Glad tidings for coastal microbrewery

A microbrewery specialising in handcrafted beers has scooped a haul of regional awards this month, bringing early festive cheer to one corner of the Cornish coast.

The Driftwood Spars Brewery at Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, won two Golds and a Silver at the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) South West Regional Awards; one of their beers will now progress to the national finals set to be held in Liverpool next March. 

The SIBA Awards set out to “represent the very best beer from the UK’s independent brewers and are judged by fellow brewers and industry experts.”

Codename Robin, an Imperial Gingerbread Stout, won Gold in the Speciality and Flavoured Beer category; presented in a 750ml sharing bottle, this seasonal ale has become a Christmastime tradition for small-batch beer aficionados.

Featuring rich molasses and gingerbread notes on the nose followed up by a smooth, roasty dark chocolate flavour, Codename Robin has a unique, lingering gingerbread finish to compliment the malt sweetness.

Mike Mason, Head Brewer at The Driftwood Spars Brewery, said: “These awards are hotly contested between SIBA brewery members, so this is brilliant recognition from our peers in the industry.”

He continued: “We’re especially excited that Codename Robin, an experimental beer first brewed for Christmas 2020, will go through to the national finals. It really hit the mark and has built a cult following in subsequent years.” 

Also winning Gold at the regional level – this time in the Amber, Brown & Red Ale category – was Alfie’s Revenge, a strong, rich ale with a beautiful deep polished red colour.

Named after a legendary stuffed squirrel which was mischievously liberated from the bar at The Driftwood Spars brewpub many years ago, and has been MIA ever since, Alfie’s has a big malt flavour, with prominent chocolate and biscuit notes.

Finally, Midnight Skinny Dipper from the Cove canned range of contemporary beers was awarded a Silver in the competitive Stouts & Porters category.

This smooth, rich milk stout was inspired by local myths and legends of late-night shenanigans in a moonlit Trevaunance Cove.

At this time of year when midnight sea dips are far from recommended, it’s the perfect fireside sipper to keep off the chill.

All the award-winning beers will be available to enjoy at The Driftwood Spars, the brewery’s co-joined brewpub in Trevaunance Cove, over the festive season.