Big Job from St Austell Brewery has been crowned champion bottled beer of Britain in a competition run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

St Austell Big JobAt 7.2% ABV, the beer is powerfully hopped with Citra and Centennial varieties, and made using Cornish barley. There is a smooth, citrus fruit taste and a hoppy, lemon aroma.

Fuller’s Vintage Ale took silver in the competition, and Oakham’s Green Devil IPA the bronze award.

St Austell’s brewing director, Roger Ryman, said: “In a market where there are so many fantastic beers available, including two of my own personal favourites — Fullers’ Vintage Ale and Oakham’s Green Devil IPA — it is a huge honour to take home the crown. This award is a huge testament to the hard work of our brewing and bottling teams, which are very dedicated to producing fantastic beers.”

The judging and announcement took place at the BBC Good Food Show at the Birmingham NEC, following a series of local member voting rounds and regional judging competitions throughout the year.

Christine Cryne, master beer trainer and judge, said: “The standard of competition was fantastically high. Big Job is a moreish, golden beer, with honey caramelised citrus notes, refreshingly smooth with a warming finish, with increasing spicy dry bitter notes and a soft fruity nose.

“We were particularly impressed with how well balanced it was. We were looking for a beer which showed the brewer’s art of complexity, and that just gave it the edge.”