The Berkshire brewery took home the prestigious accolade at organiser Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) first evening dinner ceremony held at the Hilton, Kensington, last night (9 July).
Formerly the award would have been announced at the GBBF event, which was held at Kensington’s Olympia this year. However, organisers said: “We wanted to make this a must-attend event and raise the profile of the competition.”
CAMRA added: “This risk is not something we have taken lightly and we’re up 60% [on attendees] from last year.”
The winning beer
The winning beer is a 5% ABV dark stout infused with vanilla and dark malts, creating a smooth and dark beer. It is one of 900 beers, ciders and perries on offer at the GBBF, which runs until this Saturday (13 July).
The brewer, which is a supporter of the Society of Independent Brewer's Assured Independent Craft Brewer's initiative, would look to capitalise on the win.
Owner of the brewery Chris Bingham said: "This is absolutely massive for us, a huge leap and a big profile builder for us, a little brewer.
"Our Vanilla Stout appeals to so many different drinkers as it's just that little bit different, it's a beer that has the power to convert non beer drinkers and even a Chardonnay drinking friend of ours."
Kent-based Old Dairy brewery claimed the silver award for its 6% ABV old ale Snow Top, which also took the gold award at CAMRA’s National Winter Ale Festival last year. It has fruitcake and marmalade flavours.
Tring Brewery took the bronze award for its 7.2% ABV Death and Glory barley wine, which is brewed by appointment for the Queen’s Royal Lancers and is described as being rich and sweet, “with a complex nature”.
‘Wide range of beers’
CAMRA national director responsible for the Champion Beer of Britain competition Nik Antona said: “This year all the judges commented on how high quality all of the beers were in the final stages of the competition and what a wide range of styles and beers they had to try and choose between.
“Binghams Vanilla Stout is packed full of comforting flavours and I’m sure it will be a popular champion beer choice. It’s great to see a speciality beer win the award for the first time in the history of the competition and congratulations to the brewery.”
Last year’s winning beer, Cwtch, by Newport-based Tiny Rebel, was awarded joint bronze in the Best Bitter category along with Colchester No.1 made by Colchester Brewery.
See the full list of results below.
Overall winners
Category: Mild
Category: Bitter
Category: Best bitter
Category: Strong bitter
Category: Golden ales
Category: Speciality