Latitude Highland Pilsner – made by Kinlochleven’s Atlas Brewery – was voted best in its class at last week’s International Beer Challenge in London, retaining its position as one of the world’s 50 best beers.

There was further success at the event for Atlas Brewery’s parent company – Cawdor based Sinclair Breweries Ltd – when its Orkney Brewery also secured a top 50 listing for Dark Island Reserve ale.

The International Beer Challenge is the largest packaged beer competition in the world. Each year the event discovers and rewards the finest beers from across the globe and, in association with Off Licence News, publishes its list of the world’s 50 best beers.

The competition, in which beers are judged on both packaging and taste, attracts international entries and is supported by some of the world’s biggest brewers.

Latitude, a 3.9 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume) lager, won best of class in the “lager up to 4.2 per cent ABV” category of the event. Dark Island Reserve, a 10 per cent ABV speciality ale, was judged one of the best beers above 7 per cent ABV.

Norman Sinclair, managing director of Sinclair Breweries Ltd, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Latitude has won a best in class award for the third year in a row, confirming its place in brewing history. It’s also great to see Dark Island Reserve earn a place in the top 50 listing.”

Mr Sinclair added: “These awards are hugely significant as they give us the chance to put our products out there for independent and expert evaluation, against the very best beers in the world. Although we’ve enjoyed a lot of success at this event, there’s no question of us resting on our laurels. We’re immensely proud to have products from both of our breweries do so well and we’ll be back challenging again next year.”

The award for Latitude coincides with the launch of the lager in new 330ml bottles to complement the existing 500ml size.