Milton and Calverley’s breweries are presented their awards by SIBA’s awards chairman, Guy Sheppard (centre), and chief executive, James Calder (left)
Two breweries just a few miles apart have taken home the two overall top spots at the SIBA East Independent Beer Awards.
Milton Brewery won overall gold in the cask competition, and Calverley’s Brewery was top in the bottled and can competition. Both are based in Cambridge.
The awards were presented at Elgood’s Brewery in Wisbech, prior to its beer festival opening.
Milton Brewery’s Minerva, which won the cask gold, is brewed with US, New Zealand and British hops for a powerful hop punch and satisfying bitterness.
Founding director, Richard Naisby, said: “It’s great to win as it’s an award from our industry peers and the brewers that matter. This beer won its category last year, so to go one better and win the overall competition gold this year is brilliant. It’s one of our favourite beers — golden, hoppy, and thirst quenching.”
Calverley’s Brewery’s Pale Ale, brewed with punchy American Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops, took home the overall gold in the bottle and can competition.
Founder, Sam Calverley, said: “It’s great to get recognition in such a competitive market because it’s assurance for your customers that they’re getting really good quality, even before they’ve tried the beer.
“We experimented a lot in the taproom and this beer went down really well with customers, so we knew we were on to a good thing. It’s light, refreshing, but with lots of citrussy US hops it’s a great beer to have with food.”
