An Essex-brewed golden ale was this week named the Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival.
Brewers Gold, by Crouch Vale, took the top prize, worth millions in free advertising, at the opening day of the festival at Olympia in London.
Beer experts, MPs, members of the Campaign for Real Ale and journalists made the decision after blind tasting ales and speciality beers from around Britain to find the best beer in the land.
Roger Protz, one of the judges and editor of the Good Beer Guide, said: “Golden ale is a rapidly growing style of beer. It’s wonderfully refreshing - the ideal antidote to lager.”
The silver award went to Rutland Panther from Grainstore. Bronze went to Woodforde’s Wherry from Norfolk.
The four-day GBBF ended today (August 6).
Interbrew UK, which markets and distributes beers including Stella Artois and Boddingtons, has changed its name to InBev UK Limited. The name change follows the amalgamation of UK brewer’s parent company, Interbrew SA, with the South American brewer AmBev last year. InBev is now the world’s largest brewing group, with 14% of the global beer market.

Premium German beer Bitburger has been launched in 660ml bottles. The new-sized beer will initially be sold in selected Sainsbury stores.

South African wine brand Spice Route is launching two new premium wines - a Sauvignon Blanc 2005 and a Mourvedre 2004 (rsp: £8.99) - later this month.

Kent brewer Shepherd Neame is teaming up with The History Channel to present ‘Spitfire Summer’ - four weeks of special programmes marking the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - from August 22 to September 15.

Bass Ale is to sponsor Night Glow, the ending night of the Bristol International Balloon Festival, on August 11-14.
Interbrew renamed
Bigger-sized beer
SA premium wines
In remembrance
Night glow sponsor

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