SIBA Report 2009

SIBA have just published their latest report.

SIBA

The winner of the SIBA South East competition was Arundel Brewer, Sussex Mild.

My category was Standard Bitter and Pale Ales up to 4%. A large category with 23 beers to taste. Our winner was Surrey Hills Brewery, Ranmore Ale.

Other winners are :
Mild : Arundel, Sussex Mild
Bitter : Surrey Hills, Ranmore
Best Bitter : Ballrds, Best Bitter
Premium Bitter : Arundel, Stronghold
Strong Bitter : Oakleaf, Gosport Bitter
Strong Ale : Westerham, Audit Ale
Porter, Stout etc : Ballards, Wild Porter
Speciality : Dark Star, Expresso Stout
Bottle : Oakleaf, Hole Hearted


A little more meat to this will follow later once I have fully recovered from tasting over 30 beers !

Hop Farm Beer Festival

I have once again been asked to be a judge at the SIBA South East beer judging. This is being held for the second year next week at :

The Beer Festival is organised by SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers).

30+ breweries in the South East will enter over 120 beers competing in categories to include Best Bitters, Strong Ales, Porters, Old Ales & Stouts, Milds, Speciality Beers and Bottled Beers. The judging panel will comprise SIBA Members, Brewers, CAMRA members and well-known Beer Writers.

The Beer Festival will also include craft brewed, traditionally matured continental style lagers produced by SIBA brewers in the South East as well as a selection of ciders.

SIBA used to host their SE competition at one of the larger local beer festivals; Ealing and previously Reading. Such is the growth of the micro brewing sector and the success of SIBA itself, they have now outgrown even the largest CAMRA festival in SE England and now host their own event.

Although, not a CAMRA beer festival per se, many of the volunteers here are local CAMRA members and last year's event was a great success and an enjoyable day out.

I commend it to your attention !