Champion Winter Beer of Britain

Cairngorm – Black Gold

Black Gold (4.4% ABV), a session stout from Scottish brewers Cairngorm, was named as overall Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2025.

Champion Beer of Britain judging panel organiser Christine Cryne described the beer as having: “Roasted coffee nose with dark fruits and earthy hops. The flavour is of refreshing coffee with sweet malt, orange and dark fruits, leading to a satisfying dry, chocolatey finish. Very easy drinking.”

Silver prize winner was Snowflake (8% ABV) from Hughes, which judges described as: “Stunning golden brown barleywine with strong fruity nose of orange and honey. These favours are on the smooth palette with a growing spicy bitterness. Rich and satisfying.”

Bronze winner Slate (6% ABV) from Grain was described by judges as being an “Ruby black porter with liquorice treacle and a little dark fruit. Flavour is of black coffee, black cherry, raisins, treacle and liquorice overlaid with a sweet character. The sweetness lingers in the finish with a dry roastiness.”