The International Brewing Awards, the world’s oldest brewing competition, is expanding its reach with the addition of two new categories for ciders, to be introduced for the 2013 competition in response to requests from brewers and cidermakers .
The Awards open for entries on 1st August this year and judging takes place in February 2013 in Burton-upon-Trent. With the additional categories set to extend the appeal of the competition, organisers Brewing Technology Services are confident of receiving close to 1,000 entries.
The two cider categories are for apple cider and for cider incorporating other fruit, juices or flavours and both are divided into classes based on ABV, as are the beer categories. Bill Taylor, chair of judges, said, “The judging committee thought long and hard before introducing the cider categories. We believe the introduction of cider reflects market changes and maintains links with the traditions of the competition, which originally included beverages other than beer.
“The International Brewing Awards hold a unique reputation within the global brewing industry and we needed to be completely sure that any changes will preserve the integrity and relevance of the competition.”
At the same time as announcing the changes, the judging committee has confirmed the categories for the 2013 Awards:
- Smallpack Lager
- Smallpack Ale
- Keg Lager
- Keg Ale
- Non and Low Alcohol Beer
- Dark Beer
- Strong Beer
- Speciality Beer
- Cask Conditioned Ale
- Apple Cider
- Cider with other fruit, juices or flavours
The entry fee for the International Brewing Awards is £150 (+VAT at UK rate) per beer – the same as in 2011. Also retained from 2011 is the duty suspension, meaning that no entrant will have to pay duty on beers or ciders they submit to the competition. Brewers and cidermakers can register their interest in the competition and receive an entry form after 1st August, via the Awards website: www.brewingawards.org
Sponsors for the 2013 Awards are: AB Vickers; Murphy & Son; BFBi, Institute of Brewing & Distilling; New Zealand Hops; Simply Hops; Anton Paar; Micro Matic; British Guild of Beer Writers; drink Technology + Marketing; All Party Parliamentary Beer Group; Publican’s Morning Advertiser; Briggs; M F Refrigeration; National Brewery Centre and Rankin Brothers & Sons. The Japan Craft Beer Association is once again a partner to the event and will encourage its members to enter.
ends-
Notes to editors
The International Brewing Awards are structured into eleven categories, each sub-divided into between two and four classes. Details of categories and classes for the 2013 Awards are available on the website www.brewingawards.org
The first competition was held in 1886, within The Brewers’ Exhibition (later known as BREWEX) at The Agricultural Hall in Islington (now the Business Design Centre). It later moved to Earl’s Court, then to the Birmingham NEC before moving to Burton Town Hall in the mid 1980’s.
Issued on behalf of: International Brewing Awards
By: ShielPorter Communications
Further information: Ros Shiel
07841 694137 / ros@shielporter.com