Homebrewers and spectators from all over the UK gathered at the Castle Hotel, here by the sea in Aberystwyth, on 27th April to see which homebrew beer would be crowned champion in our unique tournament.

Inspired by the FA Cup’s luck-of-the-draw nature of pitting opponents against each other, the MASHED homebrew tournament put a thrilling spin on your usual homebrew competitions, which traditionally judge entries individually, based on the style of beer.

The tournament was judged by a total of ten beer fans and experts, including landlords and staff from The Castle Hotel, Bottle & Barrel and The Ship & Castle in Aberystwyth, and members from CAMRA Bae Ceredigion. While tasting 27 different homebrew beers (spanning 21 styles) might sound like the dream gig for a beer lover, the judges were forced to make hard decisions due to the high quality of beers in the competition. “There were some excellent beers in this homebrewing tournament…and it was a pleasure for our members to help with the judging”, commented CAMRA Bae Ceredigion on social media.

After five tense knock-out rounds the trophy and a £200 voucher from MASHED & Dark Farm Homebrewing was won by MASHED reader, and previous contributor, David Clough from Cornwall with his Black IPA, Duke. The CAMRA Bae Ceredigion judges considered Duke “a fantastic beer and a worthy winner”. Clough, who had travelled from Penzance for the event, was surprised to clinch the trophy: “I never expected to win, I just wanted to get through the first round. So progression was an exciting bonus”, he says. “The pressure’s on, I suppose, to defend my crown! Everybody was so friendly, despite the competition, it was a real pleasure”, he adds.

“There’s a clear spirit of generosity amongst beer fans and homebrewers.”

- Gareth Davies

Putting this unusual twist on a homebrew competition was the genius idea of MASHED & Dark Farm Founder, Gareth Davies. “We wanted to turn the traditional homebrew competition on it’s head and make it a more spectator-friendly occasion, as well as being a challenge for the homebrewers”, he says. “The feedback we have received since the event has been incredible, and we’re excited that so many contestants came to Aberystwyth to see the tournament. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support we’ve had, both locally and throughout our MASHED community. There’s a clear spirit of generosity amongst beer fans and homebrewers.”

My main highlight was meeting the competitors and audience in real life; many of whom have been long-time subscribers. And it was fantastic to see people come together for a few beers after the competition, and to exchange brews the next morning at MASHED HQ. Next year we’ll definitely be arranging an after party to allow our MASHED community to swap some beers, sample the entries, and have a catch-up. 

Cheers again to everyone who took part, came to the event or volunteered their help. Especially our amazing judges and our two brilliant compères, Tony and Eoin. You guys are epic! 

THE 2024 CONTESTANTS

Richard Taylor: “Just a Few PPM aka Juicy McJuice Face” (NEIPA)

David Clough: “Duke” (Black IPA) WINNER

Richard Hill: “Unhopped Ale” (Gruit)

Sam Clayson & Kyle McLoughlin: “Doppel Trouble” (Doppelbock)

Lawrence Dooley: “Campfire” (Rauch bier)

Matt Everar: “Red Sky (at Night)” (Irish red ale)

Paul Willis: “Das Bier” (German Pils)

Andrew Bradshaw: “On the Lash-oof!” (Strong Belgian blonde) RUNNER-UP

Jack Baber: “Amber Ale-Chemist” (American amber)

Mark Hopkins: “2nd Cousin Sam” (American porter)

Mark Sanderson: “Snowdrop” (Kölsch)

Brian Tomlinson: “Pyjama Game” (Fruited white IPA)

Josh Rowe: “Delic-ious” (New England IPA)

Keith Dacey: “Prince of Darkness” (Spiced Porter)

James Littlewood: “Palm Tree Pale” (American pale ale)

Lucky Cat Collective: “Garage Passion” (Contemporary-Style Gose)

Dave Parry: “One-Legged Dave (O.L.D.)” (American Pale Ale)

Mark Roberts: “Liquid Onyxity” (Imperial / double stout)

Johann Delport: “Chasing The Sun” (Gose)

Ben Lester: “A mile and a half on a bus takes a long time” (Saison)

David Goddard: “CTRL ALT DRINK” (Altbier)

Stuart Watkins: “3 Bean Stout” (Strong oatmeal stout)

Stuart Betts: “Purple” (Infused milk stout)

Tristan Robinson: “Modron” (Black IPA)

Aled Murphy: “Rising Sun” (American amber)

Angelo Testa: “John Wit” (Witbier)

Ian Benfell: “Czech Point Charlie” (Czech Dark Lager)