Duration brewery has taken Norfolk’s top can-conditioned beer title for the second year running with its 4.8 per cent ABV Ebb and Flow.
The beer, brewed in West Acre, has “a slightly sweet roastiness that provides the base on which caramel, trace vanilla, and a light hoppiness rest and add depth. A rich, coffee-like finish rolls ever onward”.
The brewery also took third with its Sweeping Coast, a 4.8 per cent premium pale ale described as “clean and dry with a blooming burst of American hops giving a fresh, uplifting, follow-through”.
The runner up was Ampersand's Bitter, a 3.9 per cent session bitter. The Diss-brewed beer was described as having a “sweet, perfumy nose that leads into an almond bitterness that slowly dries out. Well balanced with a peppery aftertaste”.
Judging panel chair Alan Edwards said: “Canned live beer is growing in popularity as is the number of brews available. We are lucky to have so many forward-looking brewers in Norfolk. They are grasping the opportunity to offer this type of container both for home consumption and as something to offer for those outlets that do not offer traditional cask ales.
“The quality and drinking experience is equal to that of a well-kept real ale but is easier to keep and has a longer shelf life – weeks rather than days. We would urge both landlords and customers to try these beers.”
The annual competition is organised by the four Norfolk CAMRA branches.
