Matt Durrant, from Sutton in Ashfield, has won Bríd’s Cross Brewing’s inaugural homebrew competition with a 4.6% ABV Kölsch style lager.
Competition winner Matt Durrant
The beer is being brewed commercially today. It will be released at the brewery’s second anniversary bash at The Baum, Rochdale, on 22nd August.
“As a homebrewer and since turning professional, I have been fortunate to receive help and advice from several excellent brewers,” said Sean O’Reilly, owner of Bríd’s Cross Brewing.
“I felt the time was right to pay this forward by organising our first homebrew competition. Matt’s winning beer was truly excellent. I’m looking forward to brewing it with him and sharing it with our loyal Bríd’s Cross customers.”
Matt said: “I’ve been homebrewing for about five years for friends and family, and for the most part have received complimentary comments.
“I don’t have many opportunities to get constructive feedback, and when I saw this competition I knew I had to enter, especially as I had been following the journey of Bríd’s Cross on social media. I had always appreciated that each beer brewed by Sean had an accompanying tale.
“I had to re-read the email several times for it to finally register that I had won the competition, and then I couldn’t stop smiling. There were several screenshots of said email being sent out to friends and family!
“The fact that the beer I had brewed in my garage has been appreciated by commercial brewers and people working within the industry fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I still can’t quite believe it.”
‘The bar was set quite high’
Sean was joined by Matt Curtis, of Pellicle magazine, and Baum owner Dan Brett, to judge the competition. Matt said: “It was an absolute pleasure to help judge Bríd’s Cross Homebrew competition. All of the entrants were of a really high standard and it was difficult to make a decision, but the winner was hugely deserving and I can’t wait to taste the beer when it’s released.”
Dan added: “Since taking over the Baum a few months back, its been a pleasure working alongside Sean and getting to know him and his beers. So when he asked if I’d help judge the Bríd’s Cross Homebrew competition, I was more than happy to oblige.
“The bar was set quite high on the day with a few early front runners, but the standout beer was the Undine Kölsch. I for one feel it will make a great addition to the range and can’t wait to see it sitting proudly on the bar for the Bríd’s Cross second Birthday Bash in August.”
