Cheers for Northern Irish brewer in International Brewing Challenge

Whitewater Brewing Company, Northern Ireland's biggest craft brewer, has won three medals in the recent International Brewing Challenge in London.

The company gained a silver medal for its Belfast Lager in the Lagers category and two bronze medals in the Ales category for Hoppelhammer, a recently launched hoppy beer, and Clotworthy Dobbin, among the first beers brewed by the artisan company.

Based in the foothills of Northern Ireland's picturesque Mourne Mountains, Whitewater is continuing a longstanding brewing tradition and is now developing business in key European markets. It was awarded the medals in a competition that attracts entries from around the world

Silver medallist Belfast Lager (4.6%ABV) is described as a crisp continental style lager with a very smooth finish and distinct bitterness. It was listed in the Top 50 World Beers in 2008. Hoppelhammer (6%ABV) India Pale Ale, blends strong hop and fruit flavours and was launched last year as speciality ale for winter evenings. Clotworthy Dobbin (5%ABV) s a rich ruby porter style beer, with a distinct hop flavour with fruit and toffee.

The brewery has also gained Great Taste Awards from the UK Guild of Fine Food for its beers and recently completed an extensive investment in new production and storage facilities to support its growth strategy focusing on business outside Northern Ireland.

The company produces bottle conditioned beers and ales and also supplies products in kegs to customers throughout Ireland.

The craft business was formed in 1996 by master brewer Bernard Sloan and provides beers and ales to major retailers as well as restaurants, hotels and bars.

Mr Sloan says: "Winning medals in such a prestigious as the International Beer Challenge is a marvellous endorsement of the quality and originality of our lagers and ales.

"The medals will be immensely helpful as we seek to expand sales in all our existing markets and in others that we are targeting for sustainable growth. We are currently dealing with inquiries for parts of Europe and have interest in the products from the US."

The International Beer Challenge entries were judged by a high profile panel of experts chaired by Jeff Evans, an internationally recognised writer on beers and ales including guides for the Campaign for Real Ales.

The challenge is the industry's most important competition and is internationally recognised quality yardstick.