Beer and cider lovers gather for ‘Oscars of the brewing world’

By Ed Chatterton via SWNS

Beer and cider lovers raised a glass as they gathered for a historic international competition dubbed the "Oscars of the brewing world."

The 135th International Brewing and Cider Awards, which dates back to 1886, was held at the National Brewery Centre, in Burton-upon-Trent, England this week.

Booze connoisseurs sampled drinks from 24 different countries during the event which is described as the world’s most historic international beer and cider competition.

A team of more than a dozen judges gulped down hundreds of drinks over a three day period before announcing 138 medal and trophy winners on Thursday (Nov 18).

Gabe Cook, Chairman of Cider Judging, inspects ciders at the bi-annual International Brewing & Cider Awards at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent. (Tom Maddick via SWNS)

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The contest saw entrants from Australia, China, Japan, Luxembourg, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and the UK.

“It’s been an honor to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary beers and ciders that both brewers and cider-makers have worked so hard to produce during what has been such a difficult 18 months for the industry," saidRuth Evans MBE, Director of the International Brewing & Cider Awards.

“Despite being forced to postpone the awards due to the pandemic, our brewing and cider community across the globe rallied together and continued to produce outstanding and innovative produce and it’s this determination and success that’s worth celebrating.

“I’d like to personally thank all the judges as well as all the brewers and cider-makers who entered their products and make this year’s awards one to remember, and we’re delighted to reward the best of them with the recognition they so truly deserve.”

Rob McCaig, described as the Chair of Beer Judging, said: “For three days, we have seen and tasted some of the very best beers from around the world, crowning winners from all corners of the globe.

“Despite what has been probably the most challenging period in recent memory for the brewing industry, producers from around the world have presented some exceptional beers, ales and lagers.

“It has made the job of our judging panel extremely difficult because of the quality of the beers.

"Japan is proving itself as an evolving brewing nation producing quality products across the beer spectrum.”

New categories were introduced to reflect trends that have emerged in the beer and cider markets including a new Zero Alcohol category.

A Rosé category was also added to reflect the growing trend for ‘pink’ ciders.

Gabe Cook, who was the Chair of Cider Judging, said: “It has been a privilege to be able to chair the most important and prestigious competition of its kind for the cider industry.

“We have welcomed international judges, including representatives from America, Ireland and Japan and the UK, to preside over world-class entries from across the world.

“Consumers’ palettes are becoming more discerning and, as we have seen other drinks categories expand and diversify, the same is true for cider.

"Cider-makers are expanding their offer and we have seen some remarkable examples these last three days.

“To crown winning ciders from the likes of Canada, China, Luxembourg and Switzerland – nations not widely known for their cider production – shows how the category is increasing its international footprint and growing in popularity.”