GBBF preview: Odds on

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The Champion Beer of Britain prize is always a highlight of the GBBF. So who's in the running to claim the title this year?The cherry on the Great...

The Champion Beer of Britain prize is always a highlight of the GBBF. So who's in the running to claim the title this year?

The cherry on the Great British Beer Festival's cake is, as ever, the Champion Beer of Britain (CBB) competition. The fiercely fought contest has been expanded for this year with the welcome addition of two new categories; winter ales and golden ales. Winter ales had, up until now, been overlooked in a most seasonal of snubs while the burgeoning popularity of golden and blonde ales has prompted CAMRA to create a whole new category.

Eight judging panels consisting of brewers, CAMRA members, beer writers, journalists and even celebrities will come together and blind taste a dizzying selection of brews from across the country. Beers find themselves on the judging panel table after either being nominated by CAMRA members or by catching the eye at any of the 250-plus local beer competitions that CAMRA organises every year.

All winners and runners-up from the style-based categories will go forth and be tasted by a panel of super judges and the champion announced at 2.30pm on Tuesday August 2. Until then, CAMRA drapes a veil of secrecy over the list of beers that are poised to do battle to become the CBB 2005.

Having been refused a sneak preview of this year's runners and riders, The Publican has got together with bookmaker Paddy Power to create the first-ever CBB form guide, based on beer styles.

Paddy Power's Guide to the CBB

Golden Ales 8/11: Odds-on favourite if recent CBBs are any indication. Harviestoun's Bitter and Twisted, Deuchars' IPA and Kelham Island's Pale Rider are all golden receivers of the top gong!
Speciality Beers 7/2: Could this be the year that specials branch out into the mainstream? Maybe. Maybe not. One for the inside rail.
Milds 6/1: Drinkers may not be going wild for mild just yet but it's enjoying a comeback that Scousers would be proud of. One to watch.
Bitters 7/1: High hops and hopes for the classic English ale. Bound to be there or thereabouts.
Best Bitters 10/1: Best Bitter hasn't been best for some years now. Got the experience if the going is right.
Strong Bitters 12/1: More shire horse than stallion but should stay the distance. Worth an each way punt or pint.
Real Ale in a Bottle 20/1: Truly great things may come in small packages but it's a big task to beat cask. A possible winner? Don't be draught...
Winter Ales 20/1: Winter Ales make their first appearance at the CBB. A welcome addition, for sure, but will its festive fireside fascination flail in the tropical Olympian conditions? A rank outsider.

And for those who like the thrill of a flutter more than the pleasure of counting hard cash, Paddy Power has come up with a couple of longshots:

Gassy American pop 50/1: CAMRA and the boys from Milwaukee have some 'history'. Could there be a reconciliation in time for the GBBF?
Paddy Power Ale 200/1: Brewed exclusively for Cheltenham racecourse. Has it done enough to catch the judges' attention?

Who's brew at the GBBF?

Brewers with showcase bars at the GBBF are: