The International Beer Challenge has returned and a number of UK breweries are celebrating gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Round Corner brewers Sam, Lara, and Ross with three of the award-winning beers
Melton Mowbray’s Round Corner Brewing has been named Brewer of the Year: UK after every beer it entered picked up a medal.
Steeplechase Pale Ale, 10 Hours in LA Pacific Pale Ale, and Frisby Lager each took gold, while Drovers Hazy Session IPA and Hopping Spree West Coast IPA were awarded bronze. Round Corner’s three gold medals were among just 39 awarded across the competition’s international taste awards, which attracted entries from more than 30 countries.
“To enter five beers and see every one come home with a medal is an extraordinary result for our team,” said co-founder and managing director Colin Paige.
“Three golds would have made us immensely proud on their own; to be named Brewer of the Year: UK makes this a landmark moment for Round Corner Brewing, and for everyone in Melton who has supported us.”
Head brewer Lara Lopes added: “What makes this result particularly rewarding is that the five medals span a real mix of styles. From lager and pale ale to IPA, it’s recognition of the work that goes into every beer we brew. There are a lot of people behind each one, from development and brewing through to packaging, pouring and getting the beer out into the world; so this belongs to the whole team.”
• Hofmeister is celebrating winning Supreme Champion Brewer and Brewer of the Year Europe at the International Beer Challenge by striking its first major grocery retail listing.
Booths is the first major retailer to list all of Hofmeister’s breakthrough slow-brewed, cold fermented Bavarian lagers as they go on sale in all its 25 stores.
The deal is a major strategic boost for Hofmeister that first became a household name thanks to its ‘Follow the Bear’ advertising in the 1980s and 1990s. Since its revival in 2016 as a quality-brewed Bavarian Helles lager, it has focused on gaining listings in the country’s premium pubs, bars and restaurants.
It now hopes to build on its success in the premium on-trade by gaining more listings with the big grocery retailers, who are increasingly looking to centre their beer ranges around quality, premium authentic continental and world lagers.
“The beer category allows you to enjoy a completely different beer-drinking experience if you are prepared to pay just a bit more to get a quality product that’s brewed with craft and expertise,” said Hofmeister chief executive Spencer Chambers.
He added: “After 13 years out of the UK beer market, Hofmeister is now celebrating what is a remarkable 10-year anniversary for the resurgence of a British-owned, quality authentic beer brand that has gone from being an 80s punchline to being the sector’s Supreme Champion Brewery.”
• Greene King’s Abbot Ale secured gold at this year’s awards. First brewed in 1951, Abbot Ale (5% ABV) is a traditional ale renowned for its rich fruit character, malty richness, and hop balance.
Picking up bronze medals were Hazy Day Fruity IPA (4.3% ABV), packed with orange, citrus and tropical notes, and Greene King IPA, a 3.4% ABV ale with a balanced flavour profile and subtle hop character.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our beers recognised at the International Beer Challenge, particularly with a gold medal for Abbot Ale — one of the most iconic beers in our portfolio,” said Matt Starbuck, managing director of breweing and brands, and group supply chain. “These awards reflect the passion, expertise, and dedication of our brewing teams, who work hard every day to create high-quality beers that appeal to a wide range of drinkers.”
• Everards Brewery is celebrating after three of its long-established beers were recognised at this year’s International Beer Challenge, with its refreshing and zesty Sunchaser golden ale taking home a gold medal.
There was more to celebrate, too, with Everards’ rich and ruby Old Original ale awarded bronze in British-style strong ales, while its iconic Tiger also picked up bronze in the design and packaging awards.
“Gold for Sunchaser is a fantastic result, particularly in a competition that brings together beers from across the globe and is judged by such an experienced panel,” said head brewer Jon Elks. “Old Original picking up bronze makes it even better. They’re two very different beers, but that’s what we love about brewing — there’s always room to create something different, while continuing to champion the beers like Sunchaser, Old Original, and Tiger that our drinkers know and love.”
