Beer Tasting Competition 2026

We were delighted to hold our 12th annual Beer Tasting Competition at Brewers’ Hall recently.

On 15 September, we welcomed teams from across the brewing industry for this popular event which has been challenging participants' beer knowledge since 2013. This year's competition was organised by Hook Norton Brewery, who took on the role of quiz masters after winning last year's contest.

Teams faced eight blind beer tastings, answering questions on style, flavour, bitterness, colour, ingredients and origin, before identifying each beer. From traditional ales and lagers to modern craft favourites and speciality brews, the challenge tested both sensory skills and brewing expertise. 

Congratulations to the team from Arbor Ales (pictured above), who emerged as this year's champions. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was the performance of Dame Alice Owen's School, whose team (pictured below) secured an outstanding second place ahead of many seasoned brewing professionals. Five Points Brewing Company completed the podium in third place.

We are very grateful to Hook Norton Brewery for designing and running a challenging but fun quiz, and to all those who took part. We look forward to seeing who will claim the trophy next year.