For the second year in a row, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold has won Champion Beer of Britain. Crouch Vale’s website describes the beer as “pale, refreshing and hoppy beer with gorgeous aromas of tropical fruits.”

From the CAMRA press release:

The beer is described in the 2006 edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide as: “Honey-toned golden ale, with grapefruit sharpness offset by suggestions of melon and pineapple.”

The Essex brewed beer was chosen as the overall winner from over fifty finalists in eight categories including beers from tiny micros to major regional brewers.

Roger Protz, one of the finalist judges and Editor of the Good Beer Guide said: “It’s a tremendous victory for a brewery committed to its cask beer and richly deserved for this marvelous hoppy and fruity beer.”

Colin Bocking, Managing Director of Crouch Vale brewery said, “I am speechless. It was enough of a surprise to have won Champion Beer of Britain in 2005, but to have been voted Britain’s best beer for a second year in a row is truly unbelievable.

“Thanks to all the people who have supported the brewery over the years, especially those that have enjoyed this remarkable beer. This great news could not have come at a better time for us as we are in the middle of expanding the brewery.”

The Silver award went to Harveys brewery in Sussex for their Sussex Best Bitter. The Bronze was awarded to Triple fff brewery in Hampshire for Moondance.

Colin Bocking from Crouch Vale Brewery accepting this year’s Champion Beer of Britain Award.