CAMRA announces Champion Winter Beer of Britain winner

By Nikkie Sutton

- Last updated on GMT

Testing times: CAMRA rated Old Freddy Walker higher than all others
Testing times: CAMRA rated Old Freddy Walker higher than all others

Related tags Beer

Moor Beer Company’s Old Freddy Walker beer has been crowed Champion Winter Beer of Britain at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s National Winter Ales Festival.

The 7.5% ABV ale went through a rigorous judging process, including a year of local tasting panels and regional heats in the lead up to the finals.

The Bristol beer company scooped the award on the opening day of CAMRA’s festival in Norwich this year.

The competition marks the first day of the festival, which is running from the 22 to 25 February at The Halls, Norwich, Norfolk.

Fantastic balance in the brew

CAMRA’s national director Nick Boley, who is responsible for the competition, praised Moor Brewery on its ability to produce a balanced and interesting beer.

He said: “The judges were particularly impressed with the fantastic balance in this brew. It was a strong ale with a rich flavour perfectly balanced between chocolate, honey, dark roasts and a hint of liquorice.

“It is a beer to sip and enjoy – particularly as a dessert.”

Moor Beer Company’s Justin Hawke, who was recently appointed as vice-chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers​, moved to the UK and bought a brewery after falling in love with beer while on military service in Germany.

Combination of classic and modern

He said the company was thrilled to win the award for the second time and added: “Old Freddy Walker is a unique blend of a classic British beer combined with our own style of modern real ale.

“It is fantastic that this style is consistently recognised by CAMRA and others around the world.”

Moor Beer Company’s 'micro-canned' beer became the first winner of CAMRA’s real ale accreditation​ in September.

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