CAMRA Press Release

For Immediate Release - 7th June 2007

NEW BREWERY JOINS EXISTING CHAMPION AS THE TOP BEER IN HAMPSHIRE

Southampton Beer Festival hosted the judging of the 10th Hampshire Beer of the Year competition. In previous years, Oakleaf Brewery's Hole Hearted has won four times and Village Elder from the former Cheriton Brewhouse twice. Other Hampshire beers Pots Ale, Dazed & Confused and Pride of Romsey have each won once.

For the first time in the competition's history, joint winners were announced with Swift One from Bowman Ales joining the current champion Hole Hearted from Oakleaf Brewery as Hampshire Beer of the Year.

Swift One was the first beer brewed by Bowman Ales and was launched in January this year. The beers are brewed at the newly-built brewery at Wallops Wood, near Droxford. Swift One is a 3.8% pale, golden and hoppy session beer, with a dry finish.

Hole Hearted is the 4.7% flagship bitter of Gosport's Oakleaf Brewery. It is brewed entirely with Cascade hops, which give it a powerful floral, citrus aroma. Oakleaf Brewery's beers also took third and fourth places in the competition with Maypole Mild and Blake's Gosport Bitter.

Judging took place on the Thursday evening of Southampton Beer Festival, organised by the Southern Hampshire branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. The judging panel included experienced beer tasters from the Hampshire branches of CAMRA, Margaret Bridle, landlady of the Guide Dog in Southampton (Southern Hampshire CAMRA's Pub of the year 2007) and Steve Lamond from Southampton University's Real Ale Society.

Customers can sample this year's winning beers, and up to 91 other beers from around the country at the Southampton Beer Festival, which has lunchtime and evening sessions on both Friday 8th and Saturday 9th June. The festival is being held at Southampton Guildhall.

For further information ring the festival organiser, Rob Whatley on 07985 194586 or visit our website https://www.shantscamra.org.uk/

Brewer Martin Roberts can be contacted at Bowman Ales on 01489 878110. The brewery's website is http://www.bowman-ales.com/

Brewer Ed Anderson can be contacted at Oakleaf Brewery on 023 9251 3222. The brewery's website is http://www.oakleafbrewing.co.uk/