Beer author and filmmaker Jonny Garrett has been named Beer Writer of the Year 2022 at the Guild of Beer Writers’ Annual Awards, presented on 23 November.
Beer Writer of the Year is the top accolade in the Guild’s annual competition for communication about beer and pubs, which this year received 190 entries across 16 categories – the highest number ever, and matched with a record prize fund of £19,500, shared between 27 Gold and Silver award winners.
On his way to the top honour, Garrett won Gold Awards in the categories for Pub Communications, Books and Video Communications – the latter with Brad Evans, his co-presenter on the Craft Beer Channel on YouTube. His book, A Year in Beer, was published earlier this year by CAMRA, and he also contributes regularly to beer magazines and websites such as Good Beer Hunting. Garrett has been named Beer Writer of the year once before, in 2019.
Pete Brown, chair of judges for this year’s Awards after taking the Beer Writer of the Year title in 2021, said, “Choosing an overall Beer Writer this year was exceptionally hard, but Jonny was the judges’ choice because of the range of his work, from print articles to website posts, films and a new book. Whatever he does, he has complete mastery of his topic, thanks to painstaking research, and is able to communicate it to beer nerds or a generalist audience. If we ever get a beer programme on mainstream TV, Jonny should definitely make it!
“We were impressed by the standard of submissions across the board this year. The knowledge, energy and passion shone through entries whether newspaper columns, blog posts, books or films. Several winners tonight are relatively new to beer and pub writing, proving that our robust judging rewards talent, not time served.
“Everyone who received an award or a commendation should be extremely proud; they really are the cream of British beer writing in 2022 and we wish them all success in their future career communicating about beer, pubs and cider.”
The Guild revised its Awards this year, splitting the previous Broadcast category into Audio and Video sections and introducing new Awards for Best Communication about Diversity in Beer and Pubs, and for Best Communication about Cider, following the decision to include cider writing within the Guild’s remit.
Brown was joined on the judging panel by Mitch Adams, Beer Sommelier and beer buyer at Euroboozer; Molly Davis, head of communications at the BII; Claire Dodd, travel and drinks writer; Matt Eley, communications consultant and former editor of Inapub magazine; Fergus Fitzgerald, production director at Adnams; Kelly McCarthy CBII, licensee of the Old Sun Inn in Yorkshire; John Mitchinson, co-founder of crowdfunding publishers Unbound; Ned Palmer, cheesemonger and author and Michelle Perrett, industry journalist and communications expert.
The Brewer of the Year title, sponsored by SIBA, was presented to Andy Parker, founder and head brewer at Elusive Brewing, who won the highest number of votes in a poll of Guild members.
Presenting the Award, Guild Chair Emma Inch said: “Andy’s passion for brewing shows in every beer he produces, and what ends up in the glass is always a shining example of its style. He hasn’t forgotten his homebrew roots, running an annual competition that gives the winner a platform to brew their own beer, and benefit from his time and knowledge as a mentor.”
The winners were announced at the Guild’s annual dinner held at One Great George Street in Westminster. Each dish was served with a specially selected drink: Asahi Fuller’s Honey Dew; Little Pomona Wading In Cider; Geipel Bock; Bohem Amos; Thornbridge Jehanne and Adnams Broadside. Beers from some of the Award’s sponsors– Asahi UK, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, Greene King, Heineken, Krombacher, Shepherd Neame, St Austell Brewery, VisitFlanders and SIBA – were enjoyed before and after dinner.
