Scottish brew scoops CAMRA champion beer award

A Scottish beer has won Champion Beer of Britain for the second year in a row at the Great British Beer Festival.

Bitter & Twisted brewed by Harviestoun, of Dollar, in Clackmannanshire was judged to be the best beer in Britain.

A panel of judges made up of brewers, beer writers and journalists, including thePublican.com's Nicola Collenette, made it two years in a row for Scotland.

Last year Caledonian's Deuchars IPA scooped top honours.

Bitter & Twisted is described in the 2003 edition of the Good Beer Guide as, "a refreshingly hoppy beer with fruit throughout. A bitter-sweet taste with a long, dry, bitter finish. A golden session beer".

The Scottish brewed beer was chosen as the overall winner from over fifty finalists in eight categories including beers from tiny micros to major regional brewers.

Mike Benner, CAMRA's Head of Campaigns said, "It's great news for Harviestoun and for Scotland. Bitter & Twisted has long been a favourite of beer drinkers and I'm very pleased to see them win the most prestigious beer competition."

Ken Brooker, Owner of Harviestoun said "I'm overjoyed. It really proves that Scottish brewers are leading the way on tasty and distinctive beers.

"I am pleased that all the hard work from the team at Harviestoun has paid off. It's a great way to launch our new brewery building."

The Silver award went to Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold from Essex. Bronze went to Lidstones Rowley Mild from Suffolk.

Related articles:​

Ales aim to be crowned Champion Beer (29 July 2003)

Harviestoun awarded Champion Beer of Scotland title (18 November 2002)

Deuchars IPA wins gold at GBBF (8 August 2002)