New awards were added to this year’s ceremony, which included brewers and cider makers from 24 countries, and included a Zero Alcohol category to reflect the growth and interest in this market segment and, in the cider competition, a rosé category has been added to reflect the growing trend for ‘pink’ ciders.
Judges blind-tasted submissions and included working professionals in the brewing and cider-making industries from across the globe, led by chair of beer judging Rob McCaig and chair of cider judging Gabe Cook.
McCaig said: “Despite what has been probably the most challenging period in recent memory for the brewing industry, producers from around the world have presented some exceptional beers, ales and lagers.”
Winners from around the globe
He continued: “It has made the job of our judging panel extremely difficult because of the quality of the beers. Japan is proving itself as an evolving brewing nation producing quality products across the beer spectrum.”
Trophy winners included Tokyo-based Spring Valley Brewery, Ise Kadoya Beer, also from Japan, Malta-based Simonds Farsons Cisk, Yorkshire’s Elvington Brewery, Jersey’s Liberation Brewing Company, Taunton-based Sheppy's Cider, Sidewood Estate from South Australia and Ramborn Cider from Luxembourg.
Cook added: “It has been a privilege to be able to chair the most important and prestigious competition of its kind for the cider industry.
“We have welcomed international judges, including representatives from America, Ireland, Japan and the UK, to preside over world-class entries from across the world.
“To crown winning ciders from the likes of Canada, China, Luxembourg and Switzerland – nations not widely known for their cider production – shows how the category is increasing its international footprint and growing in popularity.”
Celebration of extraordinary beers and ciders
The gold, silver and bronze winners are expected to collect medals and trophies at an awards lunch to be held on 6 April, 2022.
International Brewing & Cider Awards director Ruth Evans MBE said: “It’s been an honour to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary beers and ciders both brewers and cider-makers have worked so hard to produce during what has been such a difficult 18 months for the industry.
“Despite being forced to postpone the awards due to the pandemic, our brewing and cider community across the globe rallied together and continued to produce outstanding and innovative produce and it’s this determination and success that’s worth celebrating.
“I’d like to personally thank all the judges as well as all the brewers and cider-makers who entered their products and make this year’s Awards one to remember, and we’re delighted to reward the best of them with the recognition they so truly deserve.”