The national awards program for Scottish brewing has launched its 8th annual competition which promises to continue to promote the growing range of high-quality Scottish beers available.
The Scottish Beer Awards is Scotland’s largest competition of its kind with a large judging panel which assesses around 300 beers from approximately 30 breweries every year.
The awards are sponsored by ALDI who, with their strong commitment to the Scottish brewing sector, will continue to promote the competition’s finalists and winners in store.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director for ALDI in Scotland commented:
“We are proud to continue championing the Scottish brewing industry at Aldi with a new monthly Beer of the Month feature in store. This new promotion will give us a more frequent showcase of the many high-quality beers that are brewed in Scotland and allows us to offer breweries a high profile and exclusive position on our shelves across the country.
“As we announce our continued headline sponsorship of the Scottish Beer Awards, everyone at Aldi wishes all the entrants every success and look forward to celebrating the diverse range of high-quality beer developed and brewed in Scotland throughout the coming year.”
The judging will be chaired for the 8th year by Hilary Jones, Chair of the Judging Panel, commented:
“The Scottish Beer Awards, now in its eighth year, has made a significant contribution to the Scottish brewing industry. These awards have provided a great opportunity to recognise the sector's inventiveness, creativity and value to the Scottish economy and its communities.
“The blind tasting competition keeps on demonstrating that the quality and range of beers brewed in Scotland is second to none. Reviewing the written entries is especially rewarding as they give the judges real insight into the businesses who create the best beers - these categories allow the people behind the products to be recognised for their values, and responsible strategies within their communities.
“I am honoured to be chairing the panel of eminent judges again this year, and we all look forward to reviewing the stories behind the brands and the products presented by our great Scottish breweries."
Taste Categories:
- Best Juicy or Hazy Beer
- Best Fruit Forward
- Best Strong Beer (above 6.5%)
- Best Amber or Dark Ale (3.5%-7.0%)
- Best Session Beer
- Best Low Alcohol Beer (0. 2.8% ABV)
- Best Pilsner
- Best Lager
- Best Pale Ale
- Best IPA (5.6%-7.4%)
- Best British Style Ale
- Best Porter or Stout (up to 6.4%)
- Best Sour Beer
- Best Barrel Aged Beer
- Best Double or Triple IPA (7.5% and above)
Business Categories:
- Best Beer Destination
- Scottish Small Brewery of the Year
- Scottish Brewery of the Year
- Product Development Team of the Year
- Excellence in Marketing
Breweries have until Wednesday 10th May 2023 to complete their submissions. For more information on the 2023 programme including the category line-up, entry guide and terms and conditions go to the Scottish Beer Awards website.
The winners will be announced at the Scottish Beer Awards celebration which will take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Glasgow Central on Thursday 14th September 2023. The awards will again support the BEN, the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland.
For details on available sponsorship opportunities, please contact julie@kdmedia.co.uk
Product Delivery Details:
Taste Categories: Please deliver 18 x 330ml / 12 x 500ml / 12 x 440ml of each entered beer to the 02 Academy, Edinburgh on Friday 19th May. There will be no other delivery days available this year.
Small Brewery of the Year: Please deliver 6 x 330ml or 4 x 500ml of three products to product delivery day marked Small Brewery of the Year.
Please deliver to the O2 Academy Edinburgh on Friday 19 May 2023 May 2023 during the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm. An event manager will meet you. A maximum of three beers per category per brewery will be accepted.