Driftwood's Alfie's Revenge wins Camra winter beer award

Cornish brewery Driftwood's beer "Alfie's Revenge" has today been crowned the Supreme Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2012 by a panel of judges at the National Winter Ales Festival in Manchester.

The 6.5% ABV old ale is described in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2012 as a "strong and fruity, well-balanced premium ale".

Nik Antona, Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) director, said: "The beer is well-balanced, highly drinkable, and certainly belies its strength. A worthy winner, I congratulate this thriving Cornish brewer on their success today."

Driftwood brewery began in 2000 in the 17th-century pub, Driftwood Spars, where the team continues to brew. A custom built, five-barrel plant, the brewery range has since expanded to 10 regular beers.

Pete Martin, Driftwood head brewer, said: "We are thrilled to have won. It makes a big difference to us, and will put our brewery on the map, as well as Cornish breweries in general, as there are a lot of good brewers in the county. As a brewpub, we hope the impact on our business will be significant."

Also in the Overall awards, Silver went to Cairngorm brewery's Black Gold, whilst the Bronze medal went to Coniston brewery's No 9 Barley Wine.

Drinkers at the National Winter Ales Festival will now be able to sample the winning brews, as well as a selection of beers from over 100 breweries, including a range of ciders and perries.

Driftwood's Alfie's Revenge, as well as the Overall finalists, will now enter into the final of the Champion Beer of Britain competition at the Great British Beer Festival, Olympia, London, on 7-11 August.

By Neil Gerrard

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