Rudgate Ruby Mild wins Champion Beer of Britain

Rudgate Ruby Mild has won the top prize - Champion Beer of Britain - at the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) 2009, which kicked off today.

Brewed by the Rudgate Brewery in Tockwith, Yorkshire, the 4.4 per cent ABV beer was crowned overall winner at today's trade-only session.

Craig Lee, Rudgate brewery owner, said: "It's an excellent achievement, we've come close in previous years and we are really proud to have won the Champion Beer of Britain.

"It's unbelievable, and we hope our beer helps popularise the cause of real ale."

The ale was chosen as the overall winner from more than 60 finalists in seven categories (Best Bitters, Bitters, Golden Ales, Milds, Speciality, Winter Beer and Strong Bitters) including beers from tiny micros to major regional brewers.

Roger Protz, chairman of the final judging panel said: "It's a tremendous boost for the mild category. It's good to see a classic British traditional beer making such a comeback in the age of golden ales and much paler beers in general.

"The judges were impressed by rich, fruity character, and the fact that it's quite hoppy and bitter for a mild ale. Its victory should invigorate the whole mild ale category."

Second place went to Attila from Oakham brewery in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and third place was won by Dr Hexter's Healer from the West Berkshire brewery.