Big Sharpie, from Humpty Dumpty Brewery, has been named champion cask ale of Norfolk by the county’s branches of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale).
Big Sharpie (5% ABV) is a premium pale ale. The brewery has also won the county bottled beer competition with Little Sharpie (3.8% ABV), a session pale ale.
“Crisp hoppiness dominates the aroma and taste,” said the judges of Big Sharpie. This is “countered by peaches, malt, and a slowly growing bitterness. A grainy lingering finish develops.” Brewed every 100th Humpty Dumpty brew, the
beer uses plenty of Magnum, Cascade, and Citra hops.
Norfolk beers are judged by the Norfolk CAMRA tasting panel over a 12-month period. Panel chair Alan Edwards said: “The panel taste as many Norfolk brews as possible, though are sometimes limited by the availability of the beers.
“The list of winners shows the depth and quality of Norfolk brewing, as well as the skills of our local landlords in presenting the beers.”
Second place in the cask contest went to Sirius Dog Star, a 4.4% ABV red ale described as: “A rich tapestry of malt, roast and caramel, with interwoven hop hints. Sweetness and bitterness provide a light but growing undercurrent.’ It is brewed by the Wolf Brewery, of Besthorpe.
In third place was Vanilla Latte, a 4.6% ABV speciality ale with coffee, vanilla, and lactose notes, from Mr Winter’s Brewery, of Norwich.
Unique flavours
Alan added: “The award winners have been judged the best, but there are many more equally fine brews waiting to be discovered. The onus is on the public to seek out and experience the variety of styles, with their own unique flavours, and brewed in Norfolk.”
Eight of the 40-plus Norfolk breweries are represented in the awards. CAMRA hopes they will encourage landlords to stock these, and the many other fine brews available from local breweries, giving customers the incentive to seek out and support their local pubs.
The Norfolk tasting panel is always looking for new members. If you would like to join, email tastingpanel@norwich.camra.org.uk.
Full winners list
Session bitters
| Winner | Norwich Bitter | Fat Cat Brewery (Norwich) |
| Runner-up | Oak | Grain Brewery (Alburgh) |
| Third | Wherry | Woodfordes (Woodbastwick) |
Premium bitters
| Winner | Nelsons | Woodfordes (Woodbastwick) |
| Runner-up | Marmalade Cat | Fat Cat Brewery (Norwich) |
Session pale, blonde, and golden ales
| Winner | Little Sharpie | Humpty Dumpty Brewery (Reedham) |
| Runner-up | Evolution APA | Mr Winter’s Brewery (Norwich) |
| Third | Twin Parallel | Mr Winter’s Brewery (Norwich) |
Premium pale, blonde, and golden ales
| Winner | Big Sharpie | Humpty Dumpty Brewery (Reedham) |
| Runner-up | Twisted Ladder | Mr Winter’s Brewery (Norwich) |
| Third | White Face | Moon Gazer Ales (Hindringham) |
Red ales, brown ales, old ales, and strong milds
| Winner | Sirius Dog Star | Wolf Brewery (Besthorpe) |
| Runner-up | Nog | Woodfordes (Woodbastwick) |
Strong stouts and porters
| Winner | Dark Horse Stout | Elm Tree Brewery (Snetterton) |
Speciality beers
| Winner | Vanilla Latte | Mr Winter’s Brewery (Norwich) |
