The Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition took place at the CAMRA Liverpool Beer Festival and the winners were announced on February 19. Overall gold champion from blind tastings was Beer Street (4.0% ABV), a rye bitter from London Brewing. Taking the silver second place was Black Gold (4.4%), a session stout from Cairngorm Brewery. In bronze position was Baltic Trader Export Stout (10.5%), an imperial stout from Green Jack Brewery. Judging panel co-ordinator Christine Cryne described Beer Street as: "A sparkling golden amber bitter, with spicy rye and roasty nose, having a sweet biscuit flavour, where the spicy rye notes increase and linger in the dry and slightly bitter finish. Very easy drinking." Each category winner will progress to the national final at the Cambridge Beer Festival in May, where they will compete for the overall Champion Beer of Britain 2026 title. LIVERPOOL ECHO