In July this year Stefano Cossi, Head Brewer of Thornbridge, was awarded the title UK Brewer of the Year 2010 by the All Parliamentary Beer Group as recommended by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. In London last night a further accolade was made to Cossi when the British Guild of Beer Writers hailed him their Brewer of the Year at their annual beer and food dinner. This double award is an unprecedented event and reflects the position that  Cossi has risen to in British brewing.

Guild chairman Tim Hampson said: “Stefano is making an outstanding contribution to beer culture not just in the UK but worldwide. His knowledge, commitment to detail and pursuit of excellence are to be applauded. His beers are not ordinary but extraordinary, whether he is recreating old styles with a modern twist or using new ingredients,  his ambition that they should not just taste good but stand out from the crowd.”

Stefano Cossi, who hails from North Easy Italy, has been with Thornbridge Brewery since it began brewing in 2004 and heads up a diverse team of international brewers. He has gained a worldwide reputation for his use of novel ingredients and processes and exacting approach to brewing with regards to quality control and ingredients.

Simon Webster, Thornbridge Director, says that the awards are highly warranted as “Stefano has developed beers such as the multi award winning Jaipur IPA that is leading the way as the UK’s most modern beer brand”.

This year’s dinner marked a departure from tradition for the event,  by choosing to match a selection of beers to the south-west Indian cuisine of Sriram Aylur. Michelin-starred Aylur of Quilon restaurant prepared a sensational five-course feast for the 210 writers, brewers, pub operators and others from the beer world.