Champion Beer of Britain 2010 crowned

4th August 2010, 8:02am

Castle Rock brewery's Harvest Pale in Nottingham has won the 'Best Beer' in Britain award at the Great British Beer Festival, Earls Court, London.

Harvest Pale, which has an ABV of 3.8%, is described in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2010 as 'blonde and refreshing with distinctive citrus hop.'

The Nottingham brewed real ale was judged the Supreme Champion over a host of other finalists in seven different beer categories (bitters, best bitters, strong bitters, golden ales, milds, Winter beers, and the speciality class), including beers from both small microbrewers and large regional brewers.

Roger Protz, of the Final judging panel, praised the winner. He said: "Against intense competition from eight 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."

 Chris Holmes, Castle Rock brewery commercial director, added: "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 four 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."

Castle Rock brewery is a member of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

SIBA chief executive Julian Grocock commented: "It's no surprise that the top prize at the GBBF has gone to a SIBA brewer. Our members are at the forefront of the UK's craft brewing renaissance, creating the characterful, innovative, high quality beers that are demanded by an ever-growing customer base."

The silver award went to Timothy Taylor brewery's Landlord, whilst the bronze went to Surrey Hills brewery's Hammer Mild.

Related Articles:

• 18 Jul 2011 - The search for Champion Beer of Britain 2011 begins
• 20 Oct 2010 - CAMRA reveals National Pub Design Award winners
• 07 Sep 2010 - Ale Aid campaign raises cash for charity – while giving local brewers a boost
• 06 Aug 2010 - CAMRA launches new edition of Cellarmanship
• 05 Aug 2010 - CAMRA relaunches its Heritage Pubs website
• 03 Aug 2010 - Beer can help lose weight, finds survey
• 27 Jul 2010 - CAMRA launches Edinburgh Pub Walks booklet

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