A Dorset brewery has secured multiple regional industry awards within its first year of trading, marking a strong early entry into the South West’s independent beer market. Apex Brewing Co., based at Patson Hill Farm near Sherborne, was awarded Gold in the keg premium lager category at the Society of Independent Brewers’ South West Indie Beer Awards, held during MaltingsFest in Newton Abbot on 16th April. Its 4.5% lager, Flagman, also placed second overall in the keg beer competition. The brewery additionally received Bronze in the keg speciality IPA category for its Rev Head Red IPA.
The SIBA awards are judged by brewers and industry professionals and are widely regarded as a benchmark for quality within the independent sector. Early recognition at this level can help new entrants build credibility with stockists and distributors. Flagman, a British-brewed pilsner-style lager made with UK-grown ingredients, was the first lager recipe developed by founder and head brewer Alex Ferris. He says: ‘We’re still trying to take it all in. This is the first lager recipe I ever wrote … To see that same beer now win Gold and place second overall at SIBA, in our first year of brewing, is honestly incredible.’
MaltingsFest provides a commercial platform for brewers to connect with trade buyers and the wider industry. Thanks to its win, Flagman will progress to the national finals at the BeerX event in Liverpool in 2027.
apexbrewing.co
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