AND THE WINNERS WERE…
SIBA Award for Brewer of the Year
Andy Parker, Elusive Brewing
Guild Award for Best Corporate Beer Communications
Winner: Untold Agency for Republic of Beer campaign for Budweiser Budvar UK
Guild Award for Best Citizen Beer Communicator, sponsored by Krombacher
Winner: Oli Haydon for www.youtube.com/user/pintsizedthinking
Award for Best Beer Business Communicator
Winner: Stephen Beaumont for articles in Just Drinks
Best Communication about Pubs, sponsored by Shepherd Neame
Winner: Jonny Garrett for films on cask ale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHv4ebfo4mc
Silver: Alastair Gilmour for articles in Meet and Drink: The Microbus, Gateshead (review) (meet-and-drink.co.uk)
Highly Commended: David Jesudason for articles in Good Beer Hunting and Pellicle
Award for Best Communication about Beer & Travel, sponsored by VISITFLANDERS
Winner: Lily Waite for articles in Pellicle You Had Me At Hello — The Salutation Inn at Ham, Gloucestershire — Pellicle (pelliclemag.com)
Silver Award: Dan Saladino for chapters from his book Eating to Extinction
Award for Best Communication about Sustainability in Beer and Pubs, sponsored by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company UK
Winner: Anthony Gladman for articles in Ferment and IBD
Silver Award: Mark Dredge for articles in Ferment
Award for Best Communication about No and Low Alcohol Beers, sponsored by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I
Winner: Laura Hadland for blog articles https://www.extremehousewife.com/2022/01/low-alcohol-ale/
Silver Award: Jane Peyton for Food Talk Show https://foodtalk.co.uk/podcasts/dry-drinker-january/
Award for Best Audio Beer Communicator, sponsored by Asahi UK
Winner: Eoghan Walsh for A History of Brussels Beer in 50 Objects — Brussels Beer City
Silver Award: Jane Peyton for articles on Food Talk Show https://foodtalk.co.uk/podcasts/wish-you-were-beer/
Guild Award for Best Video Beer Communication, sponsored by St Austell Brewery
Winner: Jonny Garrett & Brad Evans for Craft Beer Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52nl1Fh6qnQ
Silver: Danny Savage for pub stories broadcast on BBC News
Award for Best Newcomer to Beer Communication, sponsored by Fuller Smith & Turner
Winner: Reece Hugill for article in Pellicle: I Want To See Mountains Again — The Banked Beers of Teesside, North East England — Pellicle (pelliclemag.com)
Silver Award: Ashley Joanna for articles in Belgian Smaak The Sage (Humans of Belgian Beer) | Belgian Smaak
Award for Best Book about Beer or Pubs, sponsored by Heineken UK
Winner: Jonny Garrett for A Year in Beer (CAMRA)
Silver Award: Jaega Wise for Wild Brews
Highly Commended: Em Sauter for Hooray for Craft Beer
Best Beer Communicator, Regional Media, sponsored by Adnams
Winner: Alastair Gilmour for articles in Meet and Drink Battlesteads, Wark (meet-and-drink.co.uk)
Silver Award: Ashley Joanna for articles in Belgian Smaak The Adventurer (Humans of Belgian Beer) | Belgian Smaak
Highly Commended: Breandán Kearney for articles in The Brussels Times Magazine
Award for Best Communication about Diversity in Beer and Pubs
Winner: David Jesudason for various articles including: https://www.pelliclemag.com/home/2022/4/18/disability-pubs-and-taprooms-the-invisible-barriers-preventing-diversity-in-british-beer-culture
Highly Commended: Ruvani de Silva for various articles including: How ‘Ladies Who Lager’ Is Changing Perceptions of Women as Brewers in India | VinePair
Award for Best Communication about Cider, sponsored by Inch’s Cider
Winner: Gabe Cook for Modern British Cider
Silver Award: James Crowden for Cider Country
Award for Best Self-Published Writing about Beer
Winner: Eoghan Walsh for articles on Brussels Beer City: Where are you from? // Brussels Beer Project launches their Lambic brewery — Brussels Beer City
Highly Commended: Mark Dredge for work on beer flavours https://www.beerdredge.com/post/the-beer-flavour-wheels-why-and-how
Highly Commended: Beth Demmon for her Prohibitchin’ blogs April Dove Is Brewing A New Community – by Beth Demmon (substack.com)
Award for Best Commissioned Beer Writing, sponsored by Greene King
Winner: David Jesudason for various articles including The Triumphant Story of Britain’s Desi Pubs – Gastro Obscura (atlasobscura.com)
Silver Award: Jemma Beedie for various articles including The Connemara: Irish pub culture in wine country (beer52.com)
Highly Commended: Will Hawkes for various articles including: Black by Day, Red by Night — Mild Ale and the Industrial Heartland Where It Never Died — Good Beer Hunting
The Michael Jackson Gold Award for Beer Writer of the Year 2022: Jonny Garrett
-ENDS-
Issued on behalf of: British Guild of Beer Writers
Further information: ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137
Notes to editor:
The British Guild of Beer Writers was formed in 1988 to help spread the word about beers, brewing and pubs. With close to 300 individual members and 60+ corporate members, its mission is “to improve the standards of beer writing and improve the public knowledge of beer and pubs.” Its members include the cream of the country’s beer communicators – be they journalists, authors, bloggers, producers, photographers, broadcasters, illustrators or PR consultants. Corporate members of the Guild include brewers, brand owners, distributors, pub companies, and many suppliers associated with the brewing trade. www.beerguild.co.uk
The Guild is grateful to the following sponsors, whose support makes possible our annual awards and dinner.
