Audit Ale, made by Lacons Brewery, has been named champion bottled beer of Norfolk by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The 8% ABV barley wine is dark copper in colour and bursting with marmalade, berry, and spice aromas and flavours. It stood out for judges who described it as having “honey, marmalade and a sweet maltiness with a bitter edge”.
Lacons also scooped second place, for its Imperial Stout (8% ABV), inspired by stronger recipes from
Lacons’ past, with mighty malt flavours. This beer was described by judges as “a kaleidoscope of
malt, caramel and dried fruit with dark chocolate throughout”.
Third place was claimed by the new Birdhouse Brewery with its Mild (3.4% ABV). This is the first time this west Norfolk producer has featured in the awards with one of the brewery’s original beers, a traditional mild, full of favour.
Norwich and District CAMRA tasting panel chair, Alan Edwards, said: “Real ale in a bottle has been the only way to enjoy the many quality Norfolk-brewed beers recently, due to pub closures and restrictions due to the covid pandemic. It has also enabled many breweries to survive.”
Many of Norfolk’s 45 breweries produce real ale in a bottle. All were invited to enter the competition. Alan added: “The number of beers judged is only part of the rich portfolio available to Norfolk drinkers. There are beers to suit all tastes, and we encourage ale-lovers to try them! CAMRA is part of the battle to preserve our rich pub and brewery heritage, and we urge all appreciators to do their part in supporting local pubs and breweries.”
