Brewers are invited to enter their beers to the International Brewing Awards. Around 1,000 beers and ciders are expected to enter the competition, with judging taking place in February 2015 in Burton-on-Trent. Last year’s contest attracted entries from brewers and cider makers in 50 countries and awarded more than 100 medals and trophies to winners from 25 countries.

Bill Taylor, group technical director at Lion and chair of judges for the Awards, said, “We’re pleased that the 2015 competition is now open and confident that it will again be wholeheartedly supported by brewers and cider makers.

“The number and diversity of beers and ciders submitted to last year’s competition demonstrated the popularity of the awards among the global brewing and cider community, as does the willingness of respected brewers and cider makers to serve as judges in the competition.”  A panel of around 40 judges, all commercially active brewers and cider makers, is being recruited from around the globe.

Ruth Evans, director of Brewing Technology Services, which organises the competition, said, “Most of our industry supporters have been with us since our start in Burton, and we’re grateful for their loyalty.  Our awards clearly command a lot of esteem, and affection, among the global brewing fraternity and we look forward to repaying that by staging another successful competition next year.”

The entry fee for 2015 is £160 (+VAT at UK rate) per beer or cider, with no duty payable on entries due to duty suspension. Entries to the competition close on 31 December 2014. For more details and to enter, visit www.brewingawards.org

31 December 2014:    entries close

30 January 2015:        deadline for beers and ciders to arrive in Burton-upon-Trent

10-12 February 2015: competition judging

12 February 2015:      medal winners announced

29 April 2015:              Championship Beer & Ciders announced, Guildhall, London