Independence day for champ

Independence (ABV 4.6 per cent), a premium pale ale by Bristol Beer Factory has been crowned CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain 2026 at the Cambridge Beer Festival.

The competition is strongly independent with judging taking two years to complete. Each year kicks off with individual nominations from CAMRA members and volunteer tasting panels, then regional competitions. Every round of judging, including the final at the Cambridge Beer Festival, uses a strict blind tasting policy.

Bristol Beer Factory MD Sam Burrows said: “The lineage of the Champion Beer of Britain is impeccable. It features some of the best beers of all time: Landlord, Bluebird, Cwtch, JHB, Ruby Mild, and now Independence. We could not be more chuffed.

“In an era when majority of our successful contemporaries have prioritised keg, we have remained steadfastly committed to the brilliance of cask. We brew around 60 cask beers per year, but only four all year round. And the one that made our name, the one that blends the tradition of cask with the punch of modern American hop legends, is Independence.

“It’s been a staple of South West cask pumps for 15 years – what took you so long!

“We love cask. Raise a glass to independent drinkers, to indie venues, and to our bold, citrusy 4.6 per cent IPA, Independence, or as we call it, Indy. Cheers and thank you from all of us.”

Champion Beer of Britain judging coordinator Christine Cryne described Independence as: “A pale strong beer. Strong enticing citrus nose, with piney hops. Caramelised citrus, tangerines, grapefruit and digestive biscuits lead to dry peppery bittersweet finish, which lingers. Refreshing, full flavoured, fruity and smooth.”

The silver and bronze winners were:

Silver: Wildcat (ABV 5.1 per cent), a premium bitter by Cairngorm described by judges as: “Toffee, malt hops and a little orange on the nose, flavour is dark orange marmalade with honey. The spicy hops develop and then linger in a dry bitter finish, which is balanced by some toffee notes. Well balanced and satisfying.”

Bronze: Alfie’s Revenge (6.5 per cent), a strong ale by Driftwood Spars described by judges as: “Fruity aroma with toffee and some pear notes. Flavours are estery overlaid with toffee and caramelised fruit. Finish remains sweet, with a bitterness which grows, alongside a little dryness. Full flavoured and rich.”

CAMRA awards director Shelly Bentley said: “I’m thrilled to bits to see Independence by Bristol Beer Factory claim the 2026 title of Champion Beer of Britain! It is a more than deserving winner.

“All 12 finalists in the coveted competition are fantastic examples of how the quality of UK brewing continues to climb to new heights. Government must improve the access to market for the UK’s amazing independent brewers, who are being blocked from getting space at the bar by the giant global brewers which have a stranglehold on our pubs.

“Make sure to come down to the Cambridge Beer Festival, one of CAMRA’s longest running and largest events, to try the best beer, cider and perry the UK has to offer. Let’s raise a pint and cheers to Bristol Beer Factory – a thoroughly deserving Champion Beer of Britain!”

All the finalists in this year’s competition are on sale while stock lasts at the Cambridge Beer Festival at Jesus Green Park until 23 May. Entry is free for CAMRA members: cambridgebeerfestival.com

Who won what

Overall

Gold: Bristol Beer Factory, Independence, 4.6 per cent

Silver: Cairngorm, Wildcat, 5.1 per cent

Bronze: Driftwood Spars, Alfie’s Revenge, 6.5 per cent

Category winners

Mild

Gold: Shortts, Two Tone, 3.8 per cent

Silver: Harrogate, Nidd Mild, 3.7 per cent

Bronze: Magic Dragon, Old Magic, 3.6 per cent

Session Bitter

Gold: Purple Moose, Cwrw Glaslyn/Glaslyn Ale, 4.2 per cent