Recognition from IBC is an ‘outstanding achievement,’ says Simonds Farsons Cisk COO

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc Chief Operations Officer (COO) Eugenio Caruana has lauded the recognition from this year's edition of the International Beer Challenge (IBC) Tasting Awards as an "outstanding achievement" for the company's brewery.

This came after Cisk Lager and Cisk Excel Low-Carbohydrate Lager were awarded bronze and silver medals respectively in the Lagers category, while Blue Label Ale, from Farsons Classic Brews range, was awarded a bronze medal in the Ales category.

The IBC Tasting Awards are established through a rigorous judging process. This involves a highly controlled setting of blind tastings by panels of more than 70 respected and experienced industry experts ranging from retailers, importers, publicans, brewers, writers, and flavour analysts.

“Being recognised and awarded by a prestigious international competition as is the IBC is an outstanding achievement,” Mr Caruana said.

He added that the company’s brewers “remain proud and resolute in their unwavering commitment to consistently delivering quality beers”.

Michael Farrugia, Deputy Chief Executive (Beverage Business) at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, said: “Our portfolio of beers has garnered several prestigious international awards over the years, and these latest awards from the IBC reinforce the pride not only of our brewers, but that of our entire workforce, especially when considering that we are competing with global brands.”

He added that the awards are a “testament to true quality and consistency”.

Being a part of the IBC carries with it a number of benefits, with the competition both acknowledging the skills of the brewer, as well as acting as an “internationally recognised symbol of quality”, Farsons Group stated.

Samples of cans, bottles, and mini kegs are delivered to the judging area in groups of numbered tasting glasses to ensure the accuracy of the blind tasting. Each judge then assesses the products and aims to reward a “well-made, interesting beer that deserves to be consumed”. The variety of the beer is selected by the entrant and verified by the table captains. Each beer is then blind tasted and awarded a bronze, silver, or gold for its aroma, appearance, taste and finish. In some cases, no medal is awarded if the level is not achieved.