The SIBA Scotland Independent Beer Awards, a showcase of the remarkable diversity in Scottish beer styles, crowned Orkney Brewery and Fyne Ales as the “Best of the Best” at Indie Beer Scotland 2024.
Orkney Brewery’s Dark Island Reserve, a 10% whisky-barrel-aged porter, claimed the overall cask beer gold. Its “big bold flavours of fruit, spice, oak and roast malt,” complemented by a delicate whisky finish, impressed the judges. Craig Steven of Orkney collected the award on behalf of his team, stating, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be at the SIBA Awards. All our beer is crafted on the island and then competes against the great Scottish breweries here. Winning the overall champion cask beer is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our 30-year journey.”
In the keg beer awards, Fyne Ales’ “Pinc” from their “Origins Project” (a venture into mixed-fermentation and sour beers) emerged as the overall gold winner. This Belgian saison-style base beer, aged with a blend of grape pomace (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir), raspberries, apple juice, and gooseberries, creates “an aromatic, fruity and subtly acidic beer inspired by rosé wine.” Jamie Delap of Fyne Ales exclaimed, “We’re absolutely thrilled to win. Attending Indie Beer gives us a great chance to interact with the industry and witness the finest Scottish beers. With so many excellent beers, this win is truly cherished.”
The beer is the first entry from Fyne Ales Origins Project’s new head brewer Dan Wye into a SIBA competition. Jamie added, “Dan has been performing exceptionally well, and I’m delighted that one of his beers received recognition from the judges on the first attempt.”
The SIBA Scotland Independent Beer Awards involve blind tastings by expert beer judges, sommeliers, and master brewers from across the UK. Winners of each beer-style category progress to a final judging panel to determine the overall Champion Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Neil Walker, SIBA head of comms and presenter of this year’s award in Glasgow, said, “The quality of entries this year was truly remarkable. Festival attendees were treated to the best of Scottish independent brewing. Heartiest congratulations to all the winners, especially Orkney and Fyne Ales, our Overall Gold Champions.”
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