ALE enthusiasts flocked to Newton Abbot last week as the annual homage to the hop took place.

MaltingsFest  saw hundreds head to the marquees in Osbourne Park to sample some of the choicest brews at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) South West organised event.

Taking home the top two Overall Champion titles in South West Independent Beer Awards were Tavistock-based Stannary Brewing Company  and Hop Union Brewery from Bristol.

Stannary Brewing Company’s ‘Winnemucca’, a hazy double dry hopped New England Pale Ale, was named the best cask beer. 

In the separate keg beer competition it was Hop Union Brewery’s ‘Two Steppin’ India Pale Lager that took overall Gold.

‘In what was one of our most highly awarded competitions yet,’ said Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms and presenter of this year’s awards.

‘Huge congratulations to all of today’s winning brewers, and in particular Stannary and Hop Union who were named best-of-the-best on our final table Champions judging.’