After a record number of entries, Gareth Young from Glasgow has been announced as the winner of the National Homebrewing Awards with his 5.6% Saison.
Organised by specialist craft beer pub company, The Craft Beer Co. the award means that Gareth, a tutor in philosophy at the University of Glasgow, will now go on to brew his beer commercially with leading UK Micro Brewer, Dark Star Brewing Co. and walk away with a £5000 cash prize.
Commenting, The Craft Beer Co. MD, Martin Hayes, said: "Last year's winner, Andy Parker, used his cash prize to start his own brewery which launches later this year, something we're all really excited about. The inspiration behind these awards was two-fold; to recognise the excellent home brewers that are out there and to maybe help one of them take the next step to brewing commercially."
Martin added: "I was once again blown away by the standard of entries to the competition, as were the judges who comprised of our very own Tom Cadden, leading beer writer, Pete Brown and representatives from Magic Rock, Beavertown Brewery and Dark Star Brewing Co."
Magic Rock's Richard Burhouse, added: "The quality of entrants was excellent, there was a lot of creativity on show and only a small percentage were poorly executed. The best of the beers were genuinely great beers that I'd have been happy if we'd have produced. On this evidence the UK home brewing scene is in really good health."
Winner, Gareth Young, added: "I can still hardly believe I've won. The quality and variety of beer being made by home brewers in the UK right now is astonishing, so I'm absolutely delighted to have my Saison picked as the winner from so many excellent beers.
"I still haven't decided what I'm going to do with the money, but I'll probably get myself some space-age home-brewing equipment and a big, purple fur coat. I'm also super excited to brew at Dark Star, which has been a favourite brewery of mine for years."
The 2015 champion beer brewed by Gareth Young, is a Belgian-style Saison, described by him as a: "Pale amber/orange colour, with a slight haze and a white head. Aroma of apricot, pineapple, orange sherbet and Parma Violets. Light, spritzy carbonation and a dry, gentle finish."
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