After entries were submitted across 13 categories, which included the Guild award for Best Book about Beer or Pubs, the Asahi Award for Best Beer Broadcaster and SIBA Brewer of the Year, judges inspected some 150 newspaper and magazine articles, blogs, radio broadcasts, films, podcasts, and books before the shortlist was selected.
Judges included Keith Bott, MD of Titanic Brewery, Sarah Bridge, founder of the A Lady of Leisure travel website and former Mail on Sunday correspondent, Joanna Copestick, publisher at Kyle Books, Matt Eley, communications consultant, and former editor of Inapub magazine, Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association.
High standard of entries
Guild of Beer chair Emma Inch said, "We're delighted to have restored our Annual Awards to their pre-pandemic status, with 13 categories, a record prize fund and entries from talented individuals across the world of beer and pub writing.
"Entries across all categories were of a high standard and it was great to see the breadth of topics covered and the diversity of media used.
“Selecting our finalists was a challenge for the judges and everyone on the shortlist should be very proud of their achievement."
The Brewer of the Year Award, sponsored by SIBA, is decided by Guild members, who firstly nominate brewers they think should win the accolade, and then vote in an online poll.
Highest ever prize fund
Shortlisted candidates this year share a chance to win the highest-ever prize fund of £17,000, will be announced on Thursday 2nd December at One Great George Street in Westminster.
In a ‘first' for the Guild dinner, industry charity Only A Pavement Away will have a presence in the pre- and post-dinner bar area, the charity supports people facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans into careers within hospitality.
Inch added: "We're thrilled to be holding our Awards Dinner again and welcoming Guild members and industry friends to One Great George Street for an evening of great beer, delicious food and good company.