The 180-year-old family brewery, Robinsons from Stockport, is celebrating after winning a haul of six medals at the 2018 British Bottlers Institute Beer Awards.
Organised by the British Bottlers Institute (BBI), who were founded in 1953, the annual awards saw more than 160 beers across 15 categories independently blind-judged by a panel of experts and industry professionals.
The results revealed that six of Robinsons’ bottled beers were recognised as award-winning. Ginger Tom and Trooper both excelled winning gold awards for their exceptional quality liquid and advanced design. Ginger Tom was awarded in the category of ‘Stout, Porter or Dark Ale, abv 5.5% - 7.4%’, with Trooper winning Gold in the category of ‘Ales with an abv between 4.5% - 4.9%’.
These highly-respected awards follow on from a very successful 2017, in which Robinsons won no less than 20 prestigious awards for their selection of outstanding quality beers. From the liquids to the design and branding, Robinsons’ has continued to maintain its prominence in the market.
Ed Binsted, BBI President, commented, “For the fifth year running Robinsons of Stockport have gained many awards at the 2018 BBI Drinks Competition. In the blind tasting they won two Golds, two Silvers and two Diplomas for Excellence. Every year the number of entries to the competition increases and to win this number of medals is a real pat on the back for the team.”
“The astonishing success of Trooper in the competition very much mirrors the success of the brand, selling well over 20 million pints since it was launched five years ago is testimony of the brewing skills at the brewery. Trooper has won an award in every BBI Competition since the brand was launched which demonstrates great brewing consistency.”
Trooper, which celebrated its 5th birthday earlier this year, has won multiple Gold medals since it was launched in May 2013, as well as picking up prestigious awards at the World Beer Awards, Global Beer Masters, and International Beer Challenge. The 4.7% Premium British Beer has firmly establishing itself as a top 40 UK beer brand, whilst also becoming a leading player amongst exported British Ales, having been sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
Ginger Tom, infused with Chinese bruised ginger root and botanical extracts, also won a string of valued awards in 2017, including being named country winner for its exquisite taste in the World Beer Awards, Gold at the 2017 BBI Awards out of 179 contestants, Bronze for taste at the 2017 Global Beer Masters, and a further Gold for its sweet and fiery taste at the International Beer Challenge.
Martyn Weeks, Head Brewer for Robinsons Brewery, said, “We are really pleased to have won so many awards for our beers. We have a very committed and passionate team at our brewery in Stockport, who put a lot of effort into making sure the quality and flavours of our beers are just right, so I’m delighted their dedication has been recognised with these awards.”
Results also revealed Robinsons’ 119-year-old Old Tom, and Co-Op Golden Ale, both secured highly respectable Diploma awards; with Old Tom in the category of ‘Ales with an abv of 7.5% and above’, and Co-Op Golden Ale in the category of ‘Ales with an abv of 4.0% - 4.4%’.
Robinsons’ and Iron Maiden’s newest brew Light Brigade, together with Beardo IPA – a full bodied golden IPA with intense, complex flavours of citrus and grapefruit – both triumphed and won Silver awards for their captivating taste and branding, with Light Brigade in the category of ‘Ales with an abv of 4.0% - 4.4%’ and Beardo taking the lead in the class of ‘Indian Pale Ale with an abv of 5.5% - 7.4%’.
Light Brigade exists as the newest golden ale from Robinsons and British rock legends Iron Maiden, developed in support of Help for Heroes; the British charity that provides recovery and support for the Armed Forces community whose lives are affected by their service. 6p of each pint and 5p of each bottle sold will be donated directly to the charity.
Gill Yates, Brands Manager for Robinsons Brewery, said, “We are all extremely proud of our beers, especially Ginger Tom and Trooper for winning gold. We brew a wide variety of beers and each one is very special to us. These medals show the high quality we have across our range and we’re thrilled they have been given the recognition that they deserve.”
Robinsons will be presented with their awards and certificates at the annual BBI dinner on Thursday 1 November in London.
Robinsons range of award-winning bottled beers can be found at selected Morrisons, Asda, Sainsburys, M & S, and CO-OP stores in the North West and the UK.