Grey Trees Brewery, based in Aberdare in South Wales, has won silver in the Champion Beer of Britain competition, one of the most prestigious and well-recognised beer awards. Hosted by CAMRA, judging takes place on the opening day of the Great British Beer Festival (6-10 August, Olympia London).

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Afghan IPA was a previous winner of the Strong Bitters category, taking first place in 2017. Made from Cascade, Citra and Simcoe hops, the ale has a tropical hop aroma and a crisp taste.

The Champion Beer of Britain is the culmination of almost a year of local tasting panels and regional heats, recognising the very best in British beer. Final judging for the competition is held at the opening of CAMRA’s flagship beer festival, which sees over 40,000 visitors through the door to sample nearly a thousand different beers, ciders, perries, wines and gins.

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Nik Antona, CAMRA’s National Chairman: “Congratulations to Grey Trees for taking home silver in the Champion Beer of Britain award for its ‘Afghan IPA’, which is the highest beer accolade in the country. The judges were particularly impressed with the robust, hoppy taste.”

The gold overall award was won by Surrey Hills and their beer, ‘Shere Drop’, a former winner in two different categories which took home bronze in 2010. ‘Shere Drop’ is described as being pale in colour with a subtle hint of grapefruit and lemon in the aroma. The wonderful hop bitterness is complemented by a balanced malt flavour.

Bronze place in the Champion Beer of Britain competition was awarded to Oakham Ales, based in Peterborough, with their session IPA ‘Citra’. Oakham are regulars in the Champion Beer of Britain competition and took home the silver award in 2014, 2009 and 1999 as well as gold in 2001.