CAMRA’s 2023 champion cask beer of Norfolk has now taken the Eastern region title of champion cask pale ale (4.5%-5% ABV) at the SIBA awards.
Andrew Woods and Jayne Fear, of Moon Gazer Ale, with the SIBA gold award
The beer in question is Moon Gazer Ale’s Cheeky Jack. The pale ale is brewed using Norfolk Maris Otter extra pale malt, which gives it a light golden colour and a sweet, biscuity base. It is hopped with US, New Zealand, and UK varieties, and is also gluten free.
The beer will represent the Eastern region in the national finals of the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) awards, in Liverpool, in March.
“It is very rare for the same beer to hold both titles in the same year,” said David Holliday, who owns the brewery with wife Rachel. “So we are extremely proud that the consistency and quality of Cheeky Jack has been recognised in this way by two very respected organisations.
“We are absolutely thrilled that our Moon Gazer Cheeky Jack has been named the overall champion pale ale in its category — one of the toughest and most competitive beer categories. We always knew it was good, but to receive two accolades is great as it means that our peers agree with us.”
David added: “We use seven different hops in total, but all with similar fruit tones, so we create a balanced yet complex beer, and one which we think is balanced and sessionable. No need for in-your-face hops here!
“We wanted to create a rich, satisfying blend of mango, orange, pineapple, and peach flavours, but one which also lets the malt come though as well.”
Cheeky Jack wasn’t Moon Gazer Ale’s only SIBA East award winner. There were also bronze awards for its Nibbler and Scoundrel brews.
