Quantock Brewery is celebrating one of its new beers being judged second in the prestigious Alpha King Challenge.
Dan Enticott, James Higgins, and Rhys Ford, from Quantock Brewery, celebrate Unclear Progression’s award win. Photograph: Quantock Brewery
The competition was created by Yakima Chief Hops and 3 Floyds Brewing in 1989. It recognises the best well-balanced and drinkable beers with 60 international bitterness units (IBUs) or more. That’s the top IPAs and double IPAs on the market.
Quantock took its prize with Unclear Progression, one of the latest New England IPA recipes from the Bishop’s Lydeard-based brewery.
It’s a hazy, juicy, aromatic beer, made with Idaho 7, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Talus hops. The 6.3% ABV brew has notes of tropical fruits, a smooth mouthfeel, and hits of citrus and pineapple.
Brewery managing director, Cheryl Ford, said: “With our Tap Room re-opening, street food evenings, and our popular music events back every month, it feels like another step closer to being able to showcase the beer we love to make.
‘Incredible achievement’
“We’ve been creating new recipes as part of brewing beers that appeal to all palates. To all our customers, many who are now supporting us from around the UK, thank you for your continued support.”
Brewhouse manager, James Higgins, added: “Dan, Rhys, and I were buzzing from knowing we’d made it into the top 20. Being up against some of the breweries who we are all massive fans of was an incredible achievement for us.
“To be judged second overall was an awesome feeling and makes all the hard work we put in as a team worthwhile. Maybe next year we’ll lift the crown!”
The Alpha King Challenge is limited to commercial brewers and is judged by a team of brewers, industry experts, and veteran beer writers.