10 May 2023 , 11:51
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A local brewery in Wrexham has been forced to install three new tanks to meet the growing demand for "Welsh champagne".
Wrexham Lager's popularity has soared since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed a takeover of the local club in 2021. Since then, several actors - including Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd - have travelled to the Welsh town to try the booze.
Wrexham have become one of the most talked about clubs on the planet thanks to their docuseries 'Welcome to Wrexham'. Phil Parkinson's side recently won the National League title to end a 15-year exile from the English Football League (EFL).
Wrexham Lager unveiled their three new tanks on Tuesday, a move that will enable them to significantly increase their output. The company wrote on social media: "We keep referring to Wrexham as a sleeping giant. We can feel the awakening starting."
Wrexham Lager's managing director Mark Roberts has praised the impact Reynolds and McElhenney have had on local tourism. As quoted by North Wales Live, Roberts said: "They have increased recognition of the city’s name everywhere.
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"Not just Wrexham but also Wales. Tourism here is exploding - there simply aren’t enough bedrooms in Wrexham to cater for them all and we’re seeing visitors staying in places like Llangollen or as far afield as Conwy.
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"In our shop, we are seeing people coming from Japan, Korea and New Zealand to buy our merchandise and clothing. And of course there’s huge interest in the US and Canada thanks to the media coverage - long may that continue.
"I think there will be a massive increase in tourism in the coming years, not just here but right across Wales. As a company, we’re just hoping to take advantage of our new worldwide fame."
Yet the actors are not solely responsible for Wrexham Lager's surge in popularity. The brewers have won plenty of awards since 2020, with its Export Lager - its trademark drink - winning the best UK lager award at events in Lyon and Frankfurt.
Wrexham Lager was relaunched in 2011 and has become the region's favourite tipple. As well as selling its Export Lager, it also produces a pilsner named after Wrexham superfan Karl Phillips... who is more commonly known as Bootlegger.
Wrexham Lager were recently invited to visit the American Ambassador's residence in London to celebrate Welsh food and drink. "To be recognised by the American Embassy as one of the leading drink producers in Wales was a total honour," said Roberts. "I took with me a gift of our very own Welsh champagne, or Wrexham Lager as it’s also known."
Reynolds and McElhenney will be looking forward to enjoying a pint in Wrexham's famous The Turf pub ahead of a League Two game next season. Parkinson's side will be regarded as one of the favourites for promotion after their National League triumph.