ChampionshipThe hunt for Britain’s Champion winter beer
Let Nik Antona, CAMRA National Director explain the process
To say it is no easy feat being crowned the best winter beer in Britain would be a bit of an understatement. At the turn of the 21st century traditional winter beer styles such as Old Ales and darker Milds were under threat, with many historic recipes overlooked in the face of dwindling consumer demand.
Fast forward a decade, and with the nation boasting over 840 breweries regularly producing way in excess of 5,500 different real ales, a renaissance has occurred in recent years, and particularly in the field of outstanding dark, malty, rich and roasted beers for those colder months of the year. British beer drinkers are faced with more variety and choice than ever. You only need to take one look at the list of anticipated beers which will be available at the National Winter Ales Festival (NWAF) for proof!
Such huge variety means that it has never been a more difficult time to judge the Supreme Champion Beer of Britain. While only a select number of real ales make it to the Finals at the festival in Manchester – falling into the categories of Old Ales/Strong Milds, Porters, Stouts plus Barley Wines – in reality the competition itself begins at grass roots level right across Britain soon after the previous year’s Finals have taken place.
With its vast local branch structure, CAMRA relies on its members to put forward branch and tasting panel nominations for the finest winter beers produced by brewers in their area. Following wider success in area competitions, beers then make it through to the Finals held annually at the NWAF, with a judging panel usually consisting of brewers, publicans, drinks writers and CAMRA members deciding upon the overall winners.
Last year at the festival it was an established brewery from Wiltshire, Hop Back, who were crowned Supreme Champion for their Entire Stout, just piping local favourite Marble – with their beer ‘Chocolate’ – to the title. While these two inspirational winter beers stole the show in last year’s competition, the most exciting aspect of judging at these Finals is in tasting the sheer depth of quality on show.
With the future looking bright for traditional winter beer styles, you’ll find champions both past and present at the festival, each with their own unique flavour profiles. Try a few and you’ll realise exactly why being a beer taster and judge is such a difficult and thankless task!
Read the official guidelines of how the Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition progresses from an initial recommendation of a beer to the final.
