Sharp’s and Shepherd Neame scoop awards

Sharp’s cask ales Doom Bar and Atlantic Pale Ale earned bronze medals at the World Beer Awards. They were joined by the brewer’s Offshore Pilsner, which also collected third place.

However, Sharp’s Chalky’s Bite, a bottled beer that combines three hop varieties with fennel seeds, was awarded a gold medal in the Belgian Style Ale category at the same awards ceremony.

Rick Stein challenge

The story behind the gold medal-winning Chalky’s Bite comes from TV celebrity and chef Rick Stein – known for his restaurant businesses in Padstow, which is just across the estuary from Rock where Sharp’s is based – who challenged Sharp’s to create a Cornish beer with the character and quality to stand alongside established Belgian ales.

Named in honour of Stein’s infamous four-legged friend, Chalky the Jack Russell, who used to accompany the chef on many of his culinary adventures before his death in 2007, it has now claimed multiple international brewing awards.

Sharp’s Brewery marketing controller James Nicholls said: “For so many of our products to earn recognition from industry experts from across the globe is a huge achievement.

“It is a testament to the quality of our products and the skill of the team at Sharp’s Brewery. We will continue to work hard to deliver more fantastic beers that consumers love.”

Sharp’s Brewery has grown rapidly since its establishment in 1994, increasing staff numbers in the past 10 years from 70 to 114.

Packaging gold

Meanwhile, Kent-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame’s design featuring the iconic pub on the beach the Old Neptune, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale was awarded gold in the Packaging (ales) category at the British Bottlers’ Institute.

The Faversham brewer had more reason to cheer at the event as seasonal brew Christmas Ale (7% ABV) and original Thai beer Singha (5% ABV) – received gold in the taste categories, Ales 6.0-7.4% and Lagers 4.0-5.5% respectively. 

Diplomas were awarded for taste to Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale (4.8% ABV), 1698 (6.5% ABV) and India Pale Ale (6.1% ABV), with Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager (4.6% ABV) receiving a silver medal.

Shepherd Neame director of brewing Mike Unsworth said: “These awards are a testament to our team’s passion and knowledge, and our commitment to quality. We are delighted to receive such fantastic accolades, showing once again that our beers are outstanding in their categories. Receiving an award for packaging also demonstrates our marketing team’s eye for detail and creativity.”