Abbot Ale Strikes Gold as Greene King Earns Three International Beer Challenge Medals

Greene King Brewery has been recognised at this year’s International Beer Challenge, securing one gold and two bronze medals across its portfolio.

The International Beer Challenge is one of the brewing industry's most respected competitions, recognising and promoting outstanding beers from around the world. Judged by an expert panel of brewers, buyers and industry professionals, the awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of internationally recognised beer styles.

Almost 400 beers were tasted during the judging process, with Greene King’s Abbot Ale securing gold in this year’s awards. First brewed in 1951, Abbot Ale (5% ABV) is a traditional ale renowned for its rich fruit character, malty richness and superb hop balance. A favourite among ale drinkers, it remains one of the UK's best-loved premium ales and is available nationwide across retail and hospitality venues. Abbot Ale also secured a bronze medal at this year’s World Beer Awards.

Also recognised in the competition was Hazy Day Fruity IPA (4.3% ABV), which secured a bronze medal in its category. Hazy Day is a smooth, fruity IPA packed with orange, citrus and tropical notes. The name of the beer is inspired by a 16th-century tradition in Bury St Edmunds, where those convicted of minor crimes were sentenced to a day in the pillory.

Completing the trio of award winners was Greene King IPA, which also received a bronze medal this year. Greene King IPA is a refreshing and easy-drinking 3.4% ABV ale with a balanced flavour profile and subtle hop character, making it a firm favourite among consumers.

Matt Starbuck, Managing Director Brewing & Brands and Group Supply Chain at Greene King, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our beers recognised at the International Beer Challenge, particularly with a gold medal for Abbot Ale - one of the most iconic beers in our portfolio.

“These awards reflect the passion, expertise and dedication of our brewing teams, who work hard every day to create high-quality beers that appeal to a wide range of drinkers. From traditional ales such as Abbot Ale to newer innovations like Hazy Day Fruity IPA, we remain committed to brewing great beers that consumers can enjoy across a variety of styles and occasions.”

To find out more about Greene King’s portfolio go to: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/our-beers.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact pressoffice@greeneking.co.uk   

Notes to editors

About Greene King  

Greene King is the country’s leading pub company and brewer trading c2,500 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland. 

At Greene King we are passionate about delivering our purpose to ‘pour happiness into lives’. That’s for our customers, our team, our pub partners, our suppliers and the communities in which we live, operate and serve. Founded in 1799 with offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk and Burton on Trent in Staffordshire we employ around 38,000 people across the group and operate three divisions including Managed Pubs, Pub Partners and Brewing & Brands. 

• Managed Pubs: Our Managed Pubs division brings together our best-known pub and restaurant brands nationwide, including Greene King pubs, Hungry Horse, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Flaming Grill. We offer great service, quality and value for a wide range of eating and drinking occasions. Ventures includes Hickory’s, Premium (Crafted Pubs & Metropolitan Pub Company) and Hotels, which operate independently of Greene King’s managed pub brands. 

• Pub Partners: Pub Partners runs our tenanted and leased pubs business and Hive and Nest franchise pubs. These options combine entrepreneurial independence with practical support, enabling partners to run successful local businesses within a market‑leading estate. We have c.1,000 leased, tenanted and franchise pubs. 

• Brewing & Brands covers the brewing sides of the business. Quality ales are brewed at the Westgate brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. Our industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best and our premium beers, Level Head and Hazy Day, brewed for the modern-day drinker.