Panther Brewery’s Black Panther has been named CAMRA’s Best Bottled Beer in Norfolk 2015, as well as winning a Gold award in the Stout and Porter category. The comments from the tasters included: “a full, slightly smoky aroma”, “complex, with a roast and cherry liquor character”, “mellow and smooth”.
The Reepham-based microbrewery also took the top award in the Golden Ale section for its Golden Panther. Owner and head brewer Martin James said: “We are delighted to have won the awards as we have worked very hard at the oldest working brewery site in Norfolk to produce delicious ales that have bite.”
In the overall category, the Silver award was taken by Why Not Brewery, Norwich, with Chocolate Nutter, and the Bronze was awarded to Red Mill from Humpty Dumpty Brewery, Reedham.
Competition organiser Alan Edwards explained “The panel had to taste 44 entries from 10 of Norfolk’s many breweries. To gain the top award shows a well-crafted beer produced with care. The panellists were pleased with the variety of beers on offer; everyone found more than one beer to match their own style choice. This was the fourth year of the competition and again we were well served by our Norfolk breweries.”
Six breweries were award winners and the presentation will take place at The Leopard, Bull Close Road, Norwich on Monday 13 April at 8 pm.