Norfolk CAMRA branches have named their top cask beer and packaged (canned and bottled) brews, as voted for by tasting panel members.
Norwich’s Fat Cat Brewery have claimed the champion cask ale of Norfolk title with their zesty Marmalade Cat. The 5.5% ABV beer has been winning over local drinkers for more than 20 years.
“Oxford marmalade throughout,” says the Good Beer Guide of this brew. “Orange and malt pervade both aroma and taste. A full-bodied mix of contrasting, but balanced flavours. A bittersweet hoppiness holds firm in a fine unsullied finish.”
“We’re delighted that Marmalade Cat is champion beer of Norfolk 2025, as it celebrates 20 years of being brewed,” said Fat Cat brewery manager Chris Riches.
“One of our original recipes, it has been a consistent favourite with customers across the county, proving that good taste and quality never go out of fashion.”
Tombstone Brewery, in Great Yarmouth, took the runner-up and third positions with, respectively, Blackfoot, a 4.8% ABV porter, and Arizona, a 3.9% ABV bitter.
Alan Edwards, chair of the Norfolk CAMRA tasting panel, said: “Norfolk beers are amongst the best in the country, and these awards recognise the very best. They, and others like them, can be found and enjoyed in pubs far and wide.
“If we wish to ensure the survival of these brews, and the pubs that serve them, we must take every opportunity to seek them out and enjoy.”
West Norfolk’s Lynn Brewery took champion bottle conditioned beer of Norfolk with their 4.1% ABV Lynn Ferry Bitter. It It was described by the judges as having a “peachy, toffee aroma that follows through into the initial taste. Hoppiness and soft yeastiness add depth, with a long, lingering, sweetish finale.” It triumphed over 65 other entries.
“When we began brewing, in 2020, we never anticipated such recognition at this level,” said Jason and Claire Harper, from the brewery. “We are grateful to our local West Norfolk CAMRA group for their support and encouragement throughout our journey.”
Runner-up was Top of the Hop (8% ABV), from Elmtree Beers, and third was Yardarm Barley Wine (12.5% ABV), from Fengate Brewery.
There was a double celebration for Duration Brewing, with two of their beers topping the poll for can-conditioned beers in Norfolk. Taking the top honour was Ebb and Flow, a 4.8% ABV American stout, praised by judges for its “molasses and treacle aromas, leading into a mix of savoury, roasty, tangy, red-fruit sweetness”.
Following in second place was the popular 5.5% IPA Turtles All The Way Down, described as “a mix of tropical fruit and hop with a spicy kick”. Ampersand Brewery took third place with Experiments in Evil, a bold 10.5% ABV barrel-aged stout and last year’s overall winner.
