Saltaire scoops three Society of Independent Brewers awards

West Yorkshire brewery Saltaire has emerged as the big winner in the annual Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Beer Competition.

The Shipley-based firm won the top title of Supreme Champion Beer 2010 for its Triple Chocoholic, a 4.8% chocolate stout.

The same beer also won the Gold Award in the Champion Speciality Beer category, while the brewery’s Cascade Pale Ale took the Champion Premium Bitters prize.

Tony Gartland, owner and head brewer at Saltaire Brewery, said: “Winning three awards is a great thrill. I thought we stood a good chance in the Speciality Beer category, but to win the overall title was a real surprise and shows that the UK’s beer drinkers are ready for new, different tastes.” 

SIBA’s outgoing chairman, Peter Amor, who will be replaced by Keith Bott said: “The success of the competition reflects that of the local brewing sector. Our beers offer the quality, taste, individuality and provenance that consumers are looking for. It is no surprise that smaller breweries are bucking the overall UK beer trend and growing volumes.”

The 10 winners were:

Supreme Champion Beer 2010
Triple Chocoholic
Saltaire Brewery, Shipley, Yorkshire

Champion Milds (up to 4% ABV)
Dark Mild
Bank Top Brewery, Bolton

Champion Bitters & Pale Ales (up to 4% ABV)    
Lord Marples
Thornbridge Brewery, Derbyshire

Champion Best Bitters (4.1 – 4.5% ABV)
Darwins Origin
Salopian Brewing, Shrewsbury

Champion Premium Bitters (4.6 – 4.9%) 
Cascade Pale Ale Supreme Speciality Beer
Saltaire Brewery, Shipley, Yorkshire

Champion Strong Bitters (5.1 – 5.5% ABV)
Big Chief Bitter
Greenmill Brewery, Rochdale

Champion Strong Ales  (over 5.6%)
Dorothy Goodbody’s Country Ale
Wye Valley Brewery

Champion Porters, Strong Milds, Old Ales & Stouts         
Guerrilla
Blue Monkey Brewery, Derbyshire

Champion Speciality Beers
Triple Chocoholic
Saltaire Brewery, Shipley, Yorkshire

Champion Bottled Beers
Proper Job
St Austell Brewery


Fuller, Smith and Turner scoops eight best beer awards >>

Hampshire brewer wins Champion Beer of Britain >>

Three Hook Norton Brewery pubs win Beautiful Beer Awards >>


By Neil Gerrard

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