Three beers brewed by the Farsons Brewery have once again been awarded silver and bronze medals at this year’s edition of the International Beer Challenge (IBC) Tasting Awards.

Cisk Lager and Cisk Excel Low-Carbohydrate Lager have been awarded Bronze and Silver respectively in the Lagers category, whilst Blue Label Ale, from the Farsons Classic Brews range, was awarded Bronze in the Ales Category.

The IBC Tasting Awards are established through a rigorous judging process, involving a highly controlled setting of blind tastings by panels of more than 70 respected and experienced industry experts ranging from retailers, importers, publicans, brewers, writers and flavour analysts.

“Being recognized and awarded by a prestigious international competition as is the IBC is an outstanding achievement and our brewers remain proud and resolute in their unwavering commitment to consistently delivering quality beers”, Mr Eugenio Caruana, the Chief Operations Officer at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc expressed.

Being a part of the IBC carries with it numerous significant benefits as an IBC medal is an internationally recognised symbol of quality.

Samples of cans, bottles and mini kegs are delivered to the judging area in groups of numbered tasting glasses to ensure the accuracy of the blind tasting. Each judge will assess products and aim at rewarding a well-made, interesting beer that deserves to be consumed. The variety of the beer is selected by the entrant and verified by the table captains. Each beer is blind tasted and awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold for its aroma, appearance, taste and finish or in some cases, no medal is awarded if the level is not achieved.

This year’s competition saw entrants from more than 30 countries, not just from brewing heartlands such as the UK, Germany, Belgium, the US and the Czech Republic, but also from emerging beer nations such as Bolivia, Paraguay, South Korea, Taiwan and Mongolia. 40 beers won gold medals, 130 won silver, while 188 won bronze.

“Our portfolio of beers has garnered several prestigious international awards over the years, and these latest awards from the IBC reinforce the pride not only of our brewers, but that of our entire workforce, especially when considering that we are competing with global brands. It is indeed a testament to true quality and consistency”, Mr Michael Farrugia, Deputy Chief Executive (Beverage Business) at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc continued.

Congratulations Farsons!