Barley wine wins Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2019

20-Feb-2019 - Last updated on 20-Feb-2019 at 10:37 GMT

Champion beer: Audit Ale is an 8% ABV barley wine with marmalade and peach aromas

A Norfolk brewery has taken home the title of Champion Winter Beer of Britain at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s competition, with its Audit Ale.

The beer, which is an 8% ABV barley wine, impressed judges for its aroma of marmalade and peach. It was described as “incredibly well-rounded, with not a harsh bone in its body and the perfect balance of flavour”.

A number of Cambridge and Oxford University colleges celebrated the end of their annual audits with the special brew. It was exported to the USA in Champagne-style bottles from 1937.

CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition marks the first day of the Great British Beer Festival Winter, which is running from 19 to 23 February at The Halls in Norwich, Norfolk.

High accolade

The organisation has also announced next year’s winter festival will be held in Birmingham, as part of its three-year rotation around the country, following three years in Norwich.

CAMRA national director Nick Boley said: “Congratulations to Lacons Brewery for winning the Champion Winter Beer of Britain award, which is one of the highest accolades in the beer world.

“Lacons takes the crown this year because Audit displayed an all-round great character. One judge even said they were ‘completely sold’ despite not being a barley wine drinker.

“I would like to thank all the judges for their hard work and commend the brewers on the high quality of beers tasted. It was a very close competition and a well-deserved winner.”