrainian culture which attracts more than 4,000 visitors from across the South West and London.
Rather than importing a Ukrainian beer, Drink Valley Brewery worked from a recipe inspired by Rivne Brewery to create a beer brewed entirely in Swindon while reflecting Ukrainian brewing traditions.
Organisers believe SYLA is among the first beers created specifically to celebrate a partnership between a British town and a Ukrainian city.
Dhiraj Pujari, Brewmaster at Drink Valley Brewery, said:
“When the team approached us with the idea, we immediately felt it was something we wanted to be part of. Working from a recipe inspired by Rivne Brewery gave us the opportunity to create something that honours Ukrainian brewing traditions while crafting it here in Swindon.
“We’re incredibly proud that Drink Valley Brewery can play a small part in celebrating the friendship between Swindon and Rivne, and we hope everyone who enjoys SYLA understands that it’s much more than a beer, it’s a symbol of strength, resilience and community.”
Anastasiia Banatska, Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, said:
“For me, this project is deeply personal because Rivne is my home. Seeing the city where I grew up connected with the town that has welcomed my family and so many other Ukrainians means more than I can put into words.
“When the war began, people in Swindon opened not only their homes but also their hearts. Thanks to host families and hundreds of volunteers, we have been able to build a thriving Ukrainian community here. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the friendship between Swindon and Rivne.”
Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“This beer is the latest example of the Ukrainian community’s contribution to Swindon, and builds on the collaboration work between Swindon Borough Council and the city of Rivne.
“We are proud of this emerging partnership and the incorporation of an authentic Rivne recipe and ingredients is inspired. Personally, I cannot wait to try it.”
Guests attending the launch will be among the first to sample the beer, meet those behind the collaboration and celebrate another milestone in the growing friendship between Swindon and Rivne.
The launch takes place at Drink Valley in Swindon’s Old Town on Friday 31st July from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.
