By Isle of Wight Observer
Wight Knuckle Brewery, in Bembridge, has won a gold award for its pale ale.
The recognition came in the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Independent Beer Awards for the South East of England, after the beer’s appearance, aroma, flavour, aftertaste and saleability were assessed by a team of professional brewers and expert tasters who gave it 90 out of 100 marks.
Fergus Bristow, co-founder of Wight Knuckle Brewery, said “We are honestly blown away and delighted to receive this award. For a new brewery, only a couple of years old, this achievement is a testament to the work James, our Head Brewer, has done. Island craft beer has a huge amount to offer, and it is amazing to see our produce standing up against the best beers from the mainland.”
Neil Walker of SIBA commented: “The expert judging panel only gives awards where deserved, so the winners listed really are the very best beers in the region.”
The beer will now go through to the national competition with the winners announced in March.
The micro-brewery, based in the Pilot Boat Inn on Station Road in Bembridge, was founded in 2021 by brothers Fergus and Edward Bristow and dad, George. The small team aims to brew craft modern beers using the highest quality natural ingredients in a sustainable way and the company donates a portion of profits to local conservation projects and charities. All their beers are unfined, unfiltered, unpasteurised and 100 per cent vegan.