Warmley-based brewery Bath Ales has won another trophy for its beer – this time taking home silver from the national Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Winter Beer of Britain awards this week for its Festivity porter.
Coming second only to the overall Supreme Champion winner, Festivity was awarded the silver medal position
It is the fourth time the seasonal tipple has won an award. Its latest was presented at the National Winter Ales Festival in Derby based on votes by a panel of beer writers and judges.
The Winter Beer of Britain awards recognise the best of the best in terms of classic winter warmers – from thick, rich, dark porters and stouts, to sweet and strong barley wines. 
Bath Ales sales director Mark Harding said: “We are delighted to have taken home the silver medal. For Festivity to be recognised in this way is testament to the depth of flavour and character that has been so lovingly crafted by the Bath Ales brewing team.
“We only use the finest ingredients in our brewing, which is reflected in the quality of our beers. Our seasonal ales have always been very popular with drinkers.”
Bath Ales managing director Roger Jones added: “This achievement is further recognition of the progress we are making, and not just in terms of growth – this is evidence of the quality of what we do and given CAMRA is a consumer organisation it means regular drinkers are enjoying our beers”
“We were in great company in this category so to perform so strongly is a fantastic achievement.”
This award follows other successes for Bath Ales, including a gold medal for its flagship ale Gem at the International Beer Challenge 2014 in addition to the highly-coveted trophy for its category – Best Ale up to 5% abv.
Bath Ales Festivity is a specially-crafted porter with hints of rum combined with coffee and vanilla flavours. The old-style seasonal porter is brewed at 5% volume and marries perfectly with rich chocolate, beery or coffee desserts.
The winter ale is one in a line-up of seasonal ales released by the independent brewer. The current seasonal ale, available in bottle all year round and now on tap until April, is Golden Hare, a fresh, zesty ale. Following Golden Hare will be Summer’s Hare, a light, hoppy and refreshing ale brewed for the warmer months and after that, Forest Hare, a bitter, fruity tasting ale that embodies the deep flavours of Autumn.
The independent brewery, established in 1995, uses traditional brewing techniques with cutting-edge technology. It produces just over 20,000 barrels a year and has had its own bottling plant since 2007.
