We are pleased to announce the winners following the judging of 50 beers* in the Dry Drinker Cheers Awards 2018. Judged by a panel of 8 independent industry experts, in a blind tasting, the Winners by category are:

Winner: Ales and Beers

Bernard Amber

Winner: Lagers

Baltika

Winner: Pilsners

Rothaus Pils

Winner: Pale Ales

Adnams Ghostship

Winner: Porters and Stouts

Big Drop Chocolate Stout

Winner: Wheat Beers

Mikkeller Drink’in The Sun

Winner: Fruit and Flavoured

Franziskaner Bloodorange

Highly Commended

Beers judged to be highly commended were:

• Wellbeing Hell Raiser
• Thornbridge Big Easy
• Furstenberg Frei
• Big Drop Citrus Pale Ale
• Jever Fun Pilsner
• Krombacher Weizen 0.0%

Overall Champion

Our Overall Champion as declared was Mikkeller Drink’in The Sun

Stuart Elkington, Founder of Dry Drinker said,
“As the company with the widest range of non-alcoholic beers in the UK, we thought it would be fun to ask some industry experts what they thought. Also, to give new customers some ideas of drinks they might like to try to start with.”

The judging panel consisted of:

• Claire- Beer Sommelier from Everards Brewery
• John- Director from Nethergate Brewery
• Harry- Retired Director of Quality Assurance, Molson Coors
• Chris- former Brewing and Brands Director, Greene King
• Vicki- Operations Director, Castle Rock Brewery
• Giles- Commercial Manager, Everards Brewery
• Paul- Secretary of the Parliamentary Beer Club
• Colin- Managing Director, Castle Rock Brewery

As one panel member said, “our eyes were opened to a bigger range and better quality of non- alcoholic beers than we expected. It was an impressive line-up with something for everyone”

Dry Drinker will be making the winners available in a Champions Box, so customers can order the winners altogether.

We would like to thank the judges for making this event fun and informative and Castle Rock Brewery for lending the use of their excellent Hop Loft at the Swan in the Rushes in Loughborough.

*all beers judged were 0.5% abv or less

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As we have expanded our range of beers and lagers of 0.5% ABV and less, we have developed a unique portfolio of products for our customers. Our pick your own mixed cases allow you to choose and sample from this range, and of course our pre-picked recommendations are always there to help.

Some beers are produced by major European and UK Brewers and some by smaller independent businesses, who are excited to be making and promoting low and zero alcohol products and who are making a genuine impact on society.

All the alcohol free drinks we sell are produced with the same high level of care and skill as their alcoholic cousins, but are so often looked at as an afterthought in awards ceremonies. Here at Dry Drinker, we felt it was time to champion these products and shout from the rooftops about how good some of them can be. What better way then to get an independent panel of brewing and industry professionals to judge the widest range possible to give you some guidance and to celebrate this remarkable market.

So why Cheers Awards?

When we get together for a drink, whether non-alcoholic or not, we traditionally toast each other with a “Cheers!” We are effectively wishing each other “Good Health” – as the French do with their “Santé!” and the Germans with their “Prost!” By taking the alcohol-free option, we make a step towards a healthier option, with reduced calories and none of the alcoholic toxins. So what better way to celebrate a convivial drink with friends, than choosing from our range of proven winners!

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash