Independent, which has a 4.6% ABV, from Bristol Beer Factory was this year’s winner.
The brew beat off stiff competition in with 12 finalists being whittled down to the supreme champion.
This year’s silver winner was 5.1% ABV bitter Wildcat from Cairngorm while in Alfie’s Revenge - a 6.5% ABV ale from Driftwood Spars.
Cask commitment
Bristol Beer Factory managing director Sam Burrows said: “The lineage of the Champion Beer of Britain is impeccable.
“It features some of the best beers of all time - Landlord, Bluebird, Cwtch, JHB, Rudgate Ruby Mild and now Independence.
“We could not be more chuffed. In an era when the majority of our successful contemporaries have prioritised keg, we have remained steadfastly committed to the brilliance of cask.
“We brew around 60 different cask beers per year but only four beers all year and the one that made our name, the one that blends the tradition of cask with the punch of modern American hop legends is Independence.
“It’s been a staple of south west cask pumps for 15 years - what took you so long?!
“We love cask. Raise a glass to independent drinkers, to indie venues and to our bold, citrusy 4.6% IPA Independence or as we call it ‘Indy’.
“Cheers and thank you from all of us at Bristol Beer Factory.”
Fantastic examples
Champion Beer of Britain judging coordinator Christine Cryne described the brew as ‘a pale strong beer [with a] strong, enticing citrus nose with piney hops. Caramelised citrus, tangerines, grapefruit and digestive biscuits lead to dry peppery bittersweet finish, which lingers. Refreshing, full flavoured, fruity and smooth’.
CAMRA awards director Shelly Bentley said Independence was a more than deserving winner.
“All 12 finalists in the coveted competition are fantastic examples of how the quality of UK brewing continues to climb to new heights.
“[The] Government must improve access to market for the UK’s amazing independent brewers who are being blocked from getting space at the bar by the giant global brewers, which have a stranglehold on our pubs.”
