Cairngorm brewery’s Black Gold (4.4 per cent ABV) has been crowned CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Scotland.

The session stout was described by judges as having a roast malt which dominates throughout, with a slight smoky aroma which led into liquorice and blackcurrant flavours for a subtle sweetness. The sweet background flavour is complemented by a very long, dry bitter finish. Four colours of malt are used to make the grist.

Cairngorm is no stranger to awards as Black Gold also won the Cask Session Dark Beers category of SIBA’s (Society of Independent Brewers) recent Scottish competition, and a silver in SIBA’s Overall Champion Scottish Cask Beer final.

The beer also took gold in CAMRA’s Winter Beer of Britain 2012 in the Stouts category. 

The Champion Beer of Scotland competition was held at the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival earlier this month. 

CAMRA’s Scotland director Stuart McMahon said: “Cairngorm brewery, which is based in Aviemore, is making some great beers at present. Black Gold was a very worthy winner, despite the strong competition from the other category winners. It is a very good example of a rich stout, with the strong roast and burnt malts to the fore, but with a lovely smooth, bitter but sweet aftertaste.” 

The silver prize went to Loch Lomond brewery’s Bravehop IPA and bronze winner was Swannay brewery’s Dark Munro.

Pictured: Ayrshire & Wigtownshire branch member and festival volunteer Fiona McIsaac with a pint of Black Gold.