Champion Beer of Britain 2004 announced at the 'Biggest Pub in the World'
The Great British Beer Festival
Tuesday 3rd - Saturday 7th August, London Olympia

Pale Rider brewed by Kelham Island Brewery of Sheffield was today judged to be the best beer in Britain by a panel of brewers, beer writers and journalists.

The beer is described in the 2004 edition of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide as, 'A full bodied, straw pale ale, with a good fruity aroma and a strong fruit and hop taste. Its well-balanced sweetness and bitterness continues in the finish.'

The Sheffield brewed beer was chosen as the overall winner from over fifty finalists in eight categories including beers from tiny micros to major regional brewers.

Roger Protz, one of the finalist judges and Editor of the Good Beer Guide said, "The judges were struck by the superb balance of malt, hops and fruit. A wonderfully complex and refreshing beer."

Paul Ward, Head Brewer of Kelham Island Brewery said, "I'm gobsmacked. I thought the beer would do well, but to win is amazing. At only 31 years old what do I do now? Thanks to our great team at the brewery, Stuart, Richard, Dave 'The Driver', David Wickett our Director and all our customers at the Fat Cat pub in Sheffield."

The Silver award went to IPA from Greene King (Suffolk). Bronze went to Ironside from the Hampshire Brewery.

Pale Rider is certainly a harbinger of doom in my experience.

Well Done Kelham Island!

I must say that there are some striking similarities (and differences) between Pale Rider and Hopback Summer Lightning.

I dont care about all the acolades, although enormous congratulations to all down at the Brewery. The most important bit is that it's a belting pint of damned good beer. long may you prosper guys .....well done.

I must say Ive always been a little wary to try this beer, but I think i'll give it a go next time im in a place that serves it.

I once had to take a monday off work because of a sunday night on Pale Rider, strong stuff.
Well done Kelham Island!!!!

Anyone know where serves it?

The Devonshire Cat in town serves it. And it's always been flippin lovely. One of my all time favourite pints, and well worth the award. Top stuff :)

You can also get it in bottles in some of the supermarkets

Three merry lads - Lodge Moor sell it as well.

Its nice but i must say i prefer Moonshine from the Abbeydale brewery

Moonshine is all the beer anywhere needs to serve for my liking.

Fat Cat is the best place to drink the stuff- right next to the brewery.

Cracking pint, tho any poll that awards IPA second place is a bit suspect in my book.

Wonder where Absolution came?

The Dram Shop in Walkley stocks the Kellham Island beers.

The Fat Cat and The Devonshire Cat always serve them and The Banker's Draft often has Pale Rider as a guest beer.

Cheers for the pointers on where to get Pale Rider. Might have to do Pale Rider pub crawl. Hmm, Dev Cat, Bankers, Fat Cat, Three Merry Lads, then Dram Shop for afters. Gonna need a whole day!

mmm, that sounds quite like fun.....start at the dram shop tho, so that way i'll be closer to home when i try to stagger up the hill...

Urgh! Moonshine is the closest I have come to drinking fermented farts!

Pale Rider is tops though, my relatives all love it and they're Czech! Pity distribution doesn't stretch down to West London.

M

Mmmmm I love pale rider! I love most ales but that is normally the first pint I have if i'm in a pub that sells it.

I'm well pleased at this. :)

My only hope is that it now becomes as widely available as the 2003 winner, Caledonian Deuchars IPA...

Originally posted by Umeeksk
I'm well pleased at this. :)

My only hope is that it now becomes as widely available as the 2003 winner, Caledonian Deuchars IPA...

Which is also a cracking beer that seems to be universally available now. Great stuff, although less of a wallop at only 3.8%