Brit brewers top international beer awards
By: JimOldfield
July 31st, 2012
When it comes to brewing champion ales, Sharp’s showed they are as sharp as ever by taking no fewer than SIX medals, against worldwide competition at the 16th International Beer Challenge – including two top honours from their new Connoisseurs’ Choice range of premium bottled beers, designed to partner food.
Connoisseurs Quadrupel Ale 2011 took a gold, while Honey Spiced Tripel 2011 won silver.
In addition, Sharp’s took bronzes for Chalky’s Bark, Chalky’s Bite, Single Brew Reserve 2011 – a third member of the Connoisseurs’ Choice range – and Doom Bar which is the UK’s fastest-growing cask ale.
Sharp’s head brewer, Stuart Howe, said: “We’re all so pleased to have been recognised for our commitment to product innovation and new product development.
“To have achieved six medals this year is great testimony to the ongoing investment in the brewery and hard work at Sharp’s.”
And a Kent wine maker stunned the awards – by producing a the world’s best lager!
Chapel Down vineyard took gold for its Curious Brew – a 4.7 per cent lager, brewed using East Anglian malt and saaz and cascade hops.
Chapel Down’s chief executive, Frazer Thompson said: “”We’ve changed people’s minds about English wine and now we want to do the same when it comes to lager.
“Mass-produced lagers taste like corporate cardboard and have the aroma of market research rather than hops.
“We’ve worked really hard to craft something that is more fragrant and more refreshing than other beers when served cold.”
In all, the judges tasted more than 400 beers and lagers.
Hand-Pumped link:
Sharp’s: www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk
Chapel Down: www.chapeldown.com
