The Black Sheep Brewery has scooped a top prize in the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) North East Region Beer Competition. The brewery took home gold in the ‘Standard Bitters’ class with its signature ‘Black Sheep Best Bitter.’
One of the country’s best-selling session beers, Black Sheep’s Best Bitter, bested competitors from across the region.
Best Bitter at 3.8% ABV, is brewed using only the finest quality ingredients, which includes Maris Otter malted barley, whole flower flower English hops and is fermented in the rare Yorkshire Square fermenting system.
SIBA is one of the most authoritative and respected bodies in the brewing industry after its formation in 1980.
Alan Dunn, head brewer at Black Sheep Brewery, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Black Sheep as SIBA is one of the most respected associations in our industry. Best Bitter is brewed with the finest ingredients and is a
perfectly balanced beer, and I am delighted it has been recognised as one of the best examples of it’s type. ”
Jo Theakston, sales and marketing director at Black Sheep Brewery, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded gold in such a prestigious competition. A lot of hard work goes into the creation of our beers, and making sure they are always in top condition. This award is a testament to the staff involved here at the brewery.”
“We would like to thank SIBA for recognising our great tasting Best Bitter, which is the biggest selling beer that Black Sheep produces, and we hope to collect many more awards in the future.”
ENDS
CONTACT: Paul White on 01325 363436
Photo caption: Black Sheep Brewery’s Head Brewery Allan Dunn with Sales and Marketing Director Jo Theakston
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Notes to Editors:
The Black Sheep Brewery in Masham made its first beer in 1992 after being built up by Paul Theakston, whose family had brewed in the area for six generations.
In a world of ever increasing bland, mass-produced beer Paul saw an opportunity to return to what his family had done best since 1827, making real beer in the time-honoured fashion.
An old maltings building, once part of Lightfoot’s Brewery became the Brewery’s home. This landmark building, which stands high over the banks of the Ure, had fallen in to disrepair as years of neglect as a semi-redundant grainstore had taken its toll. Paul assembled a small team around him to fight the rats and build a traditional country brewery.
The Black Sheep Brewery name derived from Masham’s association with sheep, but ‘Sheep Brewery’ didn’t quite sound right, so with a little creativity from Paul’s wife the Black Sheep Brewery was born, a name that sat well with the area, spoke volumes about the maverick attitude to the multi-nationals seeking to dominate the brewing industry and captured the essence of the family struggle that led to our birth.
Black Sheep Ale at 4.4% ABV, now in an eco-friendly lightweight bottle, continues to maintain its presence among the top ten premium bottled ale brands, and is available nationwide from virtually all the major supermarket retailers. It is a classic premium bitter and as with all Black Sheep beers, full of character derived from the best possible brewing materials, plenty of time and patience in the brewing and our very special Yorkshire Square fermenters.
Paul White MPRCA
Account Director
Account Director
T – 01325 363436
F – 01325 353471
Lingfield House
McMullen Road
Darlington
DL1 1RW
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Company registration number: 5900327
VAT no: 890 6526 96
VAT no: 890 6526 96