Have you ever wanted to help decide the Champion Beer of Britain?
The Worcester Beer, Cider & Perry Festival 2026 is looking for volunteers to join our blind tasting panel for the Barley Wines & Strong Ales category of CAMRA’s national competition to find the best beer in the land.
Whether you’re an experienced CAMRA judge, a brewer, or simply enjoy quality real ale, we’d love to hear from you.
As a Judge You Will:
- Taste and score a selection of Barley Wines and Strong Ales.
- Assess each beer on appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste.
- Work alongside a friendly panel led by an experienced CAMRA tasting panel chair.
No Previous Judging Experience?
No problem! Full guidance and support will be provided on the day. Ale!
What Are Barley Wines & Strong Ales?
This category includes beers of 6.5% ABV and above, ranging in colour from gold to black. They are renowned for their rich malt character, warming alcohol and full-bodied flavour.
Barley Wine
- Gold to tawny in colour.
- Rich, complex and full-bodied.
- Flavours of honey, toffee, marmalade, ripe or dried fruit.
- Smooth warming alcohol with medium to strong bitterness.
- Mature examples may develop wine-like (vinous) notes.
Blond Strong Ale
- Yellow to dark gold.
- Strong malt character with honey notes.
- Dry to sweet with warming alcohol.
- Light to medium bitterness.
- Rich and satisfying finish.
Dark Strong Ale
- Brown to black.
- Rich malt flavours with chocolate, coffee and dark fruit.
- Smooth warming alcohol.
- Light to medium bitterness.
- Full-bodied with excellent complexity.
How to enter the competition:
Simply answer the five questions below and email your answers to competitions@festival.worcester.camra.org.uk
1. Which famous sauce, first produced in Worcester, is named after the city?
- A) HP Sauce
- B) Worcestershire Sauce
- C) Brown Sauce
- D) Piccalilli
2. Which river flows through the centre of Worcester?
- A) River Avon
- B) River Severn
- C) River Wye
- D) River Teme
3. What does CAMRA stand for?
- A) Campaign for Modern Real Ale
- B) Campaign for Real Ale
- C) Campaign for Regional Ale
- D) Campaign for Responsible Alcohol
4. Which annual festival celebrates real ale, cider and perry in Worcester?
- A) Worcester Food Festival
- B) Worcester Beer, Cider & Perry Festival
- C) Worcestershire Drinks Festival
- D) Severn Ale Festival
5. Traditionally, what fruit is used to make perry?
- A) Apples
- B) Plums
- C) Pears
- D) Cherries
We’ll announce one winner each day over the next four days.
❗️Entries close on 6th of August.
The Prize
Each daily winner and one guest will receive:
- 🍺 A place on the Champion Beer of Britain – Barley Wines & Strong Ales judging panel on Thursday 13 August 2026, arriving at 10:30am.
- 🎟️ Entry for both the winner and their guest to the opening session of the Worcester Beer, Cider & Perry Festival 2026 following the judging.
This is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes, taste some exceptional beers and help select the Champion Beer of Britain in one of CAMRA’s most prestigious categories.