A real ale made by South Woodham's Crouch Vale Brewery has been declared the best in England At the prestigious Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) awards held at London's Olympia this week, Brewers Gold was awarded gold in the best bitter category and silver in the overall supreme champion section, beaten only by a Scottish beer.

"We are chuffed," said sales manager Olly Graham. "This is our best award to date. Last year we won silver for best bitter, but this year we have really done it."

Judges went wild over the fruity and sweet ale, which the Redhills Road brewery has been producing for three years

Olly said: "One or two said they were impressed with the aroma, clarity and drinkability of the ale

"Brewers Gold is quite modern in style. A lot of lager drinkers like it and a lot of ladies, who often seem to have slightly sweeter palates, like it too."

The accolade means even more because it is CAMRA members who have to nominate the ales, said Olly.

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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