Adnams
Established in 1872, Adnams combines innovation with tradition. Behind the walls of its Victorian-looking building, it has some of the most advanced and energy-efficient brewing equipment in Europe and constantly experiments with new, innovative techniques. Adnams brews a range of quality beers which reflect its heritage but also challenge conventions. The brewer uses locally-grown East Anglian grains of malted barley, rye, wheat and oats wherever possible and deploys a number of different hop varieties from Britain as well as across the world – all of which contribute to their beers’ individual characters. Adnams retains the values of an independent, family run business with a strong commitment to and leadership in sustainable business practice.
Asahi UK
Asahi UK is home to an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands, including category leaders in the UK. The range includes international brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the No.1 Super Premium lager in the UK with every drop brewed in Italy; Japan’s No.1 beer, Asahi Super Dry, encouraging consumers to discover the taste of Karakuchi; and the recently relaunched firm favourite for the UK, Grolsch. A portfolio to be envied which also includes local heroes: Fuller’s London Pride, Meantime, Dark Star and Cornish Orchards. Asahi UK’s focus is on elevating experiences for our customers and consumers through innovation, unrivalled service and offering brands with undeniable quality and provenance. Asahi UK believes that every business has a responsibility to understand and act upon its environmental impact and we continuously work towards sharing more information with our suppliers, customers and consumers about both the footprint of our beers, and how we are working to reduce it. Our place in the local community is highly valued and we strive to ensure that we are always making a positive contribution to the communities in and around our UK Breweries. For more information on Asahi UK and parent organisation, Asahi Europe International visit www.asahibeer.co.uk.
Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I
Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I is a proud part of AB InBev, the global brewing company which began life more than 600 years ago in a small brewery in Leuven, Belgium. We are passionate about brewing great beers and are here to champion Britain’s iconic beer culture, from barley farmers to pubs and retail. As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Here in the UK and Ireland, our beer is brewed with 100% natural ingredients, using only British barley from local farmers, at our breweries in South Wales and Lancashire. From the farms where barley for our beer is grown, through to brewing, and all the way to the pubs and shops where our drinks are sold, we are committed to making and delivering the most loved drinks portfolio in a way that protects our planet and the people in it.
We support pubs and beer-lovers in the UK and Ireland, as we continue to build and support long-lasting relationships with our pub partners and others across the hospitality sector. We also recognise the inherent social role that responsible beer production and smart drinking can play in society and are committed to fostering a culture of smart drinking in the UK through our Global smart drinking goals as we continue to expand our portfolio of no and low alcohol beers.
Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I is committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Our diverse portfolio of well over 500 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois and Corona; international heroes like Beck’s, Leffe and Hoegaarden, our local champions Bass and Boddington’s and craft superstar Camden.
In the UK, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I employs 1,400 people in our three breweries in Magor, South Wales, Samlesbury, Lancashire and Enfield, North London and in our local headquarters in Central London, all united by our passion for brewing the best beer. We’re building a company and supporting communities to last, which means we grow in a sustainable and responsible way that benefits us and all our communities.
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) is a joint venture between Carlsberg UK and Marston’s PLC, combining over 300 years of shared values, history and heritage in UK brewing. CMBC offers customers an enviable portfolio of lagers, ales and craft beer brands from the best of two master brewing teams, plus beers under license from valued partners. These include lagers such as Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, Carlsberg Expørt and Poretti; premium cask and packaged ales, including Hobgoblin, Marston’s Pedigree, Tetley’s, Wainwright and 61 Deep; brands under license including San Miguel, Estrella Damm, Shipyard, Erdinger, Warsteiner and Kirin; a broad selection of alcohol-free beers; plus distribution of the Brooklyn Brewery and London Fields Brewery craft portfolios.
Our founders were driven by an ambition to brew for a better today and tomorrow. Over 170 years later, we continue to pursue the same purpose. We want to contribute to a better society wherever our beers are brewed and sold, and that includes taking a lead on sustainability. It is central to our purpose, and we also believe it’s the right thing to do – bringing clear benefits to our business and to society as a whole.
Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC
Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC is the premium pubs and hotels business that is famous for beautiful and inviting pubs with delicious fresh food, a vibrant and interesting range of drinks, and engaging service from passionate people. Fuller’s has 208 managed businesses, with 1,030 boutique bedrooms, and 178 Tenanted Inns. The estate is predominately located in the South of England (44% of sites are within the M25) and stretches from our London heartland to the Jurassic Coast via the New Forest. Our Managed Pubs and Hotels include 16 iconic Ale & Pie pubs, seven stunning hotels in the Cotswolds, and Bel & The Dragon – eight exquisite country inns located in the Home Counties. In summary, Fuller’s is the home of great pubs, outstanding hospitality and passionate people, where everyone is welcome and leaves that little bit happier than they arrived.
Greene King
Brewing in Bury St Edmunds, the home of Greene King, dates back 1000 years to the day of the Doomsday book and in 2019 our two historic breweries, Westgate in Bury St Edmunds and Belhaven in Dunbar celebrated a combined brewing heritage of 520 years. With a diverse range in our beer portfolio, from pale ales to craft beers and from bitters to stout one thing is for sure, our passion for brewing top quality, delicious beer is as strong today as all those years ago. We are proud to be a sponsor of the Guild of Beer Writers Awards, a wonderful celebration of our national passion for great quality British beer, the writers who challenge the brewers and the brewing industry who continue to drive innovation in beer.
HEINEKEN UK
With over 2,000 passionate people, some of the nation’s most loved beers and ciders, 2,500 pubs, thousands of acres of orchards and three UK breweries, there’s more to HEINEKEN than the name above the door. Our portfolio of brands includes Heineken®, Brixton, Lagunitas, Birra Moretti and Red Stripe, backed by a full range of niche and speciality brands. We are also proud to work in partnership with Beavertown Brewery.
As long term supporters of the British Guild of Beer Writers, we truly believe in the power of storytelling – whether that be through the written word, a podcast, or a photograph. And we are proud to be sponsoring once again.
Inch’s Cider
Inch’s Cider is made with apples grown within 40 miles of the mill in Herefordshire and is one of the newest ciders in the HEINEKEN cider family.
Krombacher
Krombacher is Germany’s largest brewery in family ownership. Ever since 1803 our beer has been exclusively brewed in the picturesque village of Krombach, strictly according to the German Purity Law of 1516.
A Krombacher Pils has just four wholesome and natural ingredients: Felsquellwassser, the pure spring water from the Rothaar mountain range; two-row summer barley; Siegel hops and Krombacher’s own specially cultivated yeast. All of our brewing processes are natural. No chemical or artificial substances are introduced into the beer at any stage. We use the latest technology to ensure consistently high quality, and employ efficient, low-energy production techniques that respect the well-being of humankind and nature. No wonder that Krombacher Pils is enjoyed more often than any other premium Pilsner beer in Germany. But at the end of the day we rely on the artistry, experience and passion of our Master Brewers.
Krombacher brews a portfolio of premium beers, including Pils, Hell, Dark, Weizen, Unfiltered, Pils 0.0% and Weizen Non-Alcoholic.
Shepherd Neame
Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager and premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
SIBA
SIBA represent around 750 independent craft brewers across the UK and are the voice of British independent brewing. With their ‘Assured Independent British Craft Brewer’ seal, SIBA champion quality, flavoursome beers from independent craft brewers, as well as protecting the businesses of thousands of breweries across the UK through Government lobbying and campaigning in Parliament.
St Austell Brewery
Independent St Austell Brewery has been brewing beer in Cornwall since 1851. Most famous for its flagship pale ale, Tribute, St Austell Brewery’s range of award-winning beers – also including Proper Job IPA and korev lager – are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.
The business owns and operates over 170 pubs, inns, and hotels across the West Country – including managed houses and tenancies – and two breweries St Austell and Bath. With a network of six depots across the West Country – from St Columb to Wimborne – St Austell is the leading wholesale distributor of beers, wines, spirits, ciders, minerals, and soft drinks in the region.
VISITFLANDERS
VISITFLANDERS represents the Dutch-speaking, northern region of Belgium, a country that has been synonymous with amazing beer for decades. Famous for our extensive range of beer styles, the region boasts a brewing heritage dating back to the 12th Century. Attracting beer lovers from all over the world, Flanders is also home to an enviable array of great beer venues, from cosy bars and traditional ‘brown’ cafés, to brewery taps and festivals held in stunning heritage locations; no wonder that our rich brewing and beer traditions make Belgium the only country where beer culture is officially recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage listing.