Rational Creatures 2026: specially brewed for International Women’s Day
For International Women’s Day on 8th March, we’ll be releasing our 2026 Rational Creatures beer, an orange-infused American Pale/Wit style ale (ABV 4.6%).
Brewed in January by the women of Bellfield: Charlotte, Hannah, Anna, Marie and Giselle - this year’s beer is vibrant, modern and packed with character.
There’s something very special about brew day. The early start. The hiss of steam. The heft of 25kg malt sacks. The strong coffee and home baked cake from Giselle. And, most importantly, the shared purpose.
Started in 2020 - the year of the pandemic - this is our seventh year of brewing a ‘special’ to mark International Women’s Day and it’s something we look forward to every year.
Rational Creatures 2026: The Beer
This year we wanted to create something bold, bright and joyful - a beer that felt celebratory, amid all the doom and gloom in world events.
The result is a modern American Pale/Wit hybrid inspired by classic American-style wheat beers, but with a distinctly Bellfield twist.
Expect to enjoy a beer that is a deep golden-orange colour and has a bright white, creamy head; is slightly hazy looking in the glass; has a solid, creamy malt body and pronounced citrus and stone fruit character.
We’ve built the body with Pale Ale and Vienna malts, supported by Cara and Cara Gold for gentle sweetness, plus malted and torrified oats for that soft, luxurious mouthfeel.
The hop bill - Cascade, Ekuanot and Amarillo - brings layers of orange, tropical fruit and subtle pine. A double dry hop, including Krush, lifts the aromatics even further.
To honour its Witbier roots, we’ve added orange peel, coriander seed and grains of paradise (small seeds from a plant in the ginger family, that elevate the other flavours). Fermentation with a clean, American ale yeast keeps the ester profile low, allowing the orange and hop character to shine.
A final touch of blood orange flavour rounds everything out beautifully.
The result?
A fresh, flavourful ale with a honeyed, creamy malt core and a pronounced citrus and tropical fruit kick. It will pour beautifully in both cask and keg.
A Little History
The first International Women’s Day was held in March 1911, when more than one million people attended rallies worldwide campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote and hold public office.
More than a century later, progress has been made but the work continues.
IWD isn’t specific to any one country, organisation or group. It’s a global day of activism and celebration belonging to all who support women’s equality.
IWD 2026 Theme: #GiveToGain
This year’s theme is Give To Gain. The campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. When we give - whether that’s time, knowledge, support, visibility or opportunity - we don’t lose. We multiply impact.
And in brewing this beer together, we’re reminded that collaboration is always more powerful than working alone.
The Bellfield Women Brewers
This year’s brew team was Charlotte, Hannah, Anna, Marie and Giselle. From recipe discussions to mash-in, hop additions and tasting trials, it’s always a genuinely collaborative effort.
We work closely with our brewing team to shape the recipe - and huge thanks, as ever, to Keith and Dale for their technical expertise and support on the day.
We’re incredibly proud of this one.
Launch Details
Rational Creatures 2026 will launch on Thursday 5th March at:
Everyone is welcome - friends, families and dogs included.
It will also be pouring in great bars across the city in both keg and cask.
Supporting Women’s Aid
As in previous years, we’ll be donating 50p from every pint sold over launch weekend in our Bellfield Taproom and Beer Garden and Nobles by Bellfield in Leith to Scottish Women’s Aid.
Scottish Women’s Aid works through a network of specialist local groups to prevent domestic abuse and support women, children and young people. It’s a cause close to our hearts, and we’re proud to continue supporting their vital work.
Rational Creatures 2026 is limited edition - fresh, vibrant and brewed with purpose.
We hope you’ll raise a glass with us this March.
Also in Lastest News from Bellfield
New All-Day Menu Launch at Nobles by Bellfield
We’re pleased to share that Nobles by Bellfield will launch a new all-day food menu on Friday 9 January.
Nobles is a relaxed neighbourhood pub where great beer and good food sit comfortably alongside one another. This new menu builds on that — offering high-quality, seasonal pub food designed to be enjoyed in an easy, welcoming setting.
