Harvest Pale is Champion Beer of Britain

Castle Rock's Harvest Pale has been crowned Champion Beer of Britain at the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Great British Beer Festival.

The 3.8%abv Harvest Pale was originally brewed by Castle Rock for the Nottingham Beer Festival in 2003.

It is brewed with a gently kilned malt and an aromatic blend of American hops.

It has become Castle Rock's flagship beer. The Nottingham-based brewery is owned by Chris Holmes.

Morning Advertiser beer columnist Roger Protz, who led the judging panel said: "Against intense competition from 8 other brilliant beers, Castle Rock Harvest Pale stood out and was the unanimous choice of all the judges for its great blend of tangy hop and juicy malt. A wonderfully refreshing and complex beer."

Holmes said: "We've won dozens of awards over the past 5 to 6 years, but the best moments have been since our new brewer, Adrian Redgrove, who started 4 years ago, began producing high quality, consistent beer.

"The last 18 months we've been brewing at capacity because of the success and popularity of Harvest Pale, which has led to the opening of a new brew house in two weeks time which will treble our capacity."

Capacity increase​

Earlier this year, Castle Rock announced it was to triple its capacity following a £600,000 investment in plant and premises adjacent to its existing brewery.

Currently, Castle Rock brews a maximum of around 110 barrels each week. The new plant, which will eventually lead to the decommissioning of the existing brewery, will operate five days a week with a maximum capacity of 330 barrels a week.

The silver award in the overall category went to Timothy Taylor's Landlord while the bronze was won by Hammer Mild from Surrey Hills.

Category winners​

Best Bitter: Landlord, Timothy Taylor

Bitter: PG Steam, RCH

Mild: Hammer Mild, Surrey Hills

Strong Bitter: Jaipur IPA, Thornbridge

Golden Ale: Harvest Pale, Castle Rock

Bottled: Admiral Ale, St Austell

Speciality: Chocolate Orange Stout, Amber