BBF wins National Beer Festival Gold

The Bristol Beer Factory struck gold, twice at a national beer competition this week organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). Our “Southville Hop” won gold in its category and then went on to become Overall Champion Bottled Beer in the country. This follows on from success at the regional competition10 months ago.

SIBA chief executive Julian Grocock, said, “Those of us who have been involved in this round of SIBA beer competitions have once again been overwhelmed by the quality of the beers entered at every stage from regional heat to national finals.

“With standards rising every year, it becomes ever more challenging to select the best beers from a very strong field. Winning an award at a regional competition is an achievement to be proud of and to take one at the national competition an even greater one.”

He added, “Such is the growing reputation of SIBA’s beer competitions that winning an award today offers the successful brewers the promise of much-increased awareness among beer enthusiasts, and new listings in the growing number of beer-oriented pubs, bars and off-trade outlets.”

Bristol Beer Factory MD Simon Bartlett said, “This is a reward for our hard w

ork over the last eight years and further vindication of our decision to brew beers like Southville Hop, which is an American IPA style, heavily hopped but balanced with a good malt background. Winning this prestigious award raises the awareness of drinkers to both the Bristol Beer Factory and craft beer itself.”

Southville Hop is a bottle-conditioned beer brewed with flavourful hops from the north-west of America, tropical fruit flavours burst forth from the glass, and a distinctive resinous bitterness leaves you wanting more. BBF’s own Californian brewer Brett Ellis said “It takes influence from the craft beers brewed on America’s west coast that have taken the beer drinking world by storm.”

Head brewer Chris Kay added “Southville Hop is one of our expanding portfolio of bottled beers in many different styles. We can’t wait to start using our new bottling equipment, that is due to arrive any day now to help us keep up with the incredible increasing demand for our bottled beers.”

This completes a fabulous few months for the BBF, who have become the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards “Best Drinks Producer” and have just become a regional stockist with Waitrose.