The Orkney Brewery has taken home no less than six prizes, including three golds, from the prestigious Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Scotland Independent Beer Awards, held in Glasgow last night (6 November).
The brewery’s speciality Dark Island Reserve was voted Overall Champion of the cask competition, after earlier winning gold in its category at the event.
Taking gold in the Cask British Dark Beers (up to 4.4%) section of the competition was the brewery’s Red MacGregor, while its Raven Ale secured the top spot in the Bottle/Can British Bitter (up to 4.4%) category. Raven also took a bronze in the Cask British Bitter section.
Meanwhile, Orkney Brewery’s Skull Splitter ale won a silver in the Cask Strong Beers (6.5% and over) category of the competition.
Judged by brewers and beer experts, the SIBA awards are very much seen as the ‘brewers’ choice’ in the industry.
Craig Steven, commercial manager for the Orkney Brewery, was on hand to collect the awards.
He said: “This has been a remarkable night for the Orkney Brewery, with these awards particularly welcome given the quality and experience of all the independent brewers present. Our success, which is down to the hard work of all of our team, also comes at a great time as we celebrate 30 years of the Orkney Brewery. We have now received 14 awards this year, which matches last year’s haul, and we see that achievement as further testament to our consistent and meticulous brewing methods.”
Reflecting on the success of Dark Island Reserve, the brewery’s managing director, Norman Sinclair, added: “With the Reserve, we create a stronger bespoke brew of Dark Island, which after a long and gentle fermentation is finished in oak casks that once held mature Scotch malt whisky. We believe it to be a genuine best in class in this style, something that’s been recognised by no less than seven gold medals in just over a year at various competitions. This latest success is hugely welcome and we’re extremely proud that this premium product continues to fly the flag so well for Orkney.”
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Norman Sinclair, managing director,
Sinclair Breweries Ltd.
Tel: 01667 404 555.
Issued: Wednesday 7 November 2018