Stannary Brewing Co and Hop Union Brewery have taken home the two overall champion awards at the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) South West Independent Beer Awards, which took place at MaltingsFest, in Newton Abbot.
Winnemucca, from Stannary Brewing Co, a hazy double-dry-hopped New England pale ale, was named the best cask beer in the competition. In the keg beer competition, Hop Union Brewery’s Two Steppin’ India pale lager took overall gold.
“In what was one of our most highly awarded competitions yet, with incredibly hard-fought categories across the board, it was a selection of genuinely superb beers which took the overall golds and were named category winners,” said Neil Walker, SIBA’s head of commuications.
“Huge congratulations to all of today’s winning brewers, and in particular Stannary and Hop Union who were named best-of-the-best on our final table champions judging.” If you’re heading to the MaltingsFest over the weekend then be sure to look out for the SIBA Independent Beer Awards badges on the beers named this year’s Gold winners.” Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms and presenter of this year’s awards.”
The awards, which were presented at MaltingsFest opposite Tucker’s Maltings site, are judged by beer sommeliers, master brewers, and other expert beer judges from across the industry.
Chris John, co-founder and brewer at Stannary Brewing Co, said: “I’m in absolute shock! To have a hazy, 5.4% cask beer that is absolutely dry-hopped to hell come through as best in competition is a massive surprise and we’re well happy.
“We put a lot of time into getting this beer right, giving it a great mouthfeel and flavour, and obviously making sure those hops really come through. It’s incredible to win and we’re really proud of this beer.”
Members of the public will get a chance to taste the best beers in the South West at the MaltingFest Beer Festival in Newton Abbot, which continues today, with tickets available on the door.
