Elland brewery’s 1872 Porter (6.5 per cent ABV) has struck gold and been crowned the best in the country after winning CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Beer of Britain competition.

The 1872 Porter was crowned at this year’s Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), following a rigorous and hard-fought competition. The beer has been CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain four times previously, the most recent win was this year.

Champion Beer of Britain co-ordinator Christine Cryne said it was a deserving champion, despite incredibly strong competition.

She described the beer as a ruby black porter, with chocolate and caramelised fruit flavours with a hint of black toffee on the nose. The judges enjoyed its smooth mouthfeel with a finish that is roasty and dry. A satisfying and remarkably easy drinking porter.

Elland brewer Rob Thomas said: “It is absolutely unbelievable to win this accolade, we really didn't expect it. For a team of three people to win the supreme award is fantastic. There is a real passion for more traditional styles and for a very good reason, they taste fantastic!

"The beer is steeped in history with the recipe dating back more than 150 years. We thrive on these sorts of styles and this is testament to what people enjoy drinking: steeped in history, tradition while embracing innovation.

"Since lockdown, we have faced many challenges and difficult times and this is testament to our small team and our unwavering loyalty to succeed. We passionately believe in our products and people do get excited to try everything we make, we are incredibly proud to take home the crown."

Green King’s Abbot Ale (5 per cent) took silver and was described as a classic premium bitter with typical fruit hops and malty throughout.

Bronze was awarded to Salopian’s Darwin’s Origin (4.3 per cent). It impressed judges with citrus, earthy hops and a flavour that starts fruity and fades into a pleasant bittersweet finish.

CAMRA’s national director responsible for the competition Laura Emson said: “Congratulations to Elland brewery. As ever, it was a highly competitive final, with the judges having a difficult decision to make.

“Congratulations to all the finalists – it really shows the wide range and amazing cask beers which are available for all to enjoy.

“Huge thanks to all the competitors for taking part and to the judges who had a tough decision to make! It is a real honour to be part of this competition and to see how much hard work, professionalism and dedication goes into producing the best of the best.”

Pictured from left: Elland brewing director Joe Francis, sales marketing director Scott Hutchinson and brewer Rob Thomas

Who won what

Mild
Gold: Harvey’s Dark Mild
Silver: Bank Top Dark Mild
Bronze: Church End Gravediggers

Session bitter
Gold: Salopian Darwin’s Origin
Silver: Timothy Taylor Landlord
Bronze: Mighty Oak Captain Bob

Premium bitter
Gold: Greene King Abbot Ale
Silver: Glamorgan Jemima’s Pitchfork
Bronze: Batemans XXXB

IPA
Gold: Bragdy Twt Lol Diablo Dragon
Silver: Loch Lomond Bravehop
Bronze: Thornbridge Jaipur

Session pale, blonde, and golden ales
Gold: Swannay Island Hopping
Silver: Oakham Inferno
Bronze: Salopian Oracle

Premium pale, blonde, and golden ales
Gold: Baker’s Dozen Electric Landlady
Silver: Blackedge Kiwi
Bronze: St Austell Proper Job

Champion Winter Beer of Britain
Gold: Elland 1872 Porter
Silver: Robinsons Old Tom
Bronze: Dancing Duck Dark Drake

Champion Bottled Beer of Britain winners
Gold: Green Jack Baltic Trade
Silver: Hobsons Dhustone Stout
Bronze: Five Kingdoms McGregors Mild

Champion home brewer
Gold: Patrick Davies, Magnificent Frigate Strong Mild
Silver: Richard Roseblade, Golden Dragon
Bronze: Mark Robatham, Old Claire