CAMRA has named its top IPA, mild, bitter, blond, pale, and golden beers in the UK, in an announcement at Cambridge Beer Festival.
The winners in the six categories will join the finalists announced at the Great British Beer Festival Winter, and all 12 will battle it out to be crowned Champion Beer of Britain 2025. The overall winner will be announced at the Great British Beer Festival, NEC Birmingham, in August.
“This was a fiercely fought battle, and the winners and category runners-up should be extremely proud of themselves,” said CAMRA awards director, Gary Timmins.
“Champion Beer of Britain showcases the best of cask beer in the UK, with beers entered by CAMRA members and volunteer tasting panels before being judged using a ‘blind’ process. So it’s a truly independent competition.
“If you’re in the area, get yourself to Cambridge Beer Festival this week to try the winners before they run out. You won’t be disappointed!”
The finalists
Tasting notes by Christine Cryne, Champion Beer of Britain judging panel organiser
Mild
Penzance Brewing Co, Mild (3.6% ABV): Grainy malt coffee and chocolate dominates the taste, with dried fruit notes.
Session bitter
Butcombe, Original (4% ABV): Sweet tasting bitter, with malt dominating over a trace of dark fruit.
Premium bitter
Cairngorm Bewery, Wildcat (5.1% ABV): Malt predominates, but there is an underlying hop character through to the well-balanced aftertaste.
IPAs (English and New World)
Elusive Brewing, Oregon Trail (5.8% ABV): A bold and bitter, classically styled west coast IPA.
Session pale, blond, and golden ales
Track Brewing Co, Sonoma (3.8% ABV): A well-balanced sweet, fruity beer, with moderate bitterness and plenty of citrus hops.
Premium pale, blond, and golden ales
Church End Brewery, Fallen Angel (5% ABV): Sharp, full flavoured bitter, with an edge of lemon.
