SIBA brewers dominate winners list at Great British Beer Festival
Timothy Taylor sales director Grant Simpson, managing director Charles Dent and head brewer Peter Eells, winners of Champion Beer of Britain 2014
Brewers belonging to the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) once again dominated the list of winners announced at the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), with Timothy Taylor taking the top Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB) title for its Boltmaker, and SIBA brewers winning all seven classes.
Timothy Taylor’s triumph at Olympia means that 14 of the last 15 CBOB winners, as well as the vast majority of class winners, have come from within SIBA’s ranks. Boltmaker lifted the top award after winning in a series of local CAMRA tasting panels, regional beer judging competitions and, finally, the national judging at the GBBF.
Boltmaker won the Bitters category of CBOB and is described as a “well-balanced, genuine Yorkshire Bitter, with a full measure of maltiness and hoppy aroma”.
SIBA managing director Mike Benner said, “To be named Champion Beer of Britain is a tremendous achievement and Timothy Taylor is to be heartily congratulated.
“That the CBOB title continues to be awarded to SIBA brewers is testament to the craft, quality and innovation that are evident in beers produced by our members. The pioneering microbrewers who founded SIBA 34 years ago did so in protest at the homogenisation of British beer, and their spirit lives on in the amazing diversity of styles produced by our 800 or independent brewer members.
He added, “Winning an award at the GBBF undoubtedly helps those brewers to raise their profile and secure listings. We’re delighted that a growing number of pubs are now making space on their bars for beers from independent British breweries, and will be working hard to ensure this trend continues and more of our members’ great beers are listed in more pubs – to the benefit of brewer, retailer and the increasing number of drinkers looking for quality British beers.”
Champion Beer of Britain 2014:
Gold: Timothy Taylor, Boltmaker
Silver: Oakham Ales, Citra
Bronze: Salopian Brewery, Darwin’s Origin
Class winners
Milds: Bank Top, Dark Mild
Bitters: Timothy Taylor Boltmaker
Best Bitters: Salopian Brewery, Darwin’s Origin
Golden Ales: Oakham Ales, Citra
Strong Bitters: Church End Brewery, Fallen Angel
Speciality Beers: Saltaire Brewery, Triple Chocoholic
Real Ale in a Bottle: Marble Beers, Chocolate Marble
Winter Beers (announced at CAMRA Winter Ale Festival):
Cairngorm Brewery: Black Gold
Dunham Massey: Dunham Porter
Exe Valley Brewery: Winter Glow
Kinver Brewery: Over the Edge
Caption to image: Timothy Taylor sales director Grant Simpson, managing director Charles Dent and head brewer Peter Eells, winners of Champion Beer of Britain 2014