In the second year of its Homebrew Competition, Patrick Davies has been named as the “brewer of tomorrow” at this year’s Great British Beer Festival (GBBF). The judges crowned Magnificent Frigate Strong Mild (6.2%) as its worthy winner following a rigorous competition.
Davies took home first prize, which invites him to Brewhouse & Kitchen in Worthing to brew his winning beer in a 500L kit under the supervision and support of the head brewer, which will be sold and distributed across local CAMRA festivals. The brewer describes his beer as an ‘end of a night beer’, which is rich and warming and smooth.
Davies, who began brewing in 2016, said: “This award is very exciting and unexpected, I used to work in very ale-y pubs and learnt a lot about beer, and felt the best way to learn more was to begin making it myself. I’m incredibly excited to see how the beer tastes when brewed in a professional kit.”
The Silver award was presented to Golden Dragon, brewed by Richard Roseblade, who will take home a case of eight craft beers every month for a year, courtesy of Beer52. Bronze was awarded to Old Claire, brewed by Mark Robotham, who has won four VIP tickets for the next Great British Beer Festival in 2024.
This year’s competition was sponsored by Brewhouse & Kitchen, Beer52, The Malt Miller and Brew At Home.
Catherine Tonry, GBBF Festival organiser said: “I am delighted to give this award to Patrick, it’s testament to the passion and love our brewers of tomorrow have for live beer. To announce the results at trade day at GBBF gives all the finalists in attendance the opportunity to talk with the wider industry and build their networks as they continue their brewing venture.
“Some of the best beers in the UK started from small beginnings and it is vital we work with brewers who may be starting out on their journey, while recognising their commitment and hard work.
“Now in its second year, the award is well-established as a national homebrew competition, I look forward to seeing some of the best beers of tomorrow being produced by both current and future competitors.”
The competition spanned across a host different beer styles, from milds and IPAs to barley wines and porters.
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Notes to editors:
All category winners can be found here.
