Quills in the ink… it’s beer writing award time again!
By: JimOldfield
September 6th, 2012
Calling all you beer writers – it’s time to put down your pint pots and sharpen those quills! The British Guild of Beer Writers has just announced its star panel of judges for this year’s awards.
And for those of you still changing your typewriter ribbons, there’s no excuse not to get an effort submitted… as the deadline date of tomorrow has been extended by a week.
The closing date for the 2012 awards is now Friday, September 14 – and there’s a chance to win some big cash prizes, in addition to the kudos, if you’re passionate about your real ales.
This year’s judges have been draw from both the beer and journalism professions, to ensure that writing skills and technical nous are both tip-top.
Chairing the panel is Ben McFarland, who won the Beer Writer of the Year Award for the third time in 2011, and who writes regularly about beer for both national and trade media.
Joining him on the panel are Time Out’s food and drink editor, Guy Dimond; Holly O’Neill, editor of Jamie magazine; and Meantime Brewery master brewer, Alastair Hook.
Alastair knows a thing or two about the awards – he’s a previous winner of the Guild’s “Brewer of the Year” award.
Tim Hampson said: “This is a stellar line up of judges for our awards, which reflects the growing prestige attached to them.
“The panel offers a balance of brewing expertise and a broader understanding of what will engage readers who aren’t already beer enthusiasts – the Guild should be about recruiting new drinkers rather than preaching to the converted.
“We felt that many writers and communicators who might have been thinking of entering the Awards will be keen to have their work judged by this newly-announced panel – hence our decision to give all prospective entrants an extra week to submit.”
The awards are open to anyone who communicates about beer or pubs, and they are open to bloggers, broadcasters, photographers, illustrators, designers, as well as the more traditional beer Press. In fact, anyone whose work furthers the Guild’s mission “to extend public knowledge and appreciation of beer and pubs” is welcome.
There are six categories to go at – each sponsored by a big-name brewer, and featuring big cash prizes – plus a corporate communications one… though you will not be allowed to win more than one category!
As with brewing awards, winning any of the six main categories will put you in the judging for the top title of Beer Writer of the Year, and the Michael Jackson Gold Tankard. For full details on the awards, visit the links below.
Hand-Pumped links:
The Guild’s website
Entry Form
Nomination Form
