This year saw Mild by Penzance Brewery crowned the 2025 Champion Beer of Britain.
Some 12 finalists were whittled down to the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners by an expert judging panel at the Great British Beer Festival, held at Birmingham’s NEC earlier this month (August).
This was the first time the event had been held in the West Midlands since 1983.
Now approaching half a century, the event, originally known as the Beer of the Year competition, was first held at the second Great British Beer Festival, which took place at London’s Alexandra Palace in 1978.
Previous winners
Two supreme champions were named - Best Mild from Thwaites and ESB from Fuller’s.
In the first seven years of the competition, Fuller’s won the top prize four times, enjoying three wins with ESB and one with London Pride.
More recently, brewers from across the nation have been presented with the coveted title.
Last year saw Crouch Vale Brewery’s Amarillo named Champion Beer of Britain.
The 5% ABV brew was described by judges as having “a tangy aroma with a faint note of biscuit”.
Tasting success
Leeds-based business Elland Brewery was crowned in 2023 and in 2013 with its 1872 Porter.
The competition took a hiatus prior to 2023 amid the Covid pandemic but in 2019, Surrey Hills Shere Drop saw overall success.
Siren Craft Brew’s 6.5% ABV coffee porter Broken Dream was named the best beer in Britain in 2018 while 2017 saw Church End Brewery’s Goat’s Milk tasting success.
In 2016, Binghams Vanilla Stout was the first speciality beer to win the title and 2015 saw Newport brewer Tiny Rebel’s Cwtch announced as the Champion Beer of Britain.
More than a decade ago in 2014, Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker was announced at the winner by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson.
CAMRA awards director Gary Timmins said: “CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain award is one of the most famous beer competitions in the world, putting the spotlight on UK breweries and their excellent beers since it first launched in 1978. Originally a three category competition, today’s 12 categories awards beer styles such as IPAs, Session Stouts and Porters, Premium Pale, Blond and Golden Ales, and even more.
“Taking two years to complete, the competition starts with individual CAMRA member nominations, and then goes on to local heats with the final round of judging taking place at the Great British Beer Festival.
“All the judging is done blind to ensure the best of the best is crowned winner. This year Penzance Brewing Co’s Mild secured Supreme Champion. Packed with malt and fruit flavours and aromas, it is a very worthy winner.
“We are honoured to recognise and champion the best beers in the UK, with many of these award-winning beers now in the public eye and a favourite choice for consumers when ordering their next pint at their locals.”
