Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore has secured one of the biggest honours in British brewing after its Wildcat ale was named Silver winner at CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Beer of Britain 2026 competition.
The award places the Highland brewery among the very best cask beer producers in the UK following an intensive judging process regarded as one of the toughest and most respected in the brewing world.
Wildcat, a premium bitter with an alcohol content of 5.1 per cent, also secured Gold in the Premium Bitter category during the competition.
The Champion Beer of Britain award, organised by Campaign for Real Ale, is considered the highest recognition available within British cask brewing and is judged entirely through blind tastings.
The process spans two years and begins with nominations from CAMRA members before progressing through regional competitions and national judging rounds.
Cairngorm Brewery also enjoyed further success with its well known stout Black Gold winning Gold in the Session Stouts and Porters category.
Black Gold has already built a strong reputation after previously winning Champion Winter Beer of Britain in 2025 and securing Champion Beer of Scotland titles on four occasions.
Managing Director Samantha Faircliff said:
“It is absolutely brilliant to get overall Silver in the Champion Beer of Britain competition with Wildcat, alongside winning Gold with Wildcat for Premium Bitter, and Gold for Black Gold in the Session Stout and Porters categories.
“Two years on the trot, along with similar wins in the CAMRA Winter Beer of Britain competition, is a real testimony to the consistency and the quality of the beers that Head Brewer Liam Anderson and the team are producing here in Aviemore.
“We would like to sincerely thank CAMRA and its members for their continued support.”
Christine Cryne, Champion Beer of Britain Judging Coordinator, described Wildcat as:
“Toffee, malt hops and a little orange on the nose, with flavours of dark orange marmalade with honey.
“The spicy hops develop and then linger in a dry bitter finish, which is balanced by some toffee notes. Well balanced and satisfying.”
The latest success adds to the growing reputation of Highland craft brewing as Scottish breweries continue earning recognition well beyond Scotland’s borders.
For Cairngorm Brewery, it also represents another major moment for Aviemore and the wider Highlands where independent food and drink producers increasingly continue punching above their weight on the national stage.
