A celebrated beer from Dudley has claimed national acclaim after being voted the second-best ale in the country at the prestigious Great British Beer Festival.
‘Snowflake’, a strong barley wine crafted by the Sarah Hughes Brewery in Sedgley, secured the silver medal on the opening day of the five-day festival, which is being held in Birmingham for the first time. Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the event is Britain’s largest celebration of real ale and is expected to draw more than 60,000 beer enthusiasts from across the UK.
The accolade comes just two months after the passing of John Hughes, the beloved figure who revived the Sarah Hughes Brewery in honour of his grandmother, Sarah. The win is seen as a touching tribute to his legacy and the rich brewing heritage of the Beacon Hotel pub where the brewery is based.
Snowflake, an 8% ABV barley wine, was commended for its complex character, described as having a “fruity, spicy nose and rich, smooth, sweet palate with orange and spicy notes, and balanced bitterness.” This marks the second national CAMRA recognition for Snowflake this year, having already earned silver and best in category at the Great British Winter Beer Festival.
The top prize at the event went to Penzance Mild, a smooth auburn ale known for its grainy malt, coffee, chocolate, and dried fruit flavours.
Ricky Follos, manager at the Sarah Hughes Brewery, expressed pride in the win and the continued recognition of the brewery’s craft. Snowflake’s success is not only a victory for the Black Country but also a testament to the region’s brewing excellence and enduring cultural influence in the UK’s beer scene.
