Driftwood Spars Brewery in St Agnes is celebrating national success after Alfie’s Revenge was awarded gold in the barley wines and strong ales category at the CAMRA Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition.

The award was announced at a ceremony in Liverpool last week. Originally created by late head brewer Pete Martin, Alfie’s Revenge has long been a standout in the Driftwood’s range.

Current head brewer Tim Lawrence said: “Alfie’s Revenge is one of our best-loved beers and a lasting tribute to Pete’s original recipe. It’s a real honour to see it recognised again at the Champion Winter Beer of Britain. To win gold in such a competitive category means a great deal to the whole team at the Driftwood.”

Driftwood Spars landlady Lou Treseder added: “We were thrilled when Alfie’s Revenge was named Supreme Champion Winter Beer of Britain back in 2012, and to see it take gold in its category again is fantastic. It’s testament to Tim’s brewing skill that the beer continues to stand out on the national stage.”

Alfie’s Revenge will now progress to compete for the overall Supreme Champion title at the Champion Beer of Britain finals in Cambridge this May.

A smooth, rich strong red ale with a deep malt aroma, Alfie’s Revenge has nutty and earthy malt flavours layered with sweetness and notes of dried stone fruit, balanced by gentle bitterness and subtle spicy red berry character. The finish is long, malty and fruity with a slightly dry edge.

The ale takes its name from a stuffed squirrel that once lived in the pub, regularly disappearing on local adventures before reliably returning until 2009, when Alfie vanished for good.

Alfie’s Revenge is available to buy direct from the brewery shop in St Agnes, or online at www.driftwoodspars.co.uk.