Kelburn Brewing Company’s Dark Moor has been awarded the title of ‘Champion Beer of Scotland’ for 2014 at the Scottish Real Ale Festival in Edinburgh. The winning brewery is based in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.

Dark Moor, a 4.5% ABV Old Ale, is described as ‘A dark, fruity ale with undertones of liquorice and blackcurrant.’  Dark Moor also achieved success competing in CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2013, taking Gold in the Old Ale/Strong Mild class and Bronze in the competition overall.

Runner up in this year’s competition was the Ayr Brewing Company’s (of Ayr, South Ayrshire) Rabbie’s Porter, while third place went to the Fyne Ales’ (of Cairndow, Argyll) Jarl.

Derek Moor, head of the family-run Kelburn Brewing Company, said:

‘We are delighted to win the Champion Beer of Scotland for the second time.  The growing number of excellent brewers in Scotland makes this award a testament to the hard work of everyone at Kelburn.’ 

A Kelburn beer previously received the Champion Beer of Scotland title in 2006, when Cart Blanche took top honours.

Owen Bell, Festival Organiser, elaborated on what made the Dark Moor a winner:

‘The judges all agreed that it is a very tasty beer, more than holding its own against hoppy Golden Ales, and has a strong Scottish character. The full, biscuity malt is expertly balanced with a delicate hop flavour.’ 

The competition was held at the Scottish Real Ale Festival, Edinburgh Corn Exchange, New Market Road, Edinburgh, For more information on the Scottish Real Ale Festival, please visit www.sraf.org.uk.