Elland Brewery’s 1872 Porter has been named champion beer of Britain by the Campaign for Real Ale at its Great British Beer Festival.
Overall silver went to Greene King, for Abbot Ale, and in the bronze position was Salopian Brewery, with Darwin’s Origin.
Elland brewer Rob Thomas said: “It is absolutely unbelievable to win this accolade, we really didn’t expect it. For a team of three people to win the supreme award is fantastic. There is a real passion for more traditional styles, and for a very good reason — they taste fantastic!
“The beer is steeped in history, with the recipe dating back more than 150 years. We thrive on these sorts of styles and this is testament to what people enjoy drinking: steeped in history, tradition while embracing innovation.”
He added: “Since lockdown, we have faced many challenges and difficult times and this is testament to our small team and our unwavering loyalty to succeed. We passionately believe in our products and people do get excited to try everything we make, we are incredibly proud to take home the crown.”
Baltic Porter (10.5% ABV), from Green Jack Brewery, was named champion bottled beer of Britain. The runners-up were Dhustone Stout (4.3% ABV), from Hobsons Brewery, taking silver, followed by McGregor’s Mild (3.8% ABV) from the Five Kingdoms Brewery.
Baltic Trader is a ruby black strong stout with a stunning oyster head. Judges said it had dark roast, black treacle, and currants on the nose, with alcohol and a very rich, smooth mouthfeel. Dry black chocolate, hints of cherry, caramelised fruits, and a growing bitter roasty finish is sweet and lingering.
“Thank you to all who voted for Baltic Trader, a lifetime achievement has been met,” said Green Jack Brewery owner Tim Dunford. “This is one of the highlights in 30 years of brewing. The team and I are beyond pleased. Another great accolade for Green Jack!”
Class winners
Mild
Gold: Harvey’s Brewery, Dark Mild
Silver: Bank Top Brewery, Dark Mild
Bronze: Church End Brewery, Gravediggers
Session bitter
Gold: Salopian Brewery, Darwin’s Origin
Silver: Timothy Taylor, Landlord
Bronze: Mighty Oak Brewing Co, Captain Bob
Premium bitter
Gold: Greene King, Abbot Ale
Silver: Glamorgan Brewing Co, Jemima’s Pitchfork
Bronze: Batemans, XXXB
IPA
Gold: Bragdy Twt Lol, Diablo Dragon
Silver: Loch Lomond Brewery, Bravehop
Bronze: Thornbridge Brewery, Jaipur
Session pale, blonde, and golden ales
Gold: Swannay Brewery, Island Hopping
Silver: Oakham Ales, Inferno
Bronze: Salopian Brewery, Oracle
Premium pale, blonde, and golden ales
Gold: Baker’s Dozen, Electric Landlady
Silver: Blackedge Brewing Co, Kiwi
Bronze: St Austell Brewery, Proper Job
Champion winter beer of Britain winners
Gold: Robinsons Brewery, Old Tom
Silver: Elland Brewery, 1872 Porter
Bronze: Dancing Duck, Dark Drake
Champion bottled beer of Britain winners
Gold: Green Jack Brewery, Baltic Trade
Silver: Hobsons Brewery, Dhustone Stout
Bronze: Five Kingdoms Brewery, McGregors Mild
Champion homebrewer
Gold: Patrick Davies, Magnificent Frigate Strong Mild
Silver: Richard Roseblade, Golden Dragon
Bronze: Mark Robatham, Old Claire
