Brains’ Bayside lager scoops silver at UK Indie Beer Awards

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Bayside, the only lager produced by Brains Brewery, has secured a silver award in the keg session lager category at the UK National Indie Beer Awards in Liverpool.

The 4.3% ABV lager, brewed in Cardiff and inspired by classic lagers from around the world, has continued its recent run of success after previously winning gold at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Cymru’s inaugural Welsh beer competition in Haverfordwest last autumn.

That regional success saw Bayside progress to the national Indie Beer Awards, held at BeerX in Liverpool, where it competed against hundreds of brewers from across the UK.

The lager ultimately took silver in what is considered a highly competitive category, narrowly missing out on the top prize.

Organised by SIBA, the awards are judged by brewers and industry experts from across the UK and span 44 categories, ranging from home brewer recognition through to overall champion of the cask indie beer awards.

The event also proved to be a strong showing for Wales more broadly, with 11 independent Welsh brewers taking home awards across various categories.

Nick Payne, Managing Director at Brains, said: “To come away from BeerX with a silver award for Bayside will remain one of the highlights of our year, here at Brains.

“It’s never easy going up against the best in the business and being judged by your brewing and industry peers, and so to come away with a silver at these prestigious awards demonstrates the quality of our product.”

He added: “Huge congratulations to our brewing team here at Brains who have worked hard to hone Bayside into the crisp, great tasting lager it is today – and that’s not just me saying it, but some of the UK’s most respected industry figures also agree.”