The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is excited to announce the start of its search for the next Champion Beer of Britain. The organization is now inviting its members to submit nominations for this prestigious award.
The Champion Beer of Britain award is one of the highest honors in the cask beer world. Winning this accolade not only brings national recognition but also helps breweries gain international acclaim. This esteemed title is highly sought after by UK breweries.
The competition begins with individual nominations from CAMRA members and recommendations from tasting panels. Following this, area competitions will be held. All judging is conducted under a strict blind tasting policy to ensure fairness.
CAMRA members are currently able to vote for their top beers based on their experiences over the past year. This initial round of voting will help determine the finalists for the 2026 Champion Beer of Britain. The entire process takes two years to complete.
The winner of the current Champion Beer of Britain will be announced at the Kelham Hall Beer Festival in Nottinghamshire on October 23. This year’s winner will reflect two years of diligent work by volunteers who have tasted and judged hundreds of beers.
The competition covers a wide range of beer categories, including milds, IPAs, stouts, porters, and specialty brews. Members can vote for up to five beers in each category. Additionally, there is a separate competition for the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain, with categories based on ABV: 4.3% or below, and 4.4% or above. Voting for these categories is also currently open.
In August 2023, Elland Brewery’s ‘1872 Porter’ was crowned Champion Beer of Britain. Other notable winners include Surrey Hills’ ‘Shere Drop’ and Siren Craft Brew’s ‘Broken Dream Breakfast Stout’.
Kevin Travers, the Champion Beer of Britain Competition Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the award. “The Champion Beer of Britain is one of the most coveted awards in the industry, as it is decided by everyday beer drinkers. We’re thrilled to start the process again.”
Members can cast their votes through CAMRA’s dedicated voting portal. They can also join tasting panels to provide nominations or train as beer judges for regional and national competitions. This offers a unique opportunity to sample beers from across the country and influence the selection of the Champion Beer.
For those interested in participating, becoming a CAMRA member is straightforward and provides a chance to be part of this exciting process. Members play a crucial role in shaping the future of beer by voting and judging in this prestigious competition.
