A HOME brewer from Penzance has been crowned champion in a unique homebrew competition held in Aberystwyth.

The judges described David Clough’s creation as a “fantastic beer and a worthy winner”.

Spectators and homebrewers from around the UK gathered at Aberystwyth’s Castle Hotel to see which homebrew beer would take the honours in a tournament organised by Welsh homebrew company Mashed. 

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 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 local Aberystwyth hotels.  

After tasting 27 different homebrew beers, spanning 21 styles, the judges were forced to make hard decisions due to the high quality of beers in the competition.  

After five tense knock-out rounds the trophy and a £200 voucher was won by David with his Black IPA, Duke, brewed in Cornwall by Underground Brewery.

David, who travelled all the way from Penzance to attend the event, was surprised to clinch the trophy.

He said: “I never expected to win, I just wanted to get through the first round. So progression was an exciting bonus.

“I’m planning ahead now for next year - the pressure's on, I suppose, to defend my crown! Everybody was so friendly, despite the competition, it was a real pleasure.” 

Tournament organisers Mashed, who publish a homebrewing magazine of the same name, is run by husband and wife team, Gareth Davies and Yohanna Best.  

“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,” said Davies. “The feedback we have received since the event has been incredible, and we’re excited that so many contestants came to see the tournament.

“The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support we’ve had from our community in Aberystwyth. There’s a clear spirit of generosity here.” 

Local homebrewers can to pre-register for next year’s tournament by visiting: bit.ly/MashedTournament