To help unearth Britain’s best lager, Imbibe Live is teaming up with the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) to launch The Lager Challenge.
Lager in Britain is having its turn in the spotlight. For generations a speciality of our European neighbours and cousins across the Atlantic, today British brewers are just as likely to be creating the lagers that stop people in their tracks.
From sessionable elegant helles through to distinctively dry pilsners, lager is a style of beer that is tricky for brewers to master but easy for drinkers to appreciate.
For a chance to win a coveted seasonal listing at a selection of M&B’s top pubs, breweries of Britain are invited to enter up to three lagers currently available in can or bottle.
Five finalists will be chosen during Round 1, to do battle at Imbibe Live where the audience will decide the ultimate winner. Each finalist also has the chance to share their beers in the popular Hop & Apple Bar during Imbibe Live.
‘SIBA is proud to be working with Imbibe once more this year and looks forward to hosting the first round of judging at our Beer X event in Liverpool. Quality, independently brewed lagers are growing in popularity with beer drinkers and now is a great time to celebrate this much misunderstood and diverse range of beer styles,’ says the Association’s Neil Walker.
‘We want to see a broad variety of styles and sub-styles. From the old and the venerable through to the modern. Lagers which show wonderful brewing and a true depth of accomplishment,’ says chair of judges, Mark Dorber, The Anchor at Walberswick.
‘We were absolutely over the moon to win the Imbibe 2017 IPA challenge,’ says Christian Townsley of 2017 winners, North Brewing Co. ‘Getting past the initial round was in itself a huge achievement but to go on and beat 39 other finalists – I was left speechless. It has helped to elevate the beer’s name and our brand, and the M&B seasonal listing is another fantastic benefit to the award. We’re delighted we’ll be reaching such an audience.’
Round 1 judging is taking place at SIBA Beer X UK 2018, the UK’s biggest beer and brewing event, in Liverpool in mid-March. Dorber will be joined by an expert panel, including North Brew Co’s head brewer, Seb Brink.
Entries must be made online at www.imbibe.com/thelagerchallenge by 26 February 2018, and samples can be delivered any time from now until 2 March 2018.
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Editors’ Notes
- An essential date in the diary for drinks professionals, including buyers, managers, bartenders, publicans and sommeliers Imbibe Live enters its ninth year in 2018, taking place at London Olympia on 2-3 July and covering the entire spectrum of drinks categories.
- Visitors meet cutting edge exhibitors, network with key industry contacts and improve their drinks IQ with an unrivalled programme of masterclasses, tastings and theatre sessions.
- SIBA represents around 850 Independent craft breweries across the UK and acts as the voice of British brewing. As craft beer continues to grow in popularity SIBA’s “Assured Independent British Craft Brewer” initiative has helped to differentiate the beers from truly independent craft brewers, from those owned or brewed by the global brewers, making it easier for beer buyers and consumers to make informed choices.
- Press & Exhibition enquiries, including quotes and images: Amy Seabrook, amy@imbibe.com
- 2018 sees the return of the Beer & Cider Hub, with a collection of masterclasses from leading lights in the beer and cider world, including talks from Beer Ambassador, Mitch Adams, of Borough Wines & Spirits, and Cider Ambassador, Tom Oliver, of Oliver’s Cider & Perry.
- On the exhibition floor, The Hop & Apple Bar returns, with a range of smaller, boutique producers. See website.
Amy Seabrook Marketing Manager
Imbibe, Imbibe Live & SWA Reed Exhibitions Gateway House
28 The Quadrant Richmond TW9 1DN E: amy@imbibe.com T: 020 8910 7857