The judges — a mixture of brewers, leading figures in the industry, and journalists — were tasting 49 draught beers, one of them brewery-conditioned and therefore not on handpump, and seven bottled beers that had all won category finals in SIBA’s seven regional competitions.

At the national finals, staged in the Barrels pub in Hereford, the winners of each of the draught beer categories, which ranged from milds to stouts, old ales and porters, went into a final judging session to decide the supreme champion.

But the names of the winners remained a secret at the end of the day. The results will be announced on the afternoon of Friday 7 March at SIBA’s annual conference in York.

For details on the finalists, sponsors and pictures of the judging please go to the beer competition section of the website. www.siba.co.uk

This year’s barley and hop harvests have both been badly affected by the wet summer and as a result, the cost of barley has risen by nearly 40 per cent in the past year, with hop prices going up by 100 per cent for some varieties.

Peter Amor, chairman of SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, whose 400 members brew thousands of distinctive draught and bottled beers, said the price rises threatened jobs both in breweries and in pubs throughout the country at a time when there was a misguided clamour for higher taxes on beer to combat binge-drinking.

“After wages, raw materials represent the biggest single expenditure by small brewers, who now face the dilemma of whether to put up their prices and lose trade or absorb the higher costs and take the risk of their businesses becoming economically unsound,” said Mr Amor, whose family-run Wye Valley Brewery in Hereford produces more than 4 million pints a year and employs 27 people directly.

“Beer is one of few things we still make in Britain and much of it is the traditional draught variety sold in pubs that are supervised by trained licensees. The good old British pub, an institution of which we should be so proud, is not, by and large, the culprit in binge drinking. We should remember that some supermarkets are selling alcoholic drinks at less than cost price and have no control over the subsequent behaviour of their customers.”

By Michael Hardman – SIBA Public Relations Manager

SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, is to have its own bar at the Great British Beer Festival at London’s Earls Court next month.

It is the first time SIBA, which represents more than 400 local brewers, has taken a stand at the CAMRA-organised event, which is attended by 65,000 beer lovers from around the world.

Most of the 450 real ales on offer are produced by independent British brewers, and SIBA chairman Peter Amor said the society’s bar would be a showcase for the very best of local brewing.

It will feature seven class winners from this year’s SIBA national beer competition, all of which won awards in SIBA regional contests to qualify for the national finals.

Peter Amor added: “Our competition is recognised as the only one judged on overall saleability in which the brewer can decide which beers are entered. The transparency of the judging process and the need for consistency in the beers from regional heats to the national finals give unparalleled credibility to the competition.”

The seven beers scheduled to feature on the SIBA stand are Howard Town Brewery’s Wren’s Nest (SIBA National Supreme Champion and champion best bitter), Hophead (bitter) and Rutterkin (premium bitter) both from Brewsters, Crazy Days (strong ale) and Beijing Black (mild), both from Potbelly Brewery, O’Hanlons Port Stout (porter and strong mild) and Milton Brewery’s Mammon (speciality beer).

The Great British Beer Festival runs from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 August.

More details from Michael Hardman on 01737 766345.

Independent brewers showcase their winning beers at national festival

SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, is to have its own bar at the Great British Beer Festival at London’s Earls Court next month.

It is the first time SIBA, which represents more than 400 local brewers, has taken a stand at the CAMRA-organised event, which is attended by 65,000 beer lovers from around the world.

Most of the 450 real ales on offer are produced by independent British brewers, and SIBA chairman Peter Amor said the society’s bar would be a showcase for the very best of local brewing.

It will feature seven class winners from this year’s SIBA national beer competition, all of which won awards in SIBA regional contests to qualify for the national finals.

Peter Amor added: “Our competition is recognised as the only one judged on overall saleability in which the brewer can decide which beers are entered. The transparency of the judging process and the need for consistency in the beers from regional heats to the national finals give unparalleled credibility to the competition.”

The seven beers scheduled to feature on the SIBA stand are Howard Town Brewery’s Wren’s Nest (SIBA National Supreme Champion and champion best bitter), Hophead (bitter) and Rutterkin (premium bitter) both from Brewsters, Crazy Days (strong ale) and Beijing Black (mild), both from Potbelly Brewery, O’Hanlons Port Stout (porter and strong mild) and Milton Brewery’s Mammon (speciality beer).

The Great British Beer Festival runs from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 August.

More details from Michael Hardman on 01737 766345.

The awards were inaugurated last year and are designed to demonstrate local brewers’ professionalism, innovation and commitment to increasing commercial results for their own operations and those of their customers.

The number of categories has been increased from eight to ten with the addition of best point of sale and best sponsorship awards. There is also a special award for the overall winner, which was last year won by Hawkshead Brewery for its beer hall.

Peter Amor, SIBA chairman, said:: “These awards are a great way to recognise the expertise and dedication that goes into the business side of local breweries and how offering drinkers a local beer can enhance business returns for pubs and retailers across the country.

“Local produce is meeting consumer and trade demand for authentic, quality products in all markets and local beers are at the forefront of the ongoing revolution in food and drink.”

The awards are open to all SIBA members. Entries can be submitted from now until September 1. The finals ceremony will be at the London headquarters of the Institute of Directors on Monday, October 15.

For more information, contact Peter Amor on 07802 432138 or Michael Hardman on 01737 766345.

Taken from: www.thepublican.com
By Eleanor Goodman

SIBA Council would like to send you their best wishes after your unfortunate flooding incidents.

We are sure that should you require it, other brewing members will be only to happy to help where possible.

The sentiment is extended to any SIBA members that have been affected.

Please note: Theme and Springhead are continuing to supply beer where possible. Kelham Island is unable to deliver for an estimated two weeks. SIBA will update on the situation.