Yorkshire’s Ossett Brewing Company is celebrating a brace of international crowns for its much-loved Silver King ale.
Ossett head brewer, Paul Spencer
Following the award of a gold medal in the fiercely fought English pale ales category of the World Beer Awards, the more-than-20-year-old brand has triumphed at another prestigious global contest. Silver King (4.3% ABV) first claimed a gold medal in the pale ale category and then the overall trophy for best ale up to 5% ABV at the International Beer Challenge.
Ossett Brewing Co owner and group managing director, Jamie Lawson, said: “These terrific global awards for one of our original core beers are real testimony to the team’s passion for brewing the finest quality ale.”
The World Beer Awards select the best from 2,200 beers across nine international styles. The International Beer Challenge awards only nine trophy awards across some 600 entries from 30 countries, including traditional producers Germany, Belgium, USA, and the emerging beer markets in Asia and South America. A specialist panel of judges recognises winners as outstanding commercial examples of their style. Winning a trophy is hailed as ‘an incredible achievement’.
Ossett Brewing Co was founded by Bob Lawson in 1998 at the back of the Brewers Pride pub, in Ossett, near Wakefield. Silver King was one of a few of the very early, pale, hoppy brews in the UK cask ale revolution. In 2001, it was the brewery’s first beer to win a national champion award — the UK specialty beer gold medal from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).
Today, Ossett boasts a modern brewery with a 27-strong pub estate, including three brewpubs. Additionally, the group includes the cutting-edge craft beer and hop-driven brewing brand SALT, based in Saltaire.
Jamie said: “Two decades ago, Silver King was a pioneer of its style, long before the proliferation of pale lager-coloured ales. To win three highly prestigious international crowns today, amongst such a plethora of great brewers in the UK, shows the enduring strength of the classic, ageless recipes we have created.
“These accolades are tribute to both to our original brewers and today’s dedicated team, led by head brewer Paul Spencer.
They are especially welcome as we tackle the toughest ever times our industry has faced.”
