Tim Croxson presents to Tony Gartland of Saltaire Brewery
West Yorkshire brewery Saltaire scooped three Awards in the SIBA National Beer Competition 2010, announced at the close of the organisation’s annual conference in Stratford-on-Avon.
Shipley-based Saltaire took the top title of Supreme Champion Beer 2010 for its Triple Chocoholic, a 4.8% chocolate stout. The same beer won the Gold Award in the Champion Speciality Beer category, while the brewery’s Cascade Pale Ale scooped the Champion Premium Bitters prize.
All 10 winning beers were chosen last month at The Canalhouse pub in Nottingham, where some 50 judges gathered to pick the winners from the 56 cask and seven bottled finalist beers. A Gold, Silver and Bronze Award were given in each of the nine categories, and the Supreme Champion title was then selected from the eight draught Gold winners.
Tony Gartland, owner and head brewer at Saltaire Brewery, said, “Winning three Awards is a great thrill. I thought we stood a good chance in the Speciality Beer category, but to win the overall title was a real surprise and shows that the UK’s beer drinkers are ready for new, different tastes.”
SIBA’s outgoing chairman, Peter Amor, said, “Attending SIBA Regional and National Beer Competitions has been one of the duties I’ve enjoyed most as Chairman. In my three years in post, I’ve seen the competitions grow in stature, both in the quantity and standard of entries from brewers, which this year exceeded 1,400 at regional heat stage, and in the number of judges wanting to be part of the selection process.
“The success of the competition reflects that of the local brewing sector. Our beers offer the quality, taste, individuality and provenance that consumers are looking for. It is no surprise that smaller breweries are bucking the overall UK beer trend and growing volumes.”
