UK: Black Gold brand wins Champion Beer of Scotland

‘Black Gold’ (ABV 4.4%) from Cairngorm Brewery in Inverness-shire was named on June 16 as the Champion Beer of Scotland 2005 at the Scottish Traditional Beer Festival in Edinburgh, according to CAMRA communication. Described as an award-winning Scottish Stout with a rich dark colour, traditional smooth sweetness with underlying roast barley hints, it is a delicious cask ale.

CAMRA's Scottish Director Ken Davie said "This is more great news for Cairngorm Brewery following their victory last year with Tradewinds. The 2005 winner, Black Gold, is a superb Scottish stout and is a worthy winner of Champion Beer of Scotland. I am sure Cairngorm will be absolutely over the moon to have won this award for the second year running. They are worthy winners and are currently brewing some superb beers as is shown by the fact they were also runner up in this competition with their previous winner Tradewinds."

Trade Winds (ABV 4.3%) gained second place this year; a light golden coloured ale with high proportion of wheat and corn which gives it a clean fresh taste; on top of which there is masses of hop, fruit and citrus flavours with elder flower on the nose.

In third place was Black Cuillin from the Isle of Skye Brewery, described in The Good Beer Guide 2005 as ‘a complex, tasty brew worthy of its many awards. Full-bodied with a malty richness, malts do hold sway but there are plenty of hops and fruit to be discovered in its varied character. A truly delicious Scottish old ale.’

The Scottish Traditional Beer Festival is open Thursday 16th June from 4.00pm to 11.00pm; Friday 17th June from 12 noon to 11.00pm and Saturday 18th June from 12 Noon to 11.00pm at The Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh.

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