The deadline for Golden Pints nominations has passed and the Beer Monkey (Hannah) has gone through the painstaking task of compiling the results (thanks!). You can find them here. There aren't many surprises, though thought I'd take a closer look at breweries of the year. (NB only top placed breweries are mentioned)
Kernel 11 votes
Magic Rock 7 votes
Summer Wine 7 votes
Buxton 3 votes
Fullers 2 Votes
Marble 2 Votes
Hawkshead 2 votes
Adnams 2 votes
Thornbridge 1 vote
Otley 1 Vote
Red Willow 1 Vote
Dark Star 1 Vote
Grain Brewery 1 Vote
Fyne Ales 1 Vote
Its telling that the top four breweries are of the new breed of hop-forward brewers, with very few traditional breweries making the list at all, with the notable(and deserved) exceptions of Fuller's and Adnam's who have developed some interesting beers in recent years earning their place on the list. Kernel won British Guild of Beer Writers Brewer of the year this year and it seems that there will be no slow down in 2012. Promotion of beer via Twitter has seen both summer wine and magic rock reach a wider audience than perhaps they would have through traditional channels.
I've heard of all bar Grain brewery (now following) and with the exception of Red Willow tried a number of the beers. Plenty for 2012 still though!
I can't help but think there must be some excellent breweries that have slipped through the cracks. If you think there are others we should look out for then say so below!
