Show of strength for Cornish brewery at Independent Beer Awards

The Driftwood Spars Brewery in St Agnes described themselves as ‘over the moon’ to win a Gold Award at the Society of Independent Brewer’s annual awards for the South West region.

Alfie’s Revenge was the judge’s choice in the competitive Strong Beer category, seeing off rivals from across the South West.

Mike Mason, who joined as Head Brewer in 2020, said: “Here at the brewery and across the road at The Driftwood Spars, Alfie’s has always been a firm favourite. I was keenly aware from the beginning that Alfie’s Revenge would be the barometer for my success at the brewery, so this award has that little bit more meaning for me.”

Alfie’s Revenge falls into the style of a ‘red beer’ and comes in at 6.5%; this strong, rich ale is a deep polished mahogany colour with chocolate and biscuit notes backed up by a big malt flavour (it’s brewed using Chocolate, Brown, Crystal and Roasted Barley malt as well as three different hops).

Perfect for this time of year, Alfie’s is best enjoyed with roasted and stewed meat dishes and game – in fact it’s a perfect drop to accompany the turkey on Christmas Day.

The beer is named after a stuffed red squirrel that used to live in the bar at The Driftwood Spars – Alfie went walkabout a few years back and hasn’t been seen since.

Louise Treseder, Brewery Owner and Landlady, said: “Alfie’s was a pet-project of our Founding Brewer, Pete Martin. Of all the unique beers he made he was most proud of Alfie’s, which won Champion Winter Beer of Britain in 2012.”

She continued: “It’s wonderful to see it still winning awards today, and I’m grateful to Pete’s successor Mike for staying faithful to the original recipe and continuing to brew this beer with so much care and attention.”

Alfie’s Revenge will now go on to compete in the same category at the national competition next year; the SIBA National Independent Beer Awards 2022 will be held at BeerX in Liverpool next March.

Meanwhile, Alfie’s Revenge has also been selected to be served at the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s Christmas Party, which is due to be hosted by the British Beer & Pub Association in Westminster this month.

Mike commented: “I won’t be able to join the party but I hope the attendees enjoy sampling Alfie’s. Wherever that stuffed squirrel is now, I hope he’s pleased with everything his namesake beer has achieved!”

The award-winning beer can be purchased online here, enjoyed in the bar at The Driftwood Spars, or bought by the bottle and case at the brewery shop.