International Beer Challenge - Five more medals for Hogs Back Brewery
Hogs Back Brewery is celebrating after winning a further five medals, awarded at the recent International Beer Challenge 2016.
Hogs Back’s ‘A over T’ (Aromas over Tongham) took two Gold medals: one in the Ale category, in which it was blind tasted against hundreds of competing beers, and one for bottle design, where its striking red, black and gold label won the judges’ vote. A 9% ABV barley wine with flavours of sultanas, orange peel and plums, A over T is a long-established favourite from Hogs Back and past winner of a number of CAMRA Gold medals.
Hogstar English Craft Lager also took a Gold design award, in recognition of the striking new logo which was introduced with the launch earlier this year of Hogstar in cans and is being rolled out to pumpclip and bottles. The 4.5% ABV lager, brewed with five hops and a blend of botanicals, was also handed a Bronze award in the Lager category. This follows a Gold Award for Hogstar at the Society of Independent Brewers’ National Keg Beer Competition in 2015 and Bronze in the previous two International Beer Challenges.
Finally, Hopping Hog IPA won a Silver award in the Ale category – the first major award for this 5.4%, full-bodied beer since its launch in 2015.
Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said, “We’re delighted with these medals from the International Beer Challenge.
“They recognise not only the talent of our brewing team in producing high quality, flavourful beers that stand out against the competition, but also the strength of our brand design. In today’s crowded beer market, impactful, appealing labels and pump clips are vital in ensuring beers appeal to consumers.
He added, “Across our range, we have won many medals over the years, from a variety of competitions. We have also recently won a number of prestigious awards for our hop garden project. We think these speak volumes about the care and attention that goes into making every pint, bottle and can of Hogs Back beer.”
The International Beer Challenge is a highly-regarded competition, established 20 years ago. Hundreds of beers were received from around 30 countries, and judged by a panel of experts including retailers, licensees, brewers, beer writers and flavour analysts. Each beer is tasted and its merits discussed by judges before an award is given.
Recent additions to Hogs Back’s collection of brewing accolades include TEA as CAMRA’s Best Bitter in London & South East in 2015. TEA was also runner up for CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain in 2000.