Cask ale producers scoop host of awards

The competition saw more than 500 beers from over 40 countries in 80 different categories blind-tasted by panels of publicans, brewers, retailers and flavour analysts.

Cornish brewer Sharp’s picked up a total of five medals, including silver medals for Atlantic Pale Ale and limited-edition Camel Valley Pilsner.

Meanwhile, Offshore Pilsner, Doom Bar and Chalky’s Bite picked up bronze medals.

Sharp’s Brewery marketing controller James Nicholls said: “Having so many of our beers recognised by the expert panel at the International Beer Challenge is testament to the passion and commitment of our team to produce some of the world’s best beer.

“There are some phenomenal breweries competing in these awards so to be considered among the best is a real achievement.”

Bear meets gold

Meanwhile, three of Faversham-based brewer Shepherd Neame’s brands were recognised at the same event with accolades for Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager (4.6% ABV), Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale (4.8%) and Christmas Ale (7%).

A gold medal was awarded to Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager with the other two receiving silver medals.

Shepherd Neame director of brewing Mike Unsworth said: “This is an outstanding result, a testament to our team’s passion and knowledge, and our commitment to quality and innovation. We are delighted to receive such fantastic accolades, showing once again that our beers are world class.”

Wolf in Black Sheep’s clothing

Not to be left out, Yorkshire-based Black Sheep Brewery collected one gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

Cry Wolf took gold with Black Sheep Ale earning silver and Interrobang getting bronze, all in the in the Ale category. Milk Stout won bronze in the Stout/Porter category while 54 Lager earned bronze in the Lager section.

Black Sheep Brewery chief executive Charlene Lyons said: “To gain international recognition at two highly regarded beer awards is not just a huge honour but a testament to the hard work and dedication of our brewing team here in Masham.

“Since our founding in 1992, we have continued to take a stand against bland beer through innovating new, progressive and bold beers, so to be recognised across various categories for five different brands really is something special.”

What’s good for the Mad Goose 

Taking overall category trophy for Best Ale up to 5% was Mad Goose from Purity Brewing Co. 

Meanwhile, Purity’s Organic Pure Helles and Gluten Free Session IPA were awarded silver medals while recent additions its portfolio Fixie Nitro Stout and Purity Point Five picked up bronze in their respective categories.

Purity chief executive Andy Maddock said: “We are always incredibly proud to see any of our beers recognised but to see Mad Goose, one of our founding beers, pick up such a huge accolade on the international stage is even more of an honour.

“It’s also amazing to see our latest permanent innovations, Fixie and Point Five pick up their first international awards.”