Independence, a 4.6% ABV US pale ale from Bristol Beer Factory, has been named CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain.
The announcement was made at Cambridge Beer Festival today. It is usually a fixture of the Great British Beer Festival, but that is not being held this year.
Hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Nugget, Independence is is full of big hop character, but without the strong bitterness. American hops are added continuously during the boil, and there is also dry hopping to give a really fresh aromatic boost.
“The lineage of the Champion Beer of Britain is impeccable,” said Sam Burrows, managing director of Bristol Beer Factory. “It features some of the best beers of all time: Landlord, Bluebird, Cwtch, JHB, Rudgate Ruby Mild, and now Independence. We could not be more chuffed.
“In an era when the majority of our successful contemporaries have prioritised keg, we have remained steadfastly committed to the brilliance of cask. We brew around 60 different cask beers per year, but only four beers all year.
“And the one that made our name, the one that blends the tradition of cask with the punch of modern American hop legends, is Independence. It’s been a staple of South West cask pumps for 15 years — what took you so long?!”
He added: “We love cask. Raise a glass to independent drinkers, to indie venues, and to our bold, citrusy 4.6% IPA Independence, or as we call it ‘Indy’. Cheers, and thank you from all of us at Bristol Beer Factory.”
Christine Cryne, Champion Beer of Britain judging co-ordinator, described Independence as “a pale strong beer. Strong, enticing citrus nose, with piney hops. Caramelised citrus, tangerines, grapefruit, and digestive biscuits lead to dry peppery bittersweet finish, which lingers. Refreshing, full-flavoured, fruity, and smooth.”
Runner-up was Wildcat premium bitter (5.1% ABV), from Cairngorm Brewery, while Alfie’s Revenge, a strong (6.5% ABV) bitter from Driftwood Spars Brewery, picked up bronze.
Shelly Bentley, CAMRA’s awards director, said: “I’m thrilled to bits to see Independence by Bristol Beer Factory make history and claim the 2026 title of Champion Beer of Britain! It is a more than deserving winner.
“All 12 finalists in the coveted competition are fantastic examples of how the quality of UK brewing continues to climb to new heights. Government must improve the access to market for the UK’s amazing independent brewers, who are being blocked from getting space at the bar by the giant global brewers, which have a stranglehold on our pubs.
“Make sure to come down to the Cambridge Beer Festival, one of CAMRA’s longest running and largest events, to try the best beer, cider, and perry the UK has to offer. Let’s raise a pint and cheers to Bristol Beer Factory — a thoroughly deserving Champion Beer of Britain!”
