South West wins big at UK’s top cask beer awards

Bristol Beer Factory take home CAMRA’s top prize with Cornwall-based Driftwood Spars taking Bronze

Independent brewers from the South West have taken home the Gold and Bronze prizes in the UK’s most trusted beer competition – CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain.

Overall supreme champion, Independence (4.6%), a premium pale from Bristol Beer Factory, and Bronze winner Alfie’s Revenge (6.5%), a strong ale by Driftwood Spars in St Agnes, Cornwall were named the cream of the crop by an expert judging panel, fending off competitors from across the UK.

The Champion Beer of Britain is the highest honour CAMRA can bestow upon a brewer, putting the winner firmly in both the UK-wide and international spotlight. The award is the most sought after and well-respected cask beer competition in the world.

The competition is fiercely independent (and that’s not just because it's the name of the winning beer) with judging taking two years to complete. Each year kicks off with individual nominations from CAMRA members, volunteer tasting panels, and then regional competitions. Every round of judging, including the final at Cambridge Beer Festival, uses a strict blind tasting policy.

Sam Burrows, Managing Director of Bristol Beer Factory 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, Rudgate Ruby Mild, and now Independence. We could not be more chuffed.

“In an era when the majority of our successful contemporaries have prioritised keg, we have remained steadfastly committed to the brilliance of cask. We brew around 60 different cask beers per year, but only four beers 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% IPA, Independence, or as we call it, Indy. Cheers and thank you from all of us.”

Christine Cryne, Champion Beer of Britain Judging Coordinator 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.”

Not to be outdone, Driftwood Spa in St Agnes raised the flag for Cornwall in the top three, claiming a Bronze Champion Beer of Britain spot with their excellent Alfie’s Revenge.

Tim Lawrence, Head Brewer at Driftwood Spars said:

“Driftwood Spa is an independent brewpub based in St Agnes. Alfie's Revenge is what we are best known for, a Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2012 winner, brewed by our old head brewer Pete. We haven't changed the recipe since he passed away, and it is faithful to his original recipe. It is a really nice surprise to be recognised, and it honours him.”

Christine Cryne described Alfie’s Revenge as having a:

“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.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Images of the award announcement, winning beer and pump clip, plus the bronze winners are available here.

Overall Champion Beer of Britain: Gold, Silver and Bronze winners

Gold: Bristol Beer Factory, Independence, 4.6%

Silver: Cairngorm, Wildcat, 5.1%

Bronze: Driftwood Spars, Alfie’s Revenge, 6.5%

All the category winners are here.

About Champion Beer of Britain 

First taking place in 1978, the Champion Beer of Britain is one of the most coveted and well-respected cask beer competitions in the world. With the winner receiving UK-wide and international acclaim.

Judging for the competition takes two years to complete, starting with individual nominations from CAMRA members and tasting panels, then regional rounds. Each round of judging, including the final, uses a strict blind tasting policy, contributing to the award’s respected reputation of independence.