2019 has been a rewarding year for Stockport-based family brewers, Robinsons, who have secured no less than 18 respected awards for the quality of their bottled beers.
Gill Yates, Brands Manager for Robinsons Brewery, said, “In a market where there’s so many fantastic beers available, we’re delighted that ours continue to be recognised as award-winning.
'Our bottled ales have evolved a lot in recent years, from design and labelling to taste, and it’s great to see our younger brews such as One Eye’d Jack, Beardo, Mojo and Hopnik Citra IPA competing so well in such a tough market.
'One thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of quality and the fact that our heritage brands, like Old Tom, are still as popular as ever, even after 120 years, makes us very proud.”
Ten Robinsons’ beers were recognised amongst the best beers in the world at the 2019 Global Beer Masters, where beers were blind judged purely on taste by the finest palates in the world; a panel of beer experts, sommeliers and senior buyers. Beardo, Hopnik Citra IPA, Old Tom, Mojo, One Eye’d Jack, and Trooper (brewed in collaboration with Iron Maiden) all received Bronze medals while Unicorn Copper Ale (first brewed in 1896), Kettlehead Choc Stout, Light Brigade (brewed with Iron Maiden and Help for Heroes), and Mashout Pale Ale all scooped silver.
The 180-year-old brewers also performed well in the 2019 World Beer Awards; with Old Tom (first brewed in 1899) being crowned UK Country Winner (category Dark Beer, Barley Wine) alongside newcomer Beardo, UK Country Winner (category IPA, American Style) out of over 3,500 entries from more than 50 countries.
Martyn Weeks, Head Brewer for Robinsons, said, “We work hard to make sure our beers are as diverse as our customers. Whether visiting a pub or shopping at a supermarket, there’s a Robinsons beer for everyone and every occasion.
'From original recipe heritage brews that are more than 120 years old to spirited young beers that are new to the market, they all have one thing in common: quality. It’s a simple formula which has earned Robinsons real ale recognition for almost 180 years.”
Adding to the 2019 trophy cabinet, Robinsons’ Old Tom and Trooper beer won prestigious awards in the 2019 International Beer Challenge, with Old Tom receiving bronze in the New World-Style Barley Wine category (7.5% and up), and Trooper silver in British-Style Pale Ales and Bitters (4.1-5%).
Old Tom also lapped up Gold at the 2019 BBI Awards in the class of Stout, Porter or Dark Ale ABV 7.5% or above while Hopnik Citra IPA received a Diploma from the British Bottlers Institute in the IPA ABV 4.0% - 5.4% class, with both beers credited for their exceptional design and beer quality.
Finally, Robinsons picked up 2 gongs at the Great Taste Awards 2019; the world’s most coveted food and drink awards. Out of nearly 13,000 products from over 100 different countries, Old Tom was awarded the prestigious 3-star Great Taste award after leaving 'the judges speechless when they tasted it”, while it’s little brother Ginger Tom was highly praised for its “craftmanship” and received the impressive 2-star Great Taste award.