Cornish brewery Sharp’s has scooped no less than four honours at the International Brewing Awards (IBA), including two gold medals. Connoisseur’s Choice Spiced Red (9% ABV) and Cornish Coaster (3.6%) beers were both named best in class.

Spiced Red, a new addition to Sharp’s Connoisseur’s Choice range of premium bottled beers, won gold in the strong ale category. A highly popular offering from Sharp’s permanent portfolio, Cornish Coaster won gold in the category for cask ale 2.9% to 3.8% ABV.

Stuart Howe, head brewer at Sharp’s, said: “Every brewer dreams of getting an award at the IBA. It is the only brewing competition judged exclusively by professional brewers. The acid test of any profession or art is a panel of your peers.

“To scoop four medals, two of which are gold, makes you feel on top of the world because, essentially, you are! These awards, like the hundreds Sharp’s has won over the past few years, are testament to the excellence of our brewing team. Their passion and pride are instrumental in the continued success of the brewery both in the marketplace and in competitions.”

Sharp’s Special (5%), a multi-award winner over the years, claimed a silver medal in the category for Cask Ale 4.9% to 6.9% ABV. Quadrupel Ale 2011 (10%), which is also from the Connoisseur’s Choice range, won bronze in the strong ale category.

The IBA 2013 medals and trophies will be presented to the winners at Guildhall in the City of London on Wednesday, April 24.

This blog post is not by Wobbly Wallet but originally appeared on Beer Today: http://beertoday.co.uk/?p=12520