Cairngorm Brewery’s Black Gold has been crowned Champion Winter Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025, following a year-long series of blind-tasting panels and regional heats. The session stout, with an ABV of 4.4%, stood out during the final round of judging at the prestigious winter event.
Christine Cryne, organiser of the Champion Beer of Britain judging panel, praised the beer for its complex profile. “Black Gold offers a roasted coffee nose with hints of dark fruits and earthy hops. The flavour is a refreshing mix of coffee, sweet malt, orange, and dark fruits, finishing with a satisfying dry, chocolatey aftertaste. It’s exceptionally easy drinking,” Cryne commented.
Merlin Sandbach, Sales Director at Cairngorm, expressed the brewery’s excitement over the win. “Winning Champion Beer of Scotland four times, including two consecutive wins, has been incredible. This is another big achievement for the team. Our head brewer Liam, Gemma from Productions, and I are thrilled with the result,” Sandbach said.
In the competition’s final rankings, Sarah Hughes’s Snowflake (8% ABV) earned the Silver award, while Grain’s Slate (6% ABV) claimed Bronze.
CAMRA’s Awards Director Gary Timmins congratulated Cairngorm on their victory and commended the overall quality of this year’s entries. “Black Gold is a fantastic pint, and despite the fierce competition, it’s a well-deserved winner. The growing challenge for our judges reflects the incredible brewing talent across the UK. However, independent brewers face a tough battle for visibility, as large global corporations dominate the market, limiting consumer choice,” Timmins said.
He also encouraged beer enthusiasts to support local brewers. “We urge everyone to visit their local pub, social club, or taproom and sample some of the award-winning beers from independent producers.”
The winning beers will be available to sample at the Great British Beer Festival Winter this week, while stocks last. Additionally, the category winners will compete in the overall Champion Beer of Britain contest later in 2025.
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