Sixty-seven different brewers and cidermakers from 21 countries have won prizes at the International Brewing & Cider Awards, which have been held in Manchester this week.
Following three days of deliberation from an international panel of 38 judges, 115 medals have been awarded.
Thirty gold beer medals were awarded, including six to Japan (Isekado Brewery, Kirin Holdings Company, and Spring Valley Brewery) and one each from China (Tsingtao Brewery), Taiwan (Buckskin), and Thailand (Chang).
Scottish brewer Tennents Caledonian Breweries and Brewgooder each took home a gold, while English brewers lapped up 13 gold medals, including two for Manchester’s own Joseph Holt Ltd.
In the cider competition, 13 gold medals were awarded, including five to US-based cidermakers. There were two for Bauman’s Cider Company, plus one each for 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Portland Cider Company, and Black Apple Hard Ciderie.
The Nordic nations of Finland (Lepola Drinks) and Norway (OmCider AS and Aide A/S) scooped three, alongside Stonewell Cider in Ireland, which took home two golds. Valle, Ballina y Fernandez SA (Spain), Phantom of the Orchard (England), and Dunkertons Organic Cider (England) each won a gold.
The International Brewing & Cider Awards relocated to Depot Mayfield in Manchester this year and — another first — the event was accompanied by a public festival. The judging was chaired by Rob McCaig (beer) and Gabe Cook (cider).
“It’s been an honour to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary beers and ciders across the world at our new home here in Manchester,” said Ruth Evans MBE, director of the awards.
“We support the brewing and cidermaking industry on a not-for-profit basis, and the awards have a long and rich history, championing the best beers and ciders going into market.
“This week, we’ve had some of the best brewers and cidermakers in the world judge our prestigious competition, and I’d like to personally thank all of them, as well as all the brewers and cidermakers who entered their products to make this year’s awards one to remember.”
She added: “We’re thrilled to be able to continue to provide a platform to reward the best beers and ciders with the recognition they so truly deserve. And for the first time ever, expand to launch our festival, providing the public with a chance to sample these award-winning drinks from the most extensive collection of international beers and cider in Europe.”
Rob McCaig said: “We saw a significant increase in entries in the no- and low-alcohol category, which reflects the growing demand in the industry, and also saw an influx of international brewers enter the smallpack ale category, which is very promising. Historically, this category has often been dominated by the UK, but this year saw the inclusion of breweries from Japan, North America, and South America.”
Gabe Cook added: “This has undoubtably been the most difficult competition to judge. The quality of ciders has been truly so high. It’s great to see that cidermakers have been upping their game on the quality, and those that were awarded a medal in their category is a recognition truly deserved.
“We have seen a lot of fun and playful ciders being entered into the open class, which provides cidermakers with a bit of freedom to do something a little different, which is always nice to see.”
A full list of 2024 medal winners can be found here.
