John O’Groats Brewery team celebrating after competition success
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THE team at John O’Groats Brewery had plenty to celebrate after being awarded a bronze medal in an industry contest.
The brewery won the accolade for its oatmeal stout in the prestigious London Beer Competition, the first event of its kind the company had entered.
In order to receive this distinction, high scores were needed in three categories: quality, value and packaging.
One of the company’s directors, Simon Cottam, said they were “chuffed to bits” with the bronze award as the competition attracted entrants from around the world.
The brewery, located within the old fire station at John O’Groats, has three other directors – Andrew Mowat, Allan Farquhar and John Mainprize.
“It is important for us to get someone else’s opinion,” Mr Cottam said.
“It has given us confirmation that we are doing something well and gives us that boost to carry on. We chose this competition as it is known as one of the premier competitions for the beer industry.”
John O’Groats Brewery creates craft ales which are distributed across the north of Scotland by Sutherland Brothers. At present they produce three bottled beers, four main cask ales and some specials.
To celebrate the award the brewery is giving away a case of 12 beers in a competition on its Facebook page.
The goal of the London Beer Competition is to award and celebrate beers that beer buyers want to buy.
We chose this competition as it is known as one of the premier competitions for the beer industry.
CEO Sid Patel, of event organiser Beverage Trade Network, said: “The craft beer revolution has brought us many different styles, previously either unknown or re-found. Our judges have thoroughly enjoyed looking at and debating the many different entrants, looking at beers the way beer drinkers do.
"Yes, they professionally analyse the quality, but crucially make awards by adding appearance and value for money into the mix.”
