Champion Bottled Beers of Norfolk

CHAMPION BOTTLED BEER OF NORFOLK 2020

Terra Firma, a strong Barley Wine brewed by the Snetterton based Elmtree Brewery, has been named the Champion Bottled Beer of Norfolk 2020 by the local branches of The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The 7.8% beer, described by the judges as ‘Rich, well balanced and complex with a dark fruit base’ was given the accolade after a yearlong series of tastings by members of the local Taste Panel. Panel chair Alan Edwards explained, “Real ale in a bottle is a way to explore the many traditional beers in the comfort of your own home. The purpose of the competition is to promote awareness of this option and enable drinkers to seek out the quality beers available.”

Many of Norfolk’s 46 breweries produce Real Ale in a Bottle (RAIB). All were invited to enter the competition. Eleven breweries submitted 49 beers for judging by members of the Campaign. Alan went on to add “The judges were very impressed by the quality and variety of the beers submitted. We have some excellent breweries in the county and it is certainly worthwhile seeking out their beers. With a plethora of styles and tastes there is a beer out there to suit everyone’s palate.”

The runner up was Lignum Vitae, a strong IPA type bitter brewed by Grain Brewery from Alburgh. This beer was described as ‘Solidly hoppy with a definite marmalade bias’. Elmtree also claimed third place with their porter, Winter Solstice, brewed with added vanilla and cinnamon.

WINNERS

OVERALL

First - Terra Firma, Elmtree Brewery, Snetterton

Second - Lignum Vitae, Grain Brewery, Alburgh

Third - Winter Solstice, Elmtree Brewery, Snetterton

MILD/BROWN/OLD ALE

First - Christmas Crack, Humpty Dumpty Brewery, Reedham

Second - Chocolate Nutter, Why Not Brewery, Thorpe St Andrew

BITTER

First - Branch Line Bitter, Humpty Dumpty Brewery, Reedham

Second - Red Panther, Panther Brewery, Reepham

STRONG BITTER

First - Lignum Vitae, Grain Brewery, Alburgh

Second - Cheltenham Flyer, Humpty Dumpty, Brewery Reedham

GOLDEN ALE

First - Tom Cat, Fat Cat Brewery, Norwich

Second - American Pale Ale, Panther Brewery, Reepham

BARLEY WINE

First - Terra Firma, Elmtree Brewery, Snetterton

STOUT

First - Coffee Cream Stout, Fat Cat Brewery, Norwich

PORTER

First - Humpty Dumpty Porter, Humpty Dumpty, Brewery Reedham

Second - Prasto’s Porter, Boudicca Brewery, West Barsham

SPECIALITY

First - Winter Solstice, Elmtree Brewery, Snetterton

Second - Weizen, Grain Brewery, Alburgh

UNIQUE

First - Empire Slate, Grain Brewery, Alburgh