Best of the best named at SIBA’s national beer awards

15-Mar-2024 - Last updated on 15-Mar-2024 at 17:28 GMT

Crowd pleaser: There was plenty of cheer at the BeerX UK event in Liverpool

Three breweries have taken overall gold medals across the cask, keg and bottle/can category competitions at the SIBA Independent Beer Awards 2024.

Hammerton Brewery’s ‘City of Cake’ stout won Gold in the cask competition, Harrogate Brewing Co’s ‘Nidd Mild’ won the top keg award and Burning Sky Brewery’s Le Cœur De Provision was named the best in class in the national bottle/can beer judging.

Judged by brewers and industry experts and organised by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) at its flagship BeerX UK event in Liverpool, the awards covered the gamut of beer styles in a variety of dispense methods.

The awards at are the trade association’s national final and, in order to earn a place at the competition, brewers had to win their regional competition to progress.

Superb beers

SIBA competitions chair Anneli Baxter, who helped run judging said: “It is a pleasure to see so many superb beers from independent breweries of all sizes taking home golds in this year’s awards.

Harrogate Brewing with Andy Slee — Harrogate Brewing with SIBA CEO Andy Slee

“It is incredibly tough to win a category gold at a regional level, so to then go on and be named the very best in the whole of the UK at the national awards is a massive achievement that these brewers should be hugely proud of.

“Well done to all of the winners but particularly Hammerton, Burning Sky and Harrogate who took home our top awards of the night.”

Crafty move

Crafty Brewing was the victor in the Business Innovation category.

Based in Surrey, the brand specialises in creating customisable labels for their beer cans.

SIBA judges said: “Crafty Brewing's slick and innovative customisable beer label system, delivered in a modern and user-friendly way via their website, impressed judges. Genuinely innovative and interesting.”

Luke Herman Crafty Brewing SIBA Award (1) — Crafty Brewing's Luke Herman (right)

Crafty Brewing founder Luke Herman added: “Winning the Business Innovation category is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team.

“We’re honoured to be recognised for our commitment to delivering unmatched customisation and innovation in craft beer. This award motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries in the industry and ensure that every beer lover can enjoy a truly unique and memorable experience.”