The 6.1% abv porter is described in CAMRA's 2008 Good Beer Guide as "A rich, smooth, dark ruby-brown ale. Starts with a roast malt; coffee, chocolate and dark fruit then develops a complex, spicy, bittersweet taste and a long roast finish."

At the announcement, Steve Prescott, Organiser of the National Winter Ales Festival congratulated Wickwar on its victory.

He said: "It's great to see a porter winning the Supreme Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition as this beer style has been in danger from disappearing from the British pub. I sincerely hope people will be inspired to try more porter on the back of Wickwar's victory."
 
On hearing the news, Kevin Newbould, Wickwar's Key Accounts Director said: "We are very pleased to have been voted the best winter beer in Britain and delighted that everybody feels the same way about this wonderful beer as we do. Let's hope we see a resurgence in people trying more porters in the near future."
 
The Silver award went to Robinson's Old Tom and the Bronze to Hop Back Entire Stout.
                                                
A panel of CAMRA experts and beer writers at the National Winter Ales Festival (New Century Hall, Manchester) judged the competition. Drinkers at the festival, which opened yesterday and will run until January 19th, can sample the winners as well as try over 200 old ales, milds, stouts, porters, barley wines and bitters.