Cumbrian breweries have won prestigious North West awards.
This year’s SIBA North West Independent Beer Awards celebrates the best independent breweries in the region and it has just revealed the winners of its bottle and can categories.
The winning bottled and canned beers will now go forward to fight it out with the best from across the UK in the national finals, taking place in the new year.
Over 90 gold awards, over 80 silver awards and over 70 bronze awards were handed out.
The SIBA Bottle & Can Independent Beer Awards 2024 are judged by experts from across the UK, with beers marked against internationally recognised style guides for the different beer award categories – looking at appearance, aroma, flavour, aftertaste and saleability.
Cumbrian brews were among category champions – the highest scoring awards.
They were:
- Keswick Brewing Co Ltd – Thirst Celebration (gold)
- Keswick Brewing Co Ltd – Dark Horse (gold)
- Cumbrian Ales – Vanilla Oatmeal Stout (gold)
- Lakes Brew Co – What’s the Buzz? (gold)
- Crooked River Brewing – Gluten Free Helles Lager (gold)
- Crooked River Brewing – Pacific Ale (gold)
- Jennings – Sneck Lifter (gold)
- Jennings – Cumberland Ale (gold)
- Wild Boar Brewery – Hog’s 54 (silver)
- Gan Yam Brewery – TAR (silver)
Silver
- Bowness Bay Brewing – Raven Red
- Bowness Bay Brewing – Swan Free
Bronze
- Crooked River Brewing – West Coast IPA
- Wild Boar Brewery – Mad Pig
Crooked River Brewing said: “Our achievements reflect a landmark year for the brewery, which – alongside Jennings – has contributed significantly to the resurgence of West Cumbria’s brewing identity.
“The two breweries also recently collaborated on a special release, showcasing our shared commitment to the region’s beer culture and the spirit of co-operation within the local industry.
“Crooked River and Jennings have experienced significant expansion and public interest.
“As the industry continues to evolve, Cumbria’s diverse mix of heritage breweries, modern craft operations, and emerging innovators appears set to keep the region at the forefront of the North West’s beer conversation.